Issue Position: Investing in the Future

Issue Position

The Second Congressional District of Connecticut has always been a hub of innovation and advancement with its many research universities and colleges, cutting-edge defense industry, and its sixty-five close-knit communities to support them all. When I was sworn into Congress, I vowed to work each day to provide a brighter economic future for our region and to secure the necessary federal support for local initiatives. I believe in investing in the Second Congressional District's future by pursuing federal funding that responsibly helps to develop new economic opportunities.

As part of reforms initiated by the 110th Congress and strengthened by the support of President Obama and the current 111th Congress, the annual federal appropriations process has been made more open and transparent to the American people. In the spirit of transparency, I have made available a complete list of the projects that I have requested from the House Appropriations Committee as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 appropriations process.

Learn more about Congressman Courtney's efforts to invest in eastern Connecticut:

2011 Appropriations Requests. These projects reflect valuable input from local and state officials, local businesses and community leaders as to the needs and priorities of our area. In examining the many requests my office received this year, I also took into account the input I have received from the most important stakeholders -- you. In my countless discussions with constituents from across the district, I have learned about the challenges and needs of the Second Congressional District, and I have used that knowledge to submit and prioritize these requests. In most cases, these projects were chosen because of their importance to economic development, job creation or growth, assistance to at-risk populations, or its value to meeting other important goals of our region and our nation. I encourage you to review these requests; however, please keep in mind that it is common for requests to be funded at lower levels than requested, and in many cases, the House Appropriations Committee will decide not to fund many of these projects.

Click here to review my list of 2010 appropriations requests

Surface Transportation Reauthorization. The current surface transportation authorization measure, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA--LU, PL 109-59) will expire on September 20, 2009. This law allocates resources to state departments of transportation and national transpiration priorities, such as highway and transit investment. Congress is expected to begin crafting a new law to replace it this year; however, debates on transportation financing and the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) could delay this process. As you can see, the projects I submitted focus on improving mass and rail transportation options for the region, addressing critical highway and road investment priorities, and other needs identified for the second Congressional district. Projects were solicited primarily from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, as well as eastern Connecticut's regional planning organizations and councils of government. To view my High Priority Project (HPP) submissions for consideration during the reauthorization process please click here.

Water Resource Development Act Authorization. The Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) serves as the authorizing legislation for navigation, flood control, ecosystem restoration and other projects conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). ACOE projects typically go through two steps. First, Congress must pass a Water Resource Development Act which authorizes the project. Then Congress must appropriate funding for the project in an annual appropriations bill. Projects included in an authorization bill are not guaranteed to receive appropriations, as the number of WRDA-authorized projects far exceeds the funding available. All projects were requested by the local government or non-federal sponsor. To view a list of the projects I sumbitted to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on December 3, 2009 please click here.

Other federal funding resources. The appropriations process is extremely competitive and it is likely that many of these otherwise worthy projects will go unfunded. Therefore, it is important that the state and local municipalities, fire and emergency responders, small businesses, and other organizations pursue other federal funding opportunities that provide funding through established programs. These include www.grants.gov, where competitive grant solicitations are posted; www.fedbizopps.gov, where companies and contractors can pursue contracting opportunities with the federal government, including work through the ARRA; and www.govloans.gov, which lists loan opportunities for small businesses, housing, veterans and others looking for assistance. Please contact my Norwich District Office at (860) 886-0139 for assistance in identifying federal funding opportunities.

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