Secures provisions to ensure communities have the resources needed to create climate-resilient infrastructure projects

Washington (March 12, 2024) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety and congressional champion for environmental justice communities, released the following statement today after the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted to advance the Economic Development Administration (EDA) Reauthorization Act. The legislation includes Senator Markey’s provisions from the Local Infrastructure and Technical Assistance (LIFT) Act to make project predevelopment eligible for EDA grants, so communities can get support for technical assistance and other tasks completed before construction and outside investment can occur on projects. Every public dollar spent for project pre-development is projected to result in $16 to $20 in total economic benefits and funding leveraged—an economic engine and lifeline for communities.

“Thanks to provisions I fought for, this Economic Devlopment Administration reauthorization will help support community planning and predevelopment efforts, especially for frontline and fenceline communities. I am proud that bill includes provisions from my LIFT Act to make project predevelopment eligible for grants, cover administrative expenses that can be cost-prohibitive, and fund climate-resilient infrastructure projects. These provisions will make it possible for communities to cover the costs of necessary studies and assessments so that projects are defined and driven by communities, not just done for communities.

“While the EDA reauthorization bill includes planning and technical assistance for communities, we must continue to prioritize proactive community engagement, robust environmental review processes, and meaningful union engagement in the implementation of workforce training grants. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to improve and address these issues as the bill moves forward.” 

On June 21, 2023, Senator Markey and Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) reintroduced the LIFT Act, which would authorize $15 billion in predevelopment and technical assistance to help communities plan and take full advantage of federal funding opportunities unleashed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

###