BRAC Commission Strikes DoD's Recommendation, Recognizes Value of ARO's RTP Location

Washington, D.C. - This afternoon, US Rep. David Price (NC-04), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life, hailed the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)'s Commission's vote against the Department of Defense's recommendations to close the Army Research Office (ARO) in Durham. In an 8-0 vote, the BRAC Commission decided to strike the amendment that would have forced the ARO to move from Research Triangle Park to Bethesda, Maryland, resulting in the loss of more than 100 jobs.

"This is wonderful news," said Price. "I'm pleased that the BRAC Commission has recognized that the ARO has a close and productive relationship with neighboring universities and research organizations in RTP, and that its location has proved to be of tremendous advantage to the Army's research operation as a whole."

Price has been in close contact with state leaders and BRAC staff to emphasize the importance of keeping the ARO in the Triangle. The BRAC Commission's recommendations go next to the President for approval and to Congress later this fall.

Durham Community Land Trustees and NeighborWorks® Honor Price for Affordable Housing and Community Development

"This award comes from the heart of the people he serves."

Washington, Aug 23, 2005 - Today, Durham Community Land Trustees and NeighborWorks® America, which provides financial support, technical assistance and training for communities across the nation, awarded Rep. David Price (D-NC) top honors for his leadership in expanding the affordable housing supply for low- and moderate-income families and strengthening communities.

"Rep. Price has shown unwavering commitment and focused dedication to affordable housing," said NeighborWorks® America CEO Kenneth Wade. "As a result of his sustained commitment to affordable housing, many people who may not have been able to buy a home of their own have attained the goal of homeownership."

"Congressman Price has been a cornerstone for community development in Durham's West End and throughout Durham. This award comes from the heart of the people he serves," said Selina Mack, Executive Director of the Durham Community Land Trustees.

It was announced that the Congressman would receive the NeighborWorks® Government Service Award at a ceremony today, held during the NeighborWorks Training Institute in Washington, DC – the largest "school" for homeownership and financial fitness educators and community developers in the nation.

The NeighborWorks® America Government Service Award seeks to identify, promote and reward outstanding political leadership that has expanded affordable housing and strengthened communities.

More than 235 NeighborWorks organizations located across the country submitted nominations for the federal, state and local NeighborWorks® Government Service Awards. The submissions were evaluated on the basis of achievements in four areas:

-- Public policy leadership

-- Education and public awareness initiatives

-- Increased collaboration and efficiency among government entities

-- Innovative programs that strengthen communities and/or expand the affordable housing supply.

The award recognizes that all levels of government are involved in expanding affordable housing and strengthening communities.

"Quality, affordable housing requires solid leadership at federal, state and local government levels," Wade said. "Political leaders like Rep. Price recognize the multiple dividends paid through affordable housing in the form of improved safety, increased property values, economic development and job retention, better schools and more civic involvement."

Wade commended Rep. Price for understanding the far-reaching impact of housing issues on individuals, the local economy and the entire nation. For every dollar spent on quality, affordable housing, at least ten dollars are returned in the form of job creation, increased independence and tax contributions, new businesses, and access to higher education.

About NeighborWorks® America

NeighborWorks® America provides financial support, technical assistance and training for communities across the nation, including the NeighborWorks® network – a nationwide network of more than 235 community development organizations working in more than 2,700 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks® organizations have generated more than $8.5 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 500,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.

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