Legislation Aimed at More Parks & Rec for Urban Centers

Congressman Albio Sires (D-13th Congressional District, N.J.) introduced H.R. 3734 (Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act) to create more parks and recreation space in urban centers. Rep. Sires was born in Cuba and his family fled to the U.S. in 1962. He received a four-year basketball scholarship from St. Peter?EUR??,,????'?????<

 

On Oct. 7, 2009, Congressman Albio Sires introduced legislation to provide federal assistance grants to rehabilitate and develop urban parks and community recreational infrastructure. The grant recipients must provide 30 percent local matching funding and submit a five-year action plan.

Rep. Sires presented a draft of the bill two weeks earlier at the National Recreation and Park Association’s Urban Park Summit in Washington, D.C. The NPRA meeting convened a group of mayors, high-ranking administration officials, Congressional leaders and urban park directors.

The legislation encourages the selection of projects that use sustainable landscape features, increase the urban forestry canopy, improve stormwater management and provide environmental benefits to urban areas.

“These kinds of investments help our cities flourish, provide positive activities for our youth, and give our kids and families healthy and safe places to be outside,” said Rep. Sires.

H.R. 3734 has 24 co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services for further action.