Congressman Blumenauer spoke at the kickoff celebration for the modernization of the Edith Green Wendell Wyatt Federal Building this week. Money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will work to update the building’s accessibility and security features, as well as replacing the aging HVAC systems, installing new energy-saving lighting and electrical system complemented by a rooftop solar array, and unique energy saving treatments on each of the building’s four sides, as well as other upgrades.

Blumenauer spoke of the importance of the Recovery Act in making investments like the Federal Building which will save money in the long run and at the same time creating green jobs. The congressman pointed out that the Recovery Act had helped create 5500 jobs in Oregon in the last 3 months.