Washington, DC –Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) announced today that millions in federal funds will be awarded to Milwaukee area municipalities and organizations in the U.S. House-passed version of the FY 2009 appropriations bill now pending in the Senate.  The bill, expected to be taken up by the Senate in the next week, will help supplement initiatives beginning or already underway in Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional district.   

“When I was first elected to Congress, one of my top priorities was to bring more federal resources back to the district,” said Congresswoman Moore.  The investments we see in the FY 2009 Omnibus appropriations bill will help our communities educate our children, grow our local economies, protect and restore our environment, and bring more cutting-edge research to our area.”

The House-passed fiscal year 2009 Omnibus appropriations bill provides over $4 million for Milwaukee area projects.  The bill will provide nearly $200,000 for after school programs in Milwaukee and West Allis; $100,000 for the Milwaukee Police Department to purchase squad car cameras; and $500,000 to help fund research at Marquette University into how to turn human waste into electricity.

The amount of funding awarded in this bill is one of the largest that Rep. Moore has ever been able to secure for her district.  This legislation, if signed into law, will also help grow the Milwaukee area economy as well as provide much-needed resources to Milwaukee’s transportation system and local health centers. 

“I want to thank Senator Kohl for working together with me to secure many of these funds, which are just one aspect of a greater effort to make sure the people of my district get their fair share,” said Rep. Gwen Moore.  “During these difficult economic times it is imperative that we invest in our communities.”

Federal funds secured in the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill with the help of Congresswoman Moore:

• $712,000 for the Wisconsin Bus Capital to upgrade buses, make them ADA compliant, and improve emissions standards, which will improve services and help protect the environment
   
• $100,000 for the Milwaukee Police Department to install high-tech cameras in squad cars to help ensure safe community interactions and assist law enforcement in criminal prosecutions
   
• $200,000 for the Milwaukee Family Justice Center to help fund a “one-stop” center co-locating family violence service providers that will provide victims with comprehensive support, legal advice, and safety services during their challenging ordeals
   
• $100,000 for the Benedict Center, a nonprofit criminal justice agency working with victims, offenders and the community to provide services dissuading criminal activity and protecting public safety  
   
• $50,000 for the Havenwoods Economic Development Corporation to provide support to ex-offenders giving them positive options which help them stay away from criminal activity upon reentering the community
   
• $50,000 for UW Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Welfare to provide programmatic support for incarcerated parents and their children aimed at positively maintaining family connections and safe interaction
   
• $332,000 for the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee to redevelop the 30th Street Industrial Corridor to further the neighborhood’s economic recovery  
   
• $300,000 for the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for central system improvements that will improve efficiency and decrease costs
   
• $285,000 for UWM Research Foundation to jumpstart partnerships between the University and the private sector to spur Milwaukee-centered job creation in the water cluster industries
   
• $475,750 for Marquette University/the Milwaukee Metro Sewerage District to support research into the potential of converting human waste into energy production, which would encourage cost effective renewable energy production, increase efficiency, and decrease costs
   
• $330,000 for Marquette University’s College of Engineering and Educational Opportunity Program and the Council for Opportunity in Education to develop curricular modules encouraging lower income K-12 students to pursue higher education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines
   
• $143,000 for 16th Street Community Health Center to remodel their current facility in order to provide additional medical exam rooms that will allow the clinic to see more patients
   
• $95,000 for WRTP/BIG STEP for a joint initiative with Milwaukee Public Schools to encourage students to pursue careers in the construction industry and ensure they have the skills needed to stay competitive in the current economy   
   
• $95,000 for the United Community Center to create a culturally sensitive mental health outreach program aimed at helping patients stay active and positive participants in the community
   
• $95,000 for Milwaukee Public Schools Community Learning Centers to provide additional programmatic support engaging kids during the summer months
   
• $95,000 for the West Allis School District for Project Engage, which aims to reduce the achievement gap amongst at-risk students
   
• $333,000 for the Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin for employment training and supportive services for people with disabilities or disadvantages who seek greater independence

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For an interview with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, please contact Derrick Plummer at 202-225-4572.

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