House Approves Funding for Homer Lake; Schauer Announces Housing Assistance for BC Vets
Funding will protect water resources, help local vets get back on their feet
WASHINGTON, – July 21, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — the U.S. House of Representatives approved $150,000 in federal funding for the environmental restoration and protection of Homer Lake. The funding was requested by Congressman Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) as part of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (HR 3183), which the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve today. The Schauer language allows the Corps of Engineers to Select the project for completion.
“Water is the lifeblood of Michigan’s economy,” said Schauer. “This funding will help restore Homer Lake’s precious natural resources by removing lake sedimentation and promoting a more balanced ecosystem, which in turn will protect the St. Joseph River watershed and surrounding communities.”
A summary of the legislation, as passed by the House Appropriations Committee, is available online. The bill now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Additionally, Schauer today announced a $132,381 grant for the Battle Creek Housing Commission as part of the Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The funding provides rental assistance for homeless veterans, and comes from the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, which Schauer voted to support earlier this year.
“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. When they return home, we have a duty to leave no veteran behind,” said Schauer. “This critical funding will strengthen the Battle Creek Housing Commission’s local efforts to help our vets put a roof over their heads and get back on their feet after bravely serving our nation.”
HUD-VASH provides permanent housing and ongoing case management treatment services for Veterans who would not be able to live independently without the support of case management. This program allows Veterans to live in Veteran selected apartment units with a “Housing Choice” voucher. These vouchers are portable so that Veterans can live in communities served by their VA medical facility where case management services can be provided.
The Battle Creek Housing Commission expects the grant to provide 35 additional HUD-VASH vouchers for area veterans.
To learn more about the program, click here.
Contact: Zack Pohl 517-780-9075
