Rep. Murray Pushes for NASA Plum Brook Runway Erie County, ODOT apply for $60 million from feds
Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010
COLUMBUS- State Representative Dennis Murray (D- Sandusky) announced that the Ohio Department of Transportation has applied for federal money to build a new runway to support NASA Plum Brook. Rep. Murray continues to fully support efforts for the runway.
"The Plum Brook facility is a unique and successful test center. An investment in the runway would be a long-term benefit for NASA, Erie County, and the entire region," Rep. Murray said. "I strongly support the efforts by the county, state, and federal governments to make this project a reality."
The $60 million grant request is for a 9,000 foot-long runway in support of the existing NASA Plum Brook facility in Erie County and other road and infrastructure improvements around the facility. The NASA station is home to the world's largest vacuum space chamber and is the only place in the world where full tests of some equipment can be done. However, without safe and convenient transportation to the facility, many foreign and private manufacturers have avoided full tests that could be done at NASA Plum Brook. The runway would be capable of handling cargo planes used to transport this expensive and large equipment.
NASA Plum Brook currently employs 175 people. The proposed runway would attract more sustainable, high-tech jobs to Erie County. "Erie County Commissioner Pat Shenigo has done an excellent job of opening our eyes and minds to the potential of this site while General David Stringer has spelled it out in clear terms for all to grasp," said Rep Murray. "Now it is time for the state and federal governments to help us maximize the enormous national investment in this facility."
"NASA Plum Brook can continue to grow as an economic engine for our community," said Rep. Murray. "We must take advantage of this opportunity to invest in our future."
The state and Erie County are working together on the grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This new federal funding is similar to the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery - or "TIGER grants" - authorized under the Recovery Act.
Competition is expected to be intense for these limited federal funds, with all 50 states eligible for these grants. The U.S. DOT is expected to announce the projects that have been selected to receive these grants after mid-September.
"The Plum Brook facility is a unique and successful test center. An investment in the runway would be a long-term benefit for NASA, Erie County, and the entire region," Rep. Murray said. "I strongly support the efforts by the county, state, and federal governments to make this project a reality."
The $60 million grant request is for a 9,000 foot-long runway in support of the existing NASA Plum Brook facility in Erie County and other road and infrastructure improvements around the facility. The NASA station is home to the world's largest vacuum space chamber and is the only place in the world where full tests of some equipment can be done. However, without safe and convenient transportation to the facility, many foreign and private manufacturers have avoided full tests that could be done at NASA Plum Brook. The runway would be capable of handling cargo planes used to transport this expensive and large equipment.
NASA Plum Brook currently employs 175 people. The proposed runway would attract more sustainable, high-tech jobs to Erie County. "Erie County Commissioner Pat Shenigo has done an excellent job of opening our eyes and minds to the potential of this site while General David Stringer has spelled it out in clear terms for all to grasp," said Rep Murray. "Now it is time for the state and federal governments to help us maximize the enormous national investment in this facility."
"NASA Plum Brook can continue to grow as an economic engine for our community," said Rep. Murray. "We must take advantage of this opportunity to invest in our future."
The state and Erie County are working together on the grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This new federal funding is similar to the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery - or "TIGER grants" - authorized under the Recovery Act.
Competition is expected to be intense for these limited federal funds, with all 50 states eligible for these grants. The U.S. DOT is expected to announce the projects that have been selected to receive these grants after mid-September.
Rep. Murray Encourages Use of Ohio New Markets Tax Credit Program
Tuesday, Aug 24, 2010
COLUMBUS - A new program designed to create new jobs in Ohio is now in effect with the launch of the Ohio New Markets Tax Credit. State Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) encouraged companies to look into this new incentive to grow and expand.
"This is a new and exciting tool for businesses to invest in emerging and developing areas in our community," Rep. Murray said. "I am proud that we were able to include this program in the budget and now it has the potential for real benefit to Sandusky neighborhoods."
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit was the initiative of Rep. Murray and members of the Ohio House Democrat caucus. It was approved and signed by Gov. Ted Strickland just over 1 year ago. The first application period is now open and runs through September 20, 2010.
The program helps finance business investments by providing state tax credits to investors for below market rate financial products for low-income community businesses. Business projects in much of the city of Sandusky qualify for the tax credits, which are reserved for development in low-income areas. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development Urban Development Division.
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit program is one of the first state programs of its kind in the country, and leverages the successful Federal New Markets Tax Credit program to attract additional investment to Ohio. The federal program has created more than $26 billion in investments through the New Markets Tax Credit program and has awarded more the $1 billion to Ohio-based Community Development Entities.
Federal data shows that for every dollar of foregone tax revenues under the New Market Tax Credit, $12 of private investment is leveraged in distressed communities. Ohio organizations that have been allocated federal New Markets Tax Credits range from large financial institutions to small community development corporations.
For more information on the program and the application period, please visit
www.urban.development.ohio.gov
"This is a new and exciting tool for businesses to invest in emerging and developing areas in our community," Rep. Murray said. "I am proud that we were able to include this program in the budget and now it has the potential for real benefit to Sandusky neighborhoods."
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit was the initiative of Rep. Murray and members of the Ohio House Democrat caucus. It was approved and signed by Gov. Ted Strickland just over 1 year ago. The first application period is now open and runs through September 20, 2010.
The program helps finance business investments by providing state tax credits to investors for below market rate financial products for low-income community businesses. Business projects in much of the city of Sandusky qualify for the tax credits, which are reserved for development in low-income areas. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development Urban Development Division.
The Ohio New Markets Tax Credit program is one of the first state programs of its kind in the country, and leverages the successful Federal New Markets Tax Credit program to attract additional investment to Ohio. The federal program has created more than $26 billion in investments through the New Markets Tax Credit program and has awarded more the $1 billion to Ohio-based Community Development Entities.
Federal data shows that for every dollar of foregone tax revenues under the New Market Tax Credit, $12 of private investment is leveraged in distressed communities. Ohio organizations that have been allocated federal New Markets Tax Credits range from large financial institutions to small community development corporations.
For more information on the program and the application period, please visit
www.urban.development.ohio.gov
Rep. Murray Introduces Legislation for Public Libraries Bill allows county prosecutors to continue representation of public libraries
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2010
COLUMBUS- State Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) today introduced legislation that clarifies the rights of public libraries. House Bill 566 guarantees libraries the right to representation by the county prosecuting attorney in the event of a legal dispute, a common practice that has been placed in jeopardy by a recent federal court ruling.
"As public libraries continue to face challenges, it is important that they have the stability and assurance that they will be supported by existing local resources," said Rep. Murray. "This bill clarifies the legislature's intent and removes any ambiguity that may exist in the current language. It allows prosecutor's offices across the state to continue providing the cost effective legal assistance that they have been offering for decades instead of having to seek more expensive private counsel."
Ohio law on this subject is loosely-worded and created an opportunity for alternative and unintended interpretations. A federal judge in Toledo recently ruled that Ohio law, as it is now worded, does not permit county prosecutors to represent public libraries. HB 566 clarifies the intent of the legislature so the relationship between county prosecutors and public libraries can continue to function as it has for decades.
The bill has received wide bi-partisan support with several co-sponsors from each side of the aisle. The legislation is endorsed by the Ohio Library Council and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association.
HB 566 will be referred to the appropriate Ohio House committee for hearings.
"As public libraries continue to face challenges, it is important that they have the stability and assurance that they will be supported by existing local resources," said Rep. Murray. "This bill clarifies the legislature's intent and removes any ambiguity that may exist in the current language. It allows prosecutor's offices across the state to continue providing the cost effective legal assistance that they have been offering for decades instead of having to seek more expensive private counsel."
Ohio law on this subject is loosely-worded and created an opportunity for alternative and unintended interpretations. A federal judge in Toledo recently ruled that Ohio law, as it is now worded, does not permit county prosecutors to represent public libraries. HB 566 clarifies the intent of the legislature so the relationship between county prosecutors and public libraries can continue to function as it has for decades.
The bill has received wide bi-partisan support with several co-sponsors from each side of the aisle. The legislation is endorsed by the Ohio Library Council and the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association.
HB 566 will be referred to the appropriate Ohio House committee for hearings.
Reps. Patten and Murray introduce bill to stop Storm Chasers. Legislation will protect vulnerable homeowners after damaging storms.
Thursday, Jul 8, 2010
COLUMBUS- State Representatives Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) and Matt Patten (D-Strongsville) are introducing legislation to protect homeowners from scam artists who pose as contractors but rip-off people after houses are damaged by severe weather.
Predatory and often out-of-state contractors, also known as "storm chasers," come through towns and cities where tornados, lightning, hail, and high winds have damaged homes. They frequently secure the name and good will of an established local contractor. With questionable credentials, these contractors go to recently damaged homes and offer their services. After receiving a deposit they leave town, on to the next storm-damaged town. Their work is shoddy, unfinished, or never started and without any enforceable warranty.
"It can be difficult for a homeowner to quickly identify these unscrupulous operators, yet they swoop down right after a natural disaster when people are at their most vulnerable," said Rep. Murray. "This law would protect both homeowners and honest, local contractors by separating the good from the bad."
"This bill protects not only homeowners but it also protects local contractors from having their reputations ruined by these fly-by-night operators," said Rep. Patten. "It ensures they keep both their good name and their Better Business Bureau score intact. In addition, this legislation reassures consumers that local contractors can be trusted to perform honest and quality work."
The bill will establish several consumer protections in home improvement contracts. It requires contracts to be in writing and detail the identity of the contractors. Further, it will limit the amount that a homeowner will have to pay as a down payment or deposit for work yet to be completed and requires contractors to maintain a minimal level of insurance.
This important consumer protection legislation will be enforced using the remedies available under the existing Consumer Sales Practices Act for unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
Predatory and often out-of-state contractors, also known as "storm chasers," come through towns and cities where tornados, lightning, hail, and high winds have damaged homes. They frequently secure the name and good will of an established local contractor. With questionable credentials, these contractors go to recently damaged homes and offer their services. After receiving a deposit they leave town, on to the next storm-damaged town. Their work is shoddy, unfinished, or never started and without any enforceable warranty.
"It can be difficult for a homeowner to quickly identify these unscrupulous operators, yet they swoop down right after a natural disaster when people are at their most vulnerable," said Rep. Murray. "This law would protect both homeowners and honest, local contractors by separating the good from the bad."
"This bill protects not only homeowners but it also protects local contractors from having their reputations ruined by these fly-by-night operators," said Rep. Patten. "It ensures they keep both their good name and their Better Business Bureau score intact. In addition, this legislation reassures consumers that local contractors can be trusted to perform honest and quality work."
The bill will establish several consumer protections in home improvement contracts. It requires contracts to be in writing and detail the identity of the contractors. Further, it will limit the amount that a homeowner will have to pay as a down payment or deposit for work yet to be completed and requires contractors to maintain a minimal level of insurance.
This important consumer protection legislation will be enforced using the remedies available under the existing Consumer Sales Practices Act for unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
