Wilson's Washington Update
Statement
Dear Friends,
This month I was able to make several announcements about American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that will soon be headed to Ohio's Sixth Congressional District. To recap:
Saving Forests, Creating Jobs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted that twelve Ohio counties will receive a total of $4,419,000 for invasive species projects. Nine of those 12 counties are in Ohio's Sixth District. They are: Athens, Belmont, Gallia, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Scioto, and Washington. These projects will help restore forestlands and rangelands damaged by invasive species like kudz and cogon grass. Preserving ecosystems throughout Ohio's Sixth Congressional District will not only create jobs, but will also protect the health, diversity, and productivity of our forests.
Improving OU's Airport, Growing Small Business
The U.S. Department of Transportation posted that it will be releasing $3.15 million to Ohio University's Snyder Field, specifically slated for runway safety area improvements. This money will bring jobs to the area in at least two ways. First, the runway safety project is new work. Second, I firmly believe that improvements to the airport will help grow small businesses in our region.
Recovery Funds for Seniors
The $250 economic recovery payments for Social Security recipients began to go out last week. The goal is to have all of the payments sent out by the end of May. In Ohio's Sixth Congressional District, 137,280 adults receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income will be receiving a $250 payment. If you normally receive Social Security benefits but have not received your Recovery check by June 4th, please contact my office.
Weatherizing Our Homes, Creating Energy Jobs
The U.S. Department of Energy posted that Ohio's Sixth District will receive more than $26,910,218 for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). This funding will support home weatherization, including adding insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment. The funding is expected to weatherize more than 3,000 homes in our district. It's an investment that pays back in three ways: it creates sorely needed jobs, it will help families save money on their energy bills, and it will help move this country toward energy independence.
Improving Lakes and Rivers Safety, Creating Jobs
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture posted that our district will receive $13,983,000 in civil works projects. Locks and Dams along the Ohio River, Muskingum River Lakes, and Berlin Lake will receive funds for improvements and for the hiring of additional water safety and ranger staff. The Army Corps has stated it intends to quickly put these funds into action. That means more jobs for our region and improved infrastructure.
Rural Water Projects
Ohio's Sixth District will also receive funding for a rural water projects through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Syracuse-Racine Regional Sewer District will receive $3,144,000 for improvements to the wastewater treatment system, as well as extended service to those village residents currently without centralized sewer service. Money for sewer service is critically important to the health and safety of communities in need.
Rebuilding our economy is my top priority. The Recovery Act is already pumping almost $1 billion a day into the American economy, as fast as can be done in an accountable and targeted way, to jumpstart our economy and create or save 3.5 million jobs. I'm pleased that our district is getting its fair share. I am working to make sure that continues.
Sincerely,
Charlie Wilson
Member of Congress
Ohio's Sixth District
Source