Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today $2,763,341 in funding for housing development in Davenport and Iowa City.  The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and HOME program.

"This HUD funding will assist communities in Davenport and Iowa City with providing affordable, quality housing to those who are struggling," said Loebsack. "As someone who grew up in poverty, I believe we need to ensure an adequate safety net is in place for Iowans, particularly those who are getting back on their feet in these difficult economic times.  This funding will provide better opportunities to succeed for many in eastern Iowa, as well as support economic growth and greater prosperity in Iowa communities."

The CDBG program helps develop more viable communities by investing in local economic development projects and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals.  The HOME program helps to increase the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to fund housing and development initiatives that meet local needs and priorities.

Details of the funding are below:

$1,328,125 - Davenport (CDBG)

$410,918 - Davenport (HOME)

$638,918 - Iowa City (CDBG)

$385,380 - Iowa City (HOME)

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will continue his week-long focus on servicemembers, veterans, military families, and veterans services, TOMORROW, Friday, July 6th. Recently, Goodwill of the Heartland received a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide job training for homeless Veterans throughout Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties.  Loebsack will meet with staff and veterans at each event to discuss the grant as well as issues that are important to veterans.   Media is invited to attend.

"I strongly believe that there is no greater responsibility we have as a nation than to ensure that our servicemembers have the support, equipment, and training they need to safely carry out their mission and that we care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country," said Loebsack.  "I look forward to this opportunity to speak with veterans and their families."

Veterans Grant Presentation

Muscatine

10:30am

Muscatine County VA Office

315 Iowa Ave., Suite A

Davenport

1:00pm

Goodwill Employment Services Office

805 W. 35th St.

Clinton

2:45pm

Clinton Public Library

306 8th Ave. South

Legislation is essential for economic development and job creation

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the House passed a bipartisan Transportation Authorization Bill.  The current short-term extension was set to expire over the weekend.  The bill passed by a vote of 373-52 and is now headed to the President, which he is expected to sign.

"I am pleased a transportation bill has finally been passed.  While it should have been done before today and cover a longer period of time, this bill will help create much needed jobs in Iowa and give communities the certainty needed to invest in necessary infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives.

"It is clear to any Iowan who drives a car or truck, rides the rails or flies in an airplane that a long-term highway plan is needed.  A modern, safe and efficient transportation authorization will not only create jobs now for the construction industry - facing a 13.3 percent unemployment rate - but it will also set the table for long-term job creation and economic growth. Even with passage of this bill today, I am going to be pushing for work to start as soon as possible on a longer-term bill that provides greater investment in our infrastructure so our businesses and farmers can compete effectively in the 21^st Century global economy."

Loebsack has been urging passage of a long-term transportation bill for a number of years and has brought important Iowa projects to the attention of the President, the Speaker of the House, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Loebsack has worked to highlight important projects to Eastern and Southern Iowa that are in need of adequate funding to move forward.  They include :

• Highway 100 completion and connection to Interstate 380 in Cedar Rapids
• Interstate 74 bridge replacement and improvement in the Quad Cities
• Interstate 80 & 380 ramp and road/lane improvements in and around Coralville and Iowa City north to Cedar Rapids
• U.S. Highway 30 four-lane paving from Clinton to Cedar Rapids
• U.S. Highway 34 improvements from Burlington into Illinois
• U.S. Highway 61 Business improvements in Muscatine
• U.S. Highway 61 four-lane paving from Muscatine County to Burlington
• U.S. Highway 63 four-lane paving from Missouri State Line to Ottumwa
• U.S. Highway 63 four-lane paving from Oskaloosa to Interstate 80 and improved access to U.S. 63 for Pella

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the Senate passed a 5 year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. The bill was passed on a strong bipartisan vote and is now awaiting the House to move on its version of the legislation.

"Passing a long-term Farm Bill is one of the most important things Congress has to do for Iowa this year.  A new farm bill is critical for farmers to plan for the next planting season and know the lay of the land.  The legislation passed in the Senate goes a long way towards making important reforms and improving the safety net for Iowa farmers.  I urge the House to take action on this critical issue for farmers and communities who are working to feed the nation and boost economic development."

This spring, Loebsack joined a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in urging the House Agriculture Committee to move forward a long-term plan this year.