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Rep. Melancon, St. Bernard Fire Chief Warn of Chinese Drywall Dangers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 6, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) --Today, Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) toured St. Bernard Fire Chief Thomas Stone’s home in Chalmette, inspecting the extensive damage caused by toxic Chinese drywall. They discussed how the toxic substances in the wallboard can create a fire hazard. Congressman Melancon also gave an update on pending legislation he is working for in Congress that would help homeowners cope with defective Chinese drywall.

Rep. Melancon Urges Passage of Gulf Coast Affordable Housing Provision

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 26, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Charlie Melancon (La.-03) has sent a letter to committee leadership urging them to support an important Gulf Coast affordable housing provision as they work to finalize legislation extending various tax credits. This provision would boost the construction of affordable housing along the Gulf Coast. It could help rebuild more than 6,000 homes along the Gulf Coast – resulting in $715 million in local income and more than 13,500 local jobs in the region. Specifically, the provision would extend by two years the length of time tax incentives are available for rebuilding affordable housing in hurricane-damaged communities in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.

Rep. Melancon Announces $8.7 Million Recovery Investment for St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 12, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) announced today that the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $8,742,938.22 in federal reimbursement grants. This investment, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will reimburse the sheriff’s office for utility costs for their temporary housing facilities incurred from July 2008 through August 2009. Storm surge and flooding from Hurricane Katrina caused such extensive damage to St. Bernard Parish that the sheriff’s office has been providing temporary housing facilities since the storm for essential law enforcement personnel as the community continues to rebuild

Rep. Melancon Comments on New Report Linking Chinese Drywall to Corrosion in Homes

Sends Letter to Federal Agency Urging Quick Action on Establishing Repair Guidelines for Homes. WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) commented today on a new report from a federal agency finding a strong association between defective Chinese drywall and corrosion of pipes and electrical wiring in homes. The report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also found a possible link between the drywall and health problems reported by homeowners

Rep. Melancon Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits, Homebuyers’ Tax Credit

Supports Bill After Fighting to Include Louisiana’s Unemployed Workers. WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) voted today to help Louisiana families hit hardest by the recession by extending unemployment benefits, the homebuyers’ tax credit, and tax relief for military families and businesses. The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (H.R. 3548) passed the House today by a strong bipartisan vote of 403 to 12 and will now go to the President for his signature.

House Passes Bill with $35 Million in Melancon-Secured Water Projects for South Louisiana

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that includes $35,045,000 in earmarks Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA-03) secured for projects in the Third Congressional District. The funding was included in the fiscal year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations conference report (H.R. 3183). The conference report now goes to the Senate for passage, and then to the President to be signed in to law. This annual funding bill will provide a total of $5.4 billion for Army Corps of Engineers projects nationwide

Recent

T & I Committee Passes Graves’ Legislation to Improve Disaster Recovery

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced a slate of bills today, including a bipartisan disaster relief bill authored by Reps. Garret Graves (LA-6) and Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.). The legislation, H.R. 1311 is designed to help communities recover from disasters and increase disaster program transparency and oversight