Latest Media Releases from Pete Visclosky

LoBiondo & Visclosky Introduce Legislation to Reauthorize Bulletproof Vest Program to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

2012-05-16T16:20:51Z

Washington, D.C. – With the observance of National Law Enforcement Week as a backdrop, U.S. Congressmen Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02) and Pete Visclosky (IN-01) have introduced a four year reauthorization of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program. Created in 1999 by the two lawmakers, the bipartisan BVP program provides state, local and tribal law enforcement officers with needed protection by aiding the purchase of protective equipment. The last reauthorization in 2008 will expire this fiscal year.

“The men and women in our local law enforcement play an essential role in safeguarding our communities and protecting the freedoms all of us enjoy. Bulletproof vests and body armor have saved thousands of law enforcement officers. However, they cannot protect the lives of those who do not have access to them,” said LoBiondo. “As protectors of our lives and our property, it is imperative that we give law enforcement the critical tools they need so they may do their jobs and carry out their duties safely and effectively. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership program is one of those critical tools.”

“Bulletproof vests save lives,” Visclosky said. “This grant program provides local law enforcement with vital resources to protect our communities in the safest manner possible. We owe our local officers a tremendous debt of gratitude for their commitment to protect and serve, and I am honored to once again have the opportunity to support this program.”

Since 1999, over 13,000 jurisdictions across the country have participated in the BVP program with nearly $300 million in federal funds committed to support the purchase of an estimated 800,000 vests. Additional information on the BVP program can be found here.

“There is no legislation, no government program, no grant or public-private partnership that can erase the sad fact that law enforcement officers will die. They will die in the line of duty at the hands of armed and violent criminals. But this program can document more than 3,100 officers whose lives were saved because they were wearing soft body armor,” wrote Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, in the organization’s endorsement letter to LoBiondo and Visclosky. “On behalf of the more than 333,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I thank you both for your support of law enforcement and this important program.”

The lawmakers’ bipartisan bill, “The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2012” (H.R. 5742), was introduced on the House floor on Tuesday.

Visclosky Testifies on Protecting U.S. Interests Against Foreign Welded Pipe and Tube

2012-05-03T17:42:14Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission during their sunset hearing concerning countervailing duties from Turkey and antidumping duties from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey on certain types of welded pipe and tube. Congressman Visclosky exhorted the Commission to maintain the duties in order to strengthen American steel, preserve American manufacturing, and ensure America’s economic competitiveness in the future.

Visclosky’s testimony, as prepared for delivery, is below.
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I would like to thank Chairman Okun, Vice Chairman Williamson, and all of the members of the Commission for the opportunity to provide testimony on this important hearing involving countervailing duties from Turkey and antidumping duties from Brazil, India, Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey on certain types of welded pipe and tube. I deeply appreciate your sincere efforts in this case and in all your initiatives to enforce our trade laws.

As you are well aware, these duties have been in place for some time, and have most recently been extended in June of 2007. There are approximately 1,500 American workers involved in the production of these pipes and tubes right now, and they depend on our trade laws to compete and succeed in this global economy. As our fragile economy is beginning to recover, now is a critical time to ensure that these workers are able to provide their products to American infrastructure and energy projects. Therefore, I urge you to maintain these duties and determine that their revocation would lead to the continuation or recurrence of material injury to the U.S. industry.

I also would add that Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus Tim Murphy and I will be gathering signatures from other Members of the Steel Caucus for a forthcoming letter on this case that will express the same sentiment.

From a larger economic perspective, I remain adamant that manufacturing is the key driver of our economy, and we must do everything possible to ensure that our manufacturing base remains strong. Currently, less than 10 percent of the nation’s workforce is employed in manufacturing, and I would point out that in 1970 over 25 percent of our workforce was in manufacturing. As a percentage of GDP, the numbers are very similar. In 1970, American manufacturing as a percentage of GDP was around 23 percent, now it is around 12 percent. From a global perspective, in 1970, the U.S. had about a 28 percent share of the global manufacturing economy, today we are less than 20 percent, just behind China.

I firmly believe that manufacturing drives innovation. If you stop manufacturing a product in the United States, it is only a matter of time before the engineering and research and development responsible for the product moves overseas. What incentive will there be for our children to become engineers and scientists and researchers in American manufacturing when all of the manufacturing is performed overseas? This is a precarious situation. We must act now to preserve American manufacturing before it is too late, and I encourage you to do so by ensuring that these duties continue.

I thank you again for your fair and thorough consideration of this case, and again appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony to you today.

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Visclosky Announces Two Grants to HealthLinc

2012-05-02T15:12:06Z

Valparaiso, IN – Congressman Pete Visclosky announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded two grants to HealthLinc, of Valparaiso. Both awards were granted under the Affordable Care Act for Capital Development in Health Centers program, one for Immediate Facility Improvement, the other for Building Capacity.

According to HealthLinc CEO Beth Wrobel, the Immediate Facility Improvement grant will be used to upgrade existing locations. The Building Capacity grant will be used to purchase a new facility in Valparaiso, allowing HealthLinc to assist an estimated additional 5,500 patients each year. The new facility will offer expanded services for older adults and greatly enhanced dental care. It will also allow HealthLinc to increase medical and behavioral services, as well as optometric care.

Ms. Wrobel said of the grant, “HealthLinc is pleased to receive a capital grant for a new location in Valparaiso. We feel we were able to receive this grant due the support of many in our community—especially the City of Valparaiso, Porter Hospital, Porter County Community Foundation, United Way of Porter County, and countless other partners. Last, but not least, we appreciate Congressman Visclosky’s and Senator Lugar’s support of our application.”

Congressman Visclosky said, “HealthLinc is a vital asset in our community. The organization’s dedicated staff works tirelessly to provide those in need with access to affordable healthcare. I am pleased that HealthLinc’s good work will be able to continue and expand due to these federal investments, as well as the support of HealthLinc’s community partners.”

HealthLinc offers a variety of medical services, targeting people living below 200% of Federal Poverty Level, the uninsured, and underserved. HealthLinc operates five facilities across Northwest Indiana, and serves patients from across the state.

The award allotted for Immediate Facility Improvement totals $275,930, and the award allotted for Building Capacity totals $5,000,000.

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Congressional Record: Visclosky Commemorates Workers Memorial Day

2012-04-24T17:16:54Z

Click here for a PDF of Congressman Visclosky's statement for the Congerssional Record.

Commemorating Workers Memorial Day, Congressman Pete Visclosky entered the following statement into the Congressional Record on April 24, 2012.

Mr. Speaker: It is with immense respect that I rise today in remembrance of the many men and women who have lost their lives in the workplace and to honor those who have fought tirelessly to improve conditions for workers throughout the United States. On April 28, 2012, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and union members nationwide will once again gather in various locations in observance of Workers Memorial Day. The great men and women of America’s unions will pause to pay tribute to the many workers whose lives have been lost, and the millions who have become ill, due to accidents and unsafe conditions in the workplace. They will also reinforce their commitment to improving conditions for future generations to come.

In the United States today, an average of twelve men and women per day go to work and never make it home to their families, having lost their lives due to an accident in the workplace. Unfortunately, many of these accidents could have been prevented. Under outstanding leaders such as of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Indiana AFL-CIO President Nancy Guyott, and Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor President Dan Murchek, AFL-CIO union members have continued the plight of their predecessors to ensure that the lives lost were not in vain.

Since the passage of the landmark Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the unions of the AFL-CIO have been instrumental in a movement toward the Act’s goal that all American workers would have the right to a safe workplace. The AFL-CIO and its unions are to be commended for their contributions to the passage of OSHA and many of the subsequent laws and regulations involving workplace safely. It is because of the organization and demands of labor unions that employers and the government have acted to improve the quality of life of the American workforce.

In Northwest Indiana, the steel industry has played a vital role in supporting our local communities and stimulating the economy. On April 26, 2012, in accordance with Workers Memorial Day, United Steelworkers members will pay a special tribute to their fallen comrades whose lives have been cut short in the workplace. These fine men and women will forever be remembered by their devoted colleagues and a grateful community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in observance of Workers Memorial Day, and in remembering the many workers who have lost their lives on the job, while honoring the hardworking, loyal men and women of America’s unions who have taken up the struggle to improve safety conditions in the workplace. The great men and women of our unions are the finest representation of America’s workforce, and I am proud to represent the many dedicated men and women of labor unions throughout Northwest Indiana. Their unwavering commitment to their fellow workers is to be admired.

Visclosky and Mayor Freeman-Wilson Announce Tuskegee Airman Medal Presentation Ceremony

2012-04-18T15:06:11Z

Gary, IN – Congressman Pete Visclosky and Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson announced today that Tuskegee Airman Quentin Smith of Gary, Indiana, will receive a replacement for his Congressional Gold Medal bronze replica. The original medal was stolen from his home last year.

A ceremony presenting Quentin Smith with his medal will be held at Gary City Hall, 401 Broadway, Gary, Indiana, in the Gary Room on the 2nd floor, on Friday, April 20, 2012, at 4:30 PM. Participants include Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson, members of the Gary Common Council, a representative from Congressman Visclosky’s office, and other local elected officials.

“The patriotism, skill, and valor of Quentin Smith and all of the Tuskegee Airmen have earned them great respect and honor,” said Visclosky. “It is my honor to be able to assist an American hero in replacing the medal that symbolizes the respect our nation owes him for his service and sacrifice. I thank Mayor Freeman-Wilson and all those involved in helping rectify this injustice.”

“Dr. Smith is a jewel in our community. From his military service to his stellar career in education, he is adored and admired by family, friends, mentees, colleagues and those who have been inspired by his legacy,” said Freeman-Wilson. “It was only fitting that this replica medal be delivered to such a deserving individual. I commend and thank Congressman Visclosky and his team for making this a priority.”

The Congressional Gold Medal commemorating the Tuskegee Airmen, the first group of African-Americans to become military aviators, was created by an act of Congress in 2006. Surviving Tuskegee Airmen or their widows were presented with bronze replicas following a presentation ceremony in March of 2007. Quentin Smith initially was presented with his Congressional Gold Medal bronze replica by Congressman Visclosky in 2007.

Congressional Record: Visclosky Honors Indian American Cultural Center of Northwest Indiana

2012-04-17T19:04:55Z

Click here for a PDF of Congressman Visclosky’s statement for the Congressional Record.

In honor of the 10th Anniversary of the Indian American Cultural Center of Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center, Congressman Pete Visclosky entered the statement below into the Congressional Record on March 17, 2012.

Mr. Speaker: It is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Indian American Cultural Center of Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center (NWIHRC) will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary by hosting a gala dinner and banquet on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Halls of Saint George in Schererville, Indiana.

The Indian American Cultural Center, which opened on March 9, 2002, was established with the following goal in mind: to foster peace and harmony amongst the people of Northwest Indiana by showcasing their cultural heritage and creating spiritual awareness in both young people and adults, as well as to engage in various charitable events, both nationally and locally. Since its inception, the Indian American Cultural Center has been instrumental in educating Northwest Indiana’s citizens on the traditions and customs of the Indian heritage.

The members of the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC are to be commended, not only for their commitment to preserving tradition, but also for their commitment to making improvements that benefit all mankind. Proceeds from this year’s gala will go to support The Arc of Northwest Indiana, located in Hobart, Indiana. The Arc of Northwest Indiana works diligently to improve the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In the past, proceeds from the gala have gone to such noble causes as cancer research, educational scholarships, the American Red Cross, tsunami relief, and to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Kashmir, India, and most recently, the Carmelite Home for Girls.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the board and members of the Indian American Cultural Center of NWIHRC for their outstanding contributions to society. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the world is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Congressional Record: Visclosky Honors Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2012

2012-04-17T18:58:53Z

Click here for a PDF of Congressman Visclosky’s statement for the Congressional Record.

In honor of Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012, Congressman Pete Visclosky entered the statement below into the Congressional Record on April 17, 2012.

Mr. Speaker: It is with deep respect and admiration that I rise to commend five exceptional business leaders from Northwest Indiana who were recently honored as the Northwest Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012. Created by The Times and BusINess magazine, induction into the Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame is determined by a panel of local civic and business leaders. While there were many deserving nominees, the individuals selected as the 2012 Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame inductees are: Milford Christenson, Wil Davis, Linda Woloshansky, Tom Gryzbek, and Steve Pangere. For their many contributions to the enhancement of Northwest Indiana, these honorees were recognized at a ceremony that took place at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana, on Friday, March 9, 2012.

Milford Christenson, of Highland, is the president of Christenson Chevrolet. For decades he has been a leader in the philanthropic community of Northwest Indiana. Mr. Christenson served in the United States Army during World War II as a member of General Patton’s Third Army and earned a Bronze Star for his service. A 1947 graduate of Indiana University, he is a proud member of the Indiana University Alumni Association. In 1951, Mr. Christenson and his family purchased a Chevrolet dealership in Griffith and, twelve years later, moved to their current location on Indianapolis Boulevard in Highland. Christenson Chevrolet was named Indiana Dealer of the Year by Time magazine in 2001. Mr. Christenson’s story is proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Wil Davis, of the Miller Beach section of Gary, is the owner/operator of the Gary Jet Center, located at the Gary/Chicago International Airport. A Brooklyn native, Mr. Davis graduated from Cornell University and later entered the United States Navy. After serving on active duty during the Vietnam War, Mr. Davis joined the Navy Reserve and served until 1987. In 1989, he visited the Gary Airport, and one year later, Mr. Davis and his wife, Jean, along with two partners, purchased a small regional airline and moved its base of operations to Gary. Since then, he has developed the Gary Jet Center into a growing and thriving business, which is a tremendous benefit to the citizens of Northwest Indiana.

Linda Woloshansky, of Ogden Dunes, is the president and chief executive officer of The Center of Workforce Innovations in Valparaiso. An East Chicago native, Ms. Woloshansky graduated from Andrean High School and Indiana University. Linda learned early on that good employment opportunities allow people to obtain a better quality of life. Her career has been dedicated to the service of others by improving the educational attainment, workforce viability, and economic development of Northwest Indiana.

Tom Gryzbek, of Dyer, is the president of Franciscan Saint Margaret Health in Hammond and Dyer. After completing high school, Mr. Gryzbek earned a degree from the University of Illinois in 1974. Soon after graduating, he joined the former Saint Margaret Hospital as a suggestion plan manager. Tom has since made his way up the ranks of the organization, serving in numerous capacities, including executive vice president and chief operating officer of Saint Margaret Mercy. In 2004, Mr. Gryzbek was deservedly appointed to his current position. With assistance from Franciscan’s continuing education program, Mr. Gryzbek earned a master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University Northwest and a law degree from DePaul University College of Law. He also serves the religious community of Northwest Indiana as a Gary Diocese deacon at Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Merrillville.

Steve Pangere, of Crown Point, is the president and chief executive officer of The Pangere Corporation and Culver Roofing Incorporated, both located in Gary. The Pangere Corporation was founded by Steve’s grandfather, John Pangere, who opened the company in Gary after arriving to the Calumet Region from Greece in 1905. Steve Pangere hopes his sons, Nick and Tony, will someday take over the company, making it a fourth generation family business. Steve Pangere has managed to lead a successful corporation while battling the effects of progressive vision loss due to Rod-Cone Dystrophy. He is an advocate and an inspiration to the visually impaired and has contributed to many worthy causes around the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding leaders on their induction into the Indiana Business and Industry Hall of Fame. These individuals are most deserving of being named the Class of 2012, and for their leadership and commitment to the Northwest Indiana community, each of them is worthy of our respect and admiration.

Visclosky Statement on Loss of Staff Sergeant Nowaczyk

2012-04-17T14:00:00Z

Congressman Pete Visclosky released the following statement regarding the loss of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant David P. Nowaczyk

"The passing of Staff Sergeant David P. Nowaczyk is a tragedy both for the U.S. Army and Northwest Indiana. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and his fellow soldiers for their loss."

Visclosky and 14 Members Send Letter Urging the International Trade Commission to Maintain Anti-dumping Order on Tin- and Chromium-Coated Steel Sheet from Japan

2012-04-11T20:47:57Z

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Pete Visclosky, along with 14 other Members of Congress, sent a bipartisan letter that urges the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to maintain the anti-dumping order on U.S. imports of tin mill products from Japan. The letter will be submitted as part of the official comments during today’s ITC hearing on this case.

Visclosky said, “It is imperative that the ITC maintain the current anti-dumping order so that tin manufacturers in Northwest Indiana and across America can stay competitive. If the order is revoked, the U.S. tin mill industry would see a significant surge in Japanese products, and this would be devastating for American jobs.”

Congressman Visclosky remains committed to establishing a level playing field for American manufacturing. Visclosky has a proven track record of defending American manufacturing from exploitative trade partners, having sponsored the American Steel First Act and the Fighting for American Jobs Act, and having cosponsored bills including the Free and Fair Trade Act and the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act in 2011. In the 112th Congress, he has also testified numerous times in front of the ITC about maintaining fair trade, and has taken to the House floor to speak about trade issues.

Cosigners of the letter to the ITC include: Reps. Jason Altmire (D-PA), Hansen Clarke (D-MI), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Chip Cravaack (R-MN), Mark Critz (D-PA), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Mike Kelly (R-PA), David McKinley (R-WV), George Miller (D-CA), Tim Murphy (R-PA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Terri Sewell (D-AL).

For a copy of the letter, click here.

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Visclosky Announces 2012 Military Academy Night

2012-04-09T21:24:51Z

Crown Point, IN – Congressman Pete Visclosky will host the annual Military Academy Night for high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are interested in attending one of the following service academies:

United States Military Academy at West Point, New York
United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado
United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut

Remarks will be made by Congressman Visclosky and members of the Academy Nomination Board, followed by a question and answer session.

Presentations will describe academy life, detail the opportunities available to academy students and graduates, and review the academy nomination process. Interested students may pick up application information at the event.

The details of the event are as follows:

Date:                Thursday, April 12, 2012
Time:               6:00PM – 8:30PM CST
Location:         Purdue Academic Learning Center
                        9900 Connecticut Drive
                        Crown Point, Indiana 46307

For further information regarding the event, please contact Congressman Visclosky’s Merrillville Office at (219) 795-1844. Information can also be found on Congressman Visclosky’s website, http://visclosky.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.shtml.

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Visclosky's Statement on the Passing of Labor Leader Mark Ayers

2012-04-09T20:17:33Z

Congressman Pete Visclosky released the statement below after hearing of the death of Building and Construction Trades Department President and AFL-CIO Vice President Mark Ayers.

"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Ayers, the President of the Building and Construction Trades Department and an AFL-CIO Vice President. During this difficult time, my thoughts are with the Ayers Family and all of the working men and women he fought for throughout his career."

Visclosky to Hold Veterans� Opportunities Fair

2012-03-28T12:53:10Z

Gary, IN – Congressman Pete Visclosky will host a Veterans’ Opportunities Fair on March 31, 2012, in Gary. The fair will bring together employers, healthcare organizations, housing assistance providers, and financial services providers, with the goal of providing military veterans information on the support available to them from federal agencies and veterans services organizations, and to alert them to local job opportunities.

The details of the event are as follows:

Date:              Saturday, March 31, 2012
Time:              11:00AM – 2:00PM CST
Location:         Indiana University Northwest
                     Savannah Center Gym
                     3400 Broadway, Gary, Indiana 46408

Job seekers will have access to employers and labor groups throughout Northwest Indiana, as well as two 30-minute workshops at 12:00PM and 1:00PM on Demilitarizing Your Resume, guided by Veteran Representatives from WorkOne.

Housing assistance and financial service providers will also be available to answer any questions. Local institutes of higher learning will be on hand to assist those looking to further their education.

Furthermore, veterans with healthcare or benefits questions may attend presentations from the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration beginning at 11AM. This event is open to the public and registration is not required.

Our nation’s veterans have given so much to our country, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they have made. Please be sure to regularly check the website, or call (219) 795-1844, for updates on the event.

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Visclosky Statement on Gary/Chicago Airport-CN Agreement

2012-03-27T13:35:49Z

Congressman Visclosky released the statement below following the announcement that an agreement was reached between Gary/Chicago International Airport and Canadian National Railway, allowing the airport's expansion to continue.

“I applaud Mayor Freeman-Wilson, the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority Board Members, Governor Daniels, the Regional Development Authority, and the Canadian National Railway Company for negotiating in good faith to ensure construction related activity will continue as scheduled to meet the deadline of expending federal, state, and local resources to maximize the economic potential of this great asset. The men and women who have been diligently working on the runway’s extension and the relocation of the existing railroad tracks can now continue their hard work to complete this project, and the residents of Northwest Indiana can look forward to the enhanced economic opportunities associated with possessing the third major airport in the Chicagoland area.”

Visclosky Announces Housing Grants to Local Groups

2012-03-22T22:43:19Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded grants to the Hammond Housing Authority and Housing Opportunities, Inc. The grants, provided by the Housing Counseling Program, are designed to expand homeownership opportunities and improve access to affordable housing.

According to Compliance/Housing Choice Voucher Program Director Michelle Seljan, the Hammond Housing Authority will use the grant to provide housing counseling services for prospective homeowners and those seeking advice with managing their home’s financing. Seljan said, “We will use the grant funding to continue our successful housing counseling program. The Housing Counselor provides homebuyer education before and after the home is purchased, budget counseling, referral information, and foreclosure intervention. Our goal is to help people become homebuyers for the first time or remain homeowners after they buy a house.”

Housing Opportunities, Inc., CEO Caroline Shook said, “Housing Opportunities is very excited to receive this funding so that we can continue to serve the community with their housing issues.” Last year, Housing Opportunities, Inc., assisted hundreds of clients with pre- and post-purchase education classes, pre- and post-purchase one-on-one counseling, reverse mortgage counseling, and foreclosure prevention.

Congressman Visclosky said, “These programs are vital to helping individuals at all stages of home ownership navigate today’s complicated and often confusing housing market. These resources help consumers make informed decisions regarding this most personal and essential need, and I am very pleased to hear that these organizations have been funded under this grant.”

The Hammond Housing Authority will receive $19,141, and Housing Opportunities, Inc., will receive $22,690.

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Visclosky Announces Relief Funding to Goodland, Indiana

2012-03-22T22:39:13Z

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded an Emergency Community Water Assistance grant to the Town of Goodland for the repair of the town’s water system. The grant is administered under the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program.

Last November, the Town of Goodland suffered a major disaster when the town’s water tower collapsed, flooding parts of the town, causing physical damage, compromising public safety, and threatening the local water supply.

Town Council President Jim Butler said, “The citizens of Goodland deeply appreciate the grant from Rural Development to help put our lives back to normal after the collapse of our water tower. We are currently serving our daily needs by continuously operating pumps, which is costly, and does not provide any reserve capacity for fire protection. This grant will be used to connect the new tower into our existing distribution system, giving us the fire protection we need, and reducing our operating costs. In these difficult times, we must operate our water utility as efficiently as possible to keep the costs to our citizens as low as possible. This grant helps us achieve that goal.”

Congressman Visclosky said of the grant, “There are very few aspects of daily life that are more important than access to clean drinking water and fire protection, so I was very pleased to learn that the Town of Goodland has been awarded this federal grant. These funds will greatly assist the town in rectifying the issues that resulted from November’s water tower collapse. I commend everyone involved for procuring this emergency infrastructure assistance.”

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant program is designed to assist rural communities that have experienced a significant decline in quantity or quality of drinking water due to an emergency.

The total amount administered under this grant will be $150,000.

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