Washington, DC - Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay today praised House passage of the FY2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education as well as the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bills which include a total of $1.5 million for special projects in St. Louis City and County.  “I’m proud to be able to secure funding that will help to create jobs, spur economic development in distressed neighborhoods, uplift at-risk young people, promote healthy lifestyles and support our vital cultural institutions,” said the Congressman. 

Economic Development & Community Projects sponsored by Congressman Clay in the House-passed bills include:
HUD/Transportation

The Ville Market Place: $300,000

The Ville Market Place is the product of a community based effort to provide fresh, locally grown produce and promote healthy lifestyles in the inner city. It was developed by a collaborative process involving local residents, the American Institute of Architects, the Midwest Development LLC along with other civil and business leaders as part of an effort to revitalize the Historic Ville neighborhood in North St. Louis.

Natural Bridge Avenue (MO Route 115) Connection Planning, Engineering & Environmental Project:  $500,000

This project will provide companion funding to complete the necessary engineering, planning and environmental work for a transportation project that will provide a five lane “connection” from the newly designated “Western Entrance” of Lambert St. Louis International Airport at the intersection of Cypress Rd. and US Interstate 70 to the airport proper. The project will also serve as a catalyst for economic development opportunities within the area by directly linking the Cypress Rd.\US Interstate 70 Interchange to the airport complex.

Labor/Health & Human Services

Harambee Institute Arts Workshops:  $325,000

The Harambee Institute serves at-risk children of Missouri’s 1st Congressional District.  Many students are falling behind in statewide achievement tests. These children need to be engaged in more productive leisure activities. Harambee aims to engage and motivate students by improving their literacy skills thru dance, music and cultural arts.

Prostate Cancer Screening Program at People’s Health Centers:  $150,000

According to Missouri Department of Health, African American men in the city of St Louis have a 2.5 times greater risk of dying from prostate cancer than Caucasian men. The Peoples Health Centers (PHC) program will help to overcome this disparity by reaching out and providing information, testing and health care service.  This program will serve 1,549 men annually and provide them with PSA and DRE testing. Staff will track abnormal test results and make appropriate referrals to the Siteman Cancer Center. 

Saint Louis Art Museum -Reinstallation of the American Art Collection:  $225,000

The Reinstallation of the American Collection will be a premier project, and a critical part of the future of the Art Museum.  As part of the re-envisioning of the Museum that will occur with the building of a new expansion for contemporary art, the American Collection will be re-installed in a dedicated area of the third floor of the original building.  Individual paintings will be evaluated to see if cleaning or restorative work is necessary before they are rehung.  The reinstallation of this unique collection will greatly enhance the experience of museum patrons and students, while also preserving this remarkable collection of American works.