In testimony given before the House Appropriations Committee today, Congressman Andy Levin (MI-09) advocated for the approval of a set of Community Funding Projects that would provide much-needed resources to vulnerable populations in Macomb and Oakland Counties.
"The projects I'm advocating today would substantially improve the lives of the people of Macomb and Oakland Counties," said Rep. Levin. "We have the opportunity to give communities the resources they need to clean up our water, provide critical job training, offer help for at-risk youth and make tangible investments in the arts by providing housing and workspaces for artists. I'm deeply thankful that the Appropriations Committee is considering these proposed projects and hope that the modest amount of federal dollars requested can fund this much-needed work."
Read Rep. Levin's full testimony below:
Chair DeLauro; Ranking Member Granger; Members of the Committee: thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today.
With federal funds, community projects in Michigan's 9th District could improve the lives of Macomb and Oakland County residents tremendously. In my limited time today, I'd like to illustrate how and urge you to approve my requests for community project funding.
When choosing projects to put forward, I sought out those that would serve my community's most vulnerable residents. One great example of such a project is the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program at Macomb Community College, which will offer workforce development and certification courses—a necessary step to getting Americans back to work post-COVID.
More examples are the Eastside Community Hub Revitalization Project to improve public facilities and programming to empower at-risk youth and their families. And the Anton Art Center's Art Space Project to provide affordable housing and creative workspace accommodations in Mount Clemens.
All of these projects would make a huge difference in the lives of Macomb County residents in need.
I've put forward projects to meet urgent needs in Oakland County as well. For instance, the City of Hazel Park hopes to create a community meeting space that can serve as a location for job fairs, educational seminars, and a heating and cooling center. Madison Heights plans to renovate and expand its public library, ensuring it remains accessible for residents who depend on the library for tutoring, job hunting, computer use, and more.
In the wake of a crisis that's kept Americans apart, I am so excited to see leaders in Michigan's
9th invest in spaces that bring us together and keep our community safe.
Those investments are being made indoors and outdoors! The Clinton River Water Trail Improvements in Macomb County will make the trail safer and more accessible, while enhancing the tree canopy in Royal Oak will assist with pollution mitigation, cooling in the summer, and stormwater mitigation in Oakland County.
That last point is, I think, particularly important in our community. Sadly, Michiganders know the devastating effects of unsafe water and flooding disasters firsthand. I'm proud to support a number of projects to address those issues.
The Kensington Water Main and Lead Service Line Replacement Project would replace a 100-year old watermain and 70 lead service lines in Oakland County, while in Macomb County, the Chapaton Retention Basin In-Storage Expansion would improve the water quality of Lake St. Clair, the drinking water supply for Southeast Michigan. Also in Macomb County, the St. Clair Shores Pump Station would prevent flooding that's had disproportionate impacts on our area's most vulnerable residents.
My colleagues: I know you have major decisions ahead as you consider the best uses of a modest portion of federal dollars. I ask simply that you give these 10 projects the consideration they merit. They tackle the problems I hear about when I meet with constituents and chat with my neighbors, and they do so in a way that makes sure no one gets left behind. I am honored to advocate for them today.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Source:https://andylevin.house.gov/media/press-releases/levin-appropriations-committee-fund-crucial-projects-vulnerable-populations
