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February 14, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 29 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

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INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS RENEWAL ACT; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 29
(Extensions of Remarks - February 14, 2019)

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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC BUILDINGS RENEWAL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2019

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I introduced the Public 
Buildings Renewal Act (PBRA) of 2019. This bipartisan legislation will 
spur private investment in public building infrastructure throughout 
the United States by creating $5 billion in Private Activity Bonds for 
the development of government-owned public buildings.
  In every American community, there are serious concerns about the 
condition of our schools, public hospitals, justice facilities, 
universities, police and fire stations. With state and local budgets 
becoming increasingly strained, officials have chosen to save money by 
steadily reducing capital investment in public buildings. But years of 
underinvestment have led to facilities that are inadequately 
maintained, fail to comply with current codes or disability 
requirements, and do not have adequate security--endangering the 
general public. Throughout the country, the average public-school 
building is at least 40 years old, and the current backlog of 
maintenance and repair projects adds up to more than $45 billion 
annually in unmet funding needs. The Public Buildings Renewal Act will 
reverse this trend by unlocking private sector capital for the public's 
benefit. It is past time that we upgrade our public buildings to 
provide a safe, modern, and efficient experience from coast to coast.
  While this legislation is not a panacea to solve all of our 
infrastructure needs, it is an important aspect of our strategy to 
rebuild and renew America. I look forward to working with my colleagues 
on both sides of the aisle to pass it into law.

                          ____________________