LISC applauds Oberstar transportation blueprint for its connection to sustainable communities
30 Jun 2009 - LISC
Contact:Barbara Burnham, Senior Director/Federal Policy |
For Immediate Release:June 30, 2009 |
NEW YORK (June 30, 2009)—The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) commends Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for his release of the transformative “Blueprint for Investment and Reform” and his inclusion of community-focused provisions in it. The Blueprint, released yesterday, will guide the reauthorization of the mammoth transportation bill that Congress will soon consider.
LISC is the nation’s largest community development support organization, having invested more than $9 billion to help revitalize disadvantaged communities across the country. Effective transportation planning is critical to that ongoing work, according to Michael Rubinger, LISC president and CEO.
“Whether we are talking about struggling inner-city neighborhoods or underserved rural communities, transportation must be considered as part of broader efforts to develop affordable housing, create jobs, promote economic development and raise standards of living,” Rubinger said. “Rep. Oberstar’s commitment to connecting transportation policy to the health of low- and moderate-income communities is tremendous,” he added.
The Blueprint contains provisions that address community-inclusive transportation planning as well as transit-oriented development, including mixed-income housing and mixed-use commercial developments.
“We are pleased that the Blueprint addresses the importance of transportation planning to communities, and we are anxious to review the details of the bill once it is filed,” Rubinger said. “LISC is eager to work closely with Chairman Oberstar and members of the committee as they consider how transportation can impact the community, economic and environmental goals that are so important to the health and welfare of American families.”
About LISC
LISC combines corporate, government and philanthropic resources to help nonprofit community development corporations revitalize distressed neighborhoods. Since 1980, LISC has raised more than $9 billion to build or rehab more than 244,000 affordable homes and develop 36 million square feet of retail, community and educational space nationwide. LISC support has leveraged nearly $28 billion in total development activity. For more information, visit www.lisc.org.
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Article Type: Press Release