Larson Amendment To Clarify Build America Bonds Passes Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2010

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202-225-7295

LARSON AMENDMENT TO CLARIFY BUILD AMERICA BONDS PASSES COMMITTEE

Provides State Funding Option to Repair Faulty Connecticut River Levees

Washington, DC – Today, the House Ways and Means Committee voted on and passed an amendment to a major jobs bill proposed by Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01).  The amendment will expand the Build America Bond Program, which states around the country have used to fund public works projects, to include levee and flood control projects.  This legislation is expected to be voted on and passed on the floor of the House next week.

Congressman Larson said, "It is vital that communities around the First District have the resources they need to protect our neighbors' homes and businesses from flood damage.  We know that many of the levees and flood control systems in our area are subpar.  This legislation would lay out an alternative way for the State to fund the projects that will repair and improve our levee systems and keep our communities safe."

Build America Bonds have already been used by the State of Connecticut, and the cities of Bridgeport, Stamford and New London, to finance sewer, highway, and transit improvements.