REP. CARNEY ADVANCES FUNDING FOR A NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART NATIONAL GUARD FACILITY IN NORTHEAST PA - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

WASHINGTON, July 10 -- Rep. Chris Carney, D-Pa. (10th CD), has issued the following news release:

U.S. Representative Christopher P. Carney voted today in support of the 2010 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill. Rep. Carney is a Commander (select) in the U.S. Navy Reserve and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Management, Investigations and Oversight for the Homeland Security Committee. This bill builds on the historic investments for veterans passed into law by Congress since January 2007 and continues the Nation's commitment to support and honor our brave service men and women and their families.

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act will strengthen quality health care for more than six million patients - including 419,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also provides advance funds for veterans' health services in 2011, so that funding for our veterans' health care is timely, reliable, and never held hostage by political maneuvering.

'As a man who still wears the uniform, and on behalf of America's service men and women, our veterans, and their families, it is a great privilege for me every time I am able to support our armed services in Congress. Democrats and Republicans alike can be very proud of the work we have done here to honor our commitment to those who risk everything to protect and defend our freedom,' said Rep. Carney. 'Providing for our military men and women is not a partisan issue, it is an American obligation. This is a strong bipartisan bill that honors in a meaningful way the service and sacrifice of our service men and women, our veterans and their families.'

The bill provides funding to construct key facilities for training and housing, addressing the unfunded backlog of barracks construction projects for the young men and women entering the service. It also includes funding for the guard and reserve initiative, to recognize the critical contribution made by reserve personnel and address urgent unfunded requirements. It takes additional steps to support the military families who give so much in service to this country - with military child care centers, military family housing, and additional Vets Centers to provide community-based readjustment counseling for veterans and their families.

'We work hard every day to make sure that our military and its veterans have the services and support they deserve and we are particularly proud that this bill includes funds to design a new state-of-the-art PA National Guard Readiness Center in Northeast PA,' said Rep. Carney. 'The project will benefit the region and the Nation by increasing the readiness of the PA Army National Guard and by creating an energy-efficient, appropriately-sized, facility for modern mission readiness training. It also provides a modern operations center for homeland security missions for PEMA and FEMA,' Rep. Carney continued. 'The PA National Guard has a long and storied history which dates back to the Revolutionary War and they continue to deserve our full commitment and support. These critical improvements are the least we can do for the brave men and women of our PA National Guard.'

This facility will support Company D 1st Battalion, 109th. The unit is comprised of soldiers almost exclusively from NEPA, many of who have served overseas in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). 'We greatly appreciate Congressman Carney's efforts on behalf of the Pennsylvania National Guard,' said Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, commander of the 19,000-member Pennsylvania National Guard. 'We have a critical need for a modern Army Guard readiness center in this region since we have outgrown the existing facility in West Pittston. A new readiness center would not only enhance our capabilities to accomplish our mission, but would be a great community asset as well.'

With passage of this bill, the Congress will have increased veterans health care and benefits funding by 58% in the past two and a half years. In addition, a new 21st Century GI Education bill that now also transfers this important benefit to the children of those service members who have died while serving our country. This is an unprecedented increase in Congress' commitment to veterans. That commitment:

* has provided an additional 115 Community Based Outpatient Clinics - and this bill adds 30 more

* has provided an additional 42 Vet Centers - and this bill adds 28 more

* has allowed the Veterans Health Administration to hire an additional 2,657 doctors, 11,509 nurses and 40,604 total new staff - and this bill provides for 6,992 more

* has resulted in a total increase of 7,100 claims processors - the total increase will be 8,300 when this bill has passed

* has increased the travel reimbursement rate - which had not been increased since 1979 - to 41.5 cents per mile

'This bill sends a clear message to America's servicemen and women, their families, and our veterans that we deeply respect their service and sacrifice. These resources provide veterans with better access to the healthcare they need and include improved access in rural areas, which is an issue of particular importance to me and all the veterans in northeast and central Pennsylvania,' said Rep. Carney. 'The bill also recognizes our deep respect for the sacrifices that military families make - each and every day - to keep this great Nation safe. The best support that we can give our military when they are deployed, is the knowledge that their families are cared for at home.'

With that in mind the bill provides:

* $2.8 billion for new military hospitals so that our servicemen and women know that their families will get the best possible healthcare in high quality facilities

* $1 billion for new child care centers to serve 20,000 military children

* $570 million in additional funding for barracks - because Congress needs to show our volunteer forces, from day one, that we appreciate their decision to serve.

* $440 million will be spent in fiscal year 2010 on innovative practices to improve access to care for veterans in rural areas. More than 3.2 million (41%) of enrolled veterans live in rural or highly rural areas.

For the first time ever, this bill provides an advance appropriation for VA Medical Care. This will allow the VA to invest taxpayers' dollars more effectively and efficiently and was a top priority of America's veterans' service organizations.

The legislation also includes improvements in electronic health records and paperless benefits processing to make veterans health care more efficient, provide additional oversight and auditing of our veterans health care system, and implement new practices to improve access to care for veterans in rural areas. The bill also invests in mental health services and critical medical and prosthetic research to serve our wounded warriors returning from battle.

And finally, to ensure that the historic increases in funding for the VA are spent wisely and to increase oversight of the taxpayers' dollars, the bill provides an additional $19.2 million for the VA's Office of Inspector General (IG). The IG is charged with the responsibility of making sure that all of the VA's funds are properly allocated and accounted for during the disbursement process. The office is critical to combating and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse in government spending.

The bill is strongly supported by major veterans service organizations such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, and many others.

Governor Rendell Says Growing Greener II Continuing to Deliver on Its Promises for PA. - Biotech Week

Governor Edward G. Rendell released a report detailing investments made during the third year of Pennsylvania's historic Growing Greener II and said it is still paying dividends for commonwealth citizens and communities three years later (see also Pennsylvania Office of the Governor).

During 2007-08, Pennsylvania committed $142 million to 397 projects that will preserve farmland, reclaim abandoned mines, protect watersheds, and revitalize communities, among other projects throughout the state.

Since Governor Rendell signed Growing Greener II into law in 2005, the state has invested $325 million for 851 projects statewide.

'Working with the General Assembly and with the overwhelming support of voters, we enacted a $625 million initiative in 2005 that is still working to clean up our environment, preserve open spaces, and revive communities,' said Governor Rendell. 'These projects are eliminating public health threats, spurring economic growth, and contributing to a better quality of life for countless Pennsylvanians.'

Nearly 500 acres of abandoned mines were reclaimed, while more than 11,000 acres of farmland and nearly 17,500 acres of parks and forestry were preserved. In addition, nearly 60 oil wells were plugged during the third year of the initiative.

Among the many park and forest improvement projects funded this year are major upgrades to Chapman, Pine Grove Furnace, Hickory Run, Ricketts Glenn, and Tobyhanna state parks, including new comfort stations; campground wash, beach, and shower houses; and food concessions.

DCNR has also put Growing Greener II dollars to work to make the PA Wilds area a more inviting destination by constructing new park shower and comfort facilities, repairing the Sinnemahoning Dam spillway, and constructing a new bridge over the Lyman Run Dam spillway.

The Governor said Pennsylvania also targeted its resources to projects that reduced energy costs and encouraged energy conservation through Growing Greener II.

'With energy prices climbing and our dependence on foreign oil increasing -- putting America's economy and national security at risk -- it's more important than ever that we support projects that conserve energy and promote the development of homegrown fuel sources,' said Governor Rendell. 'We helped Ellwood City Borough in Beaver and Lawrence counties last year to replace 135 traffic lights with energy-efficient LED lights that will save the municipality and taxpayers more than $14,000 a year.'

'Additionally, companies and farms in Adams and Schuylkill counties will be able to turn soybeans into 3 million gallons of biodiesel per year and produce 3,500 megawatt hours of electricity from poultry litter, respectively. That's enough electricity to power 1,050 homes.'

Under Growing Greener II, Pennsylvania is investing $625 million over six years to clean up rivers and streams; protect natural areas, open spaces, and working farms; and fund projects that revitalize communities. More than 60 percent of voters approved of the initiative.

As part of the program, departments and commissions using Growing Greener II funds--Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources, Agriculture and Community and Economic Development, as well as the Fish and Boat, and Game--must provide an annual report of the financed projects.

A detailed list of projects funded through the program can be found at www.growinggreener2.com. The Web site also includes a list of projects designated by counties for funding.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

Keywords: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, Public Health, Quality of Life.

AARP Joins PA Assisted Living Consumer Alliance as State Regulations Near Completion. - Health & Medicine Week

A prominent advocacy group for older Americans has joined the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Consumer Alliance (PALCA www.paassistedlivingconsumeralliance.org) as regulations for oversight of Pennsylvania's Assisted Living industry are being finalized by the Department of Public Welfare (see also Pennsylvania Assisted Living Consumer Alliance).

AARP Pennsylvania, which has argued for state licensing rules for assisted living for more than a decade, adds a significant voice to the 31-member alliance. AARP has about 40 million members in the nation and 1.9 million in Pennsylvania.

'AARP has a been a leader nationally and in Pennsylvania for sound oversight of assisted living facilities,' said Alissa Halperin, Senior Attorney and Deputy Director of Policy Advocacy at the Pennsylvania Health Law Project, the organization leading PALCA's effort. 'AARP will be a significant contributor to the Alliance as our members continue to press for meaningful regulation of the industry.'

The Alliance has identified numerous ways the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare's proposed rules could be improved before final regulations are issued. Changes to sections regarding consumer rights, minimum standards for living space, and appeal procedures, among other issues, would improve the regulations and give residents more security as they make their homes in assisted living facilities.

'Getting these regulations right is a top priority for AARP Pennsylvania,' said Ray Landis, PA AARP advocacy manager. 'By uniting with the Alliance, we believe we can make a powerful statement to Pennsylvania policymakers that our elderly and disabled residents need safe, quality care.'

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project has drawn together a broad coalition of Pennsylvania organizations since January. The grassroots movement also has attracted support from numerous individuals and families. The Pennsylvania Health Law Project is primarily using operating support from The Pew Charitable Trusts to fund the campaign.

'We are now in the final stretch before the state releases its assisted living regulations,' Halperin said. 'We have a formidable Alliance with members who believe Pennsylvanians deserve quality assisted living facilities. With AARP's support, we will continue to make the case that strong rules are in the best interest of residents, their families and the Commonwealth.'

For more information about the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Consumer Alliance and to view the work of all of the Alliance members, click on www.paassistedlivingconsumeralliance.org.

Keywords: Pennsylvania Assisted Living Consumer Alliance.

Many York County, Pa., restaurants opt against cigarettes. - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

By Jennifer Nejman, York Daily Record, Pa. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Jul. 25--On busy nights a year ago, people would line up to enjoy Italian cuisine at Mignano Bros. in Glen Rock. Most wanted their spaghetti and meatballs without second-hand carcinogens.

If they had to wait too long for a non-smoking table, they would leave, said Salvatore Mignano, one of the owners.

Meanwhile, seats would remain open in the smoking section, he said. So about a year ago, the owners converted the entire two-level restaurant to non-smoking.

'What's the point in having one empty dining room?' Mignano said.

Inside, the restaurant has a sign reminding customers they can't light up. He said they haven't had many complaints. People tell him that they come for the food, not to smoke cigarettes.

Mignano said the environment sans smoking is better for his workers, too.

Concern for the effects of second-hand smoke on non-smokers have prompted some states, such as Delaware, California and New York, and even places like New York City, to pass laws banning smoking inside places such as restaurants and bars.

Seven states have passed such laws, said Don Schumaker, project and communications director of the Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco. Maryland tried to pass a law banning smoking inside last year, he said.

Pennsylvania's current law includes a preemption clause, which prevents cities or municipalities from banning indoor smoking because they cannot have laws that are stricter than the state law.

The state law, passed in 1988, requires any restaurant with 75 seats or more to have a designated non-smoking section, Schumaker said. At the time the law passed, smoking was permitted in many public places, including federal buildings, where it is now banned, Schumaker said. Research on the dangers of second-hand smoke didn't gain attention until the 1990s, he said.

As more states and areas ban smoking inside, some Pennsylvania restaurant owners have chosen to make their establishments smoke-free.

Eighty-five restaurants in York County have listed their names in a smoke-free dining guide published by the York County Tobacco-Free Coalition. Others, like Mignano Bros., are smoke-free, too, but aren't listed in the guide.

Some restaurants in the guide are locally owned, while others are national chains or franchises of national chains such as McDonald's and Friendly's.

Isaac's Deli, a central Pennsylvania regional chain of 19 locations, has been smoke-free since 1999, said Philip R. Wenger, the restaurant's president.

It didn't make sense to serve health food -- the restaurant has no deep fryers -- but to allow smoking, Wenger said. The restaurant has its base in families and doesn't sell liquor, factors which contributed to the decision, he said.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, smoking sections in Isaac's decreased in size. In one restaurant, a pregnant waitress would need to be rotated out of the smoking section to protect her baby's health, Wenger said. The wear and tear on the walls from smoke cost money.

'We haven't regretted that decision for a single day,' Wenger said. 'We saw the trend, but we really care about our employees.'

The Pennsylvania Restaurant Association does not support any law that would take the decision away from the restaurant owners, said Patrick Conway, chief executive officer.

'Restaurants are in the hospitality business,' Conway said. 'Generally, restaurants are responding to what their customers are asking for.'

Technology to control indoor smoke is available, and in some cases, employees might smoke, too, he said.

Those who oppose smoking in restaurants, like Schumaker, said they don't believe employees should have to put their health in danger to keep a job.

He points to studies conducted in New York City and Boston that found neither city experienced a decline in sales as a result of early ordinances that limited smoking in restaurants.

The Claremont Institute for Economic Policy Studies examined restaurant sales tax data in 19 cities, 10 that had partial restrictions on smoking in restaurants and nine that were smoke-free, and found that restaurant revenues were not affected by those laws.

Schumaker expects that Pennsylvania will be smoke-free indoors within five years, following suit with other states.

John Clinger, one of the owners of two local restaurant bars, said he believes that Pennsylvania will be smoke-free within two years.

However, Clinger would be against a state law banning smoking indoors because it would affect his business.

At KClinger's Tavern in Hanover, the smoking crowd, late at night, is easily 75 percent of the clientele. And the smoking population at KClinger's Publik House in Newberry Township, late at night, is about 40 percent, he said.

'Being a non-smoker, I actually feel a little sorry for them,' he said. Clinger pointed to high cigarette taxes, insurance rates and public smoking bans. 'All they want to do is enjoy a cigarette.'

If the law passed, Clinger said he would accommodate smokers because they have been good clients. He would add an outdoor area for them to hang out in, with heaters for the colder months.

Other business managers are happy to promote their restaurants' non-smoking status.

First Wok in York Township has been smoke-free for three of its 10 years, manager Joyce Yeh said.

She said the restaurant was too small to accommodate both smoking and non-smoking sections.

'If you smoke (in First Wok), everyone smells the smoke,' she said.

To see more of the York Daily Record, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.ydr.com.

(c) 2004, York Daily Record, Pa. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. For information on republishing this content, contact us at (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.

Reading Eagle, Pa., Newsmakers Column. - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Reading Eagle, Pa. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Aug. 2--Robert F. Maerz has been named director of care management at Reading Hospital.

In the newly created position, Maerz will develop, implement and evaluate the care coordination/management process. This process includes the participation of physicians, nurses, social workers and other health professionals in multidisciplinary care planning, care delivery and discharge planning.

A resident of Chester Springs, Chester County, Maerz formerly served as a principal and health-care management consultant with Milliman USA Inc., Radnor, Delaware County. He was also a consulting practice leader for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia and a manager with managed care department for Preferred Health Network, Baltimore.

Maerz earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

David W. Stonesifer has been named manager of Herbein and Co. Inc., 401 Oley St.

In his new position, Stonesifer oversees services and corporate auditing projects delivered to the firm's clients, with a significant focus in the dairy industry. He also is responsible for new-employee training and orientation.

A resident of Birdsboro, Stonesifer previously served as supervisor with Herbein and Co.

Stonesifer received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Albright College.

Paula M. Pellegrini has been named manager of Herbein and Co.

In her new position, Pellegrini oversees corporate auditing projects, and performs business valuations for the company's business consulting services group.

A resident of Muhlenberg Township, Pellegrini previously served as supervisor for the company.

Pellegrini earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Albright College.

James Weidenheimer has been named senior vice president of finance with C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., Brattleboro, Vt.

In his new position, Weidenheimer is responsible for accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, shrink and internal auditing.

A Berks County native and resident of Chesterfield Vt., Weidenheimer formerly served as vice president of finance, financial reporting and budgeting at C&S. He was vice president and chief financial officer of the wholesale division of Rich Food Holdings Inc., Minneapolis, and various positions with it parent company, Supervalu Inc.

Weidenheimer earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas, Lawrence.

Viola Pressley has been named project manager of Strategic Analysis Inc., Wyomissing.

In her new position, Pressley is responsible for supervising multiple projects and numerous staff members at SAI's facilities in Wyomissing and Brussels, Belgium.

A resident of Harrisburg, Pressley formerly served as an engineer with Appleton Paper, Appleton, Wis.

Pressley earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineer from Drexel University and a master's degree from Penn State University, State College.

James D'Agostino has been named project manager with Strategic Analysis Inc.

In his new position, D'Agostino is responsible for supervising projects and staff at SAI's facilities in Wyomissing and Brussels.

A resident of West Lawn, D'Agostino formerly served as a research analyst with SAI and worked with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Albany.

D'Agostino earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Bates College, Lewiston, Maine, and a law degree from Albany Law School, N.Y.

David Kuipers has been named director of international sales of Reading Bakery Systems, Robesonia.

In his new position, Kuipers is responsible for directing international-sales efforts and developing and supporting the network of agents that represent Reading Bakery Systems and its Thomas L. Green Biscuit & Cracker division.

A resident of Gurnee, Ill., who will relocate to Berks County, Kuipers formerly served as president and chief operating officer, Peters Machinery, Chicago, and held several positions with APV Bakery, Peterborough, U.K.

Kuipers earned a bachelor's degree from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Robert S. Green has been named director of corporate sales with Webb Medical Systems, Cumru Township.

In his new position, Green will oversee the sales efforts in the company's two locations, Reading Medical West, Cumru, and Family Rehab and Medical Equipment, Lititz, Lancaster County.

A resident of Leesport, Green formerly served as rehabilitation technician at the former Reading Rehabilitation Hospital, now Health South, 1623 Morgantown Road.

Green is a graduate of the State College of New York at Utica/Rome.

David Savage has been named rehabilitation specialist with Webb Medical Systems.

In his new position, Savage is responsible for the sales of specialized manual and power wheelchairs and other adaptive devices.

A resident of Pen Argyle, Northampton County, Savage formerly served as head rehab technician at Helen Hayes Hospital, Haverstraw, N.Y.

Savage earned a bachelor's degree from Wagner College, Staten Island, N.Y.

Mathew Barnett has been named sales and marketing specialist with Webb Medical Systems.

In his new position, Barnett is responsible for developing new medical equipment accounts and market the marketing the company's driving systems, including vehicles, ramps and wheelchair lifts throughout a six county area.

A resident of Hatfield, Montgomery County, Barnett formerly worked in sales with Penn Jersey Paper Co., Philadelphia, and was a sales specialist with Abet Medical, Philadelphia.

Barnett earned an associate's degree in criminal justice from Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell.

To see more of the Reading Eagle, or to subscribe, go to http://www.readingeagle.com

125 Pennsylvania Coal Field Residents Oppose Head of PA State Mining Agency As Director of U.S. Office of Surface Mining. - Mining & Minerals Business

A total of 125 Pennsylvania coal field residents are sending a joint letter to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in strong opposition to the nomination of Joseph Pizarchik to serve as the new director of the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM). Pizarchik currently heads the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Mining and Reclamation.

In Pennsylvania, Pizarchik has aggressively championed the controversial practice of storing large volumes of coal combustion wastes at surface coal mines - which is known as 'minefilling.' Several studies, including 'Impacts on Water Quality from Placement of Coal Combustion Waste in Pennsylvania Coal Mines,' have documented the contamination of water supplies from this coal industry practice.

The sign-on letter from 125 Pennsylvania coal field residents cites Mr. Pizarchik's policies that have been hostile to citizen input, have buried streams in valley fills of coal refuse, have promoted destructive long wall mining and coal mines being used as dumps for toxic coal combustion wastes.

The letter states: 'These examples offer a disturbing picture of why Mr. Pizarchik is the wrong choice to be the Director of the US Office of Surface Mining. Quite clearly, Mr. Pizarchik's record demonstrates that he has not viewed the protection of our property, health and environment as a priority to be treated with the same emphasis under SMCRA as the need to mine coal as easily as possible . . . We believe Mr. Pizarchik will not effectively enforce [the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act] and therefore should not be confirmed as the Director of [OSM] by the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. We ask that the Committee fully consider Mr. Pizarchik's record and that a panel of affected PA coalfield citizens be given the opportunity to testify at his confirmation hearing.'

The full text of the letter from Pennsylvania citizens raising concerns about the nomination can be accessed online at: http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/pubs/FINAL_PA%20Citizen%20Letter%20Oppos ing%20Pizarchik_20090806.pdf

In a separate letter sent to Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Senator Jeff Bingaman, Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) Director Eric Schaeffer said: 'Mr. Pizarchik has been an outspoken advocate of [minefilling] throughout his seven-year tenure as the Director of the Bureau of Mining and Reclamation within the PADEP. He continues to insist, despite volumes of evidence to the contrary, that there is no evidence of degradation to water from coal ash in any Pennsylvania coal mine. After resisting regulation of minefilling for many years, Mr. Pizarchik has recently responded with a proposal that still falls well short of the standards needed to protect groundwater and surface water.'

EIP also highlighted Pizarchik's aversion to including the public in important hearings and decision-making on key issues and his promotion of the destructive practice of long wall mining. The full text of the EIP letter is available online at http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/pubs/FINAL_ES%20letter%20to%20Chairman%2 0Bingaman%20web%20version_20090806.pdf.

EIP also highlighted a short digest of problems arising from the practice of 'minefilling' large quantities of coal ash waste, which is available at http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/pubs/FINAL_The%20Minefilling%20Program%2 0of%20Joseph%20Pizarchik_20090805.pdf. It includes a synopsis of recommendations from the National Academy of Science for better regulation of minefilling most of which are being ignored by the PADEP minefilling program that Pizarchik has directed. The NAS document is available at http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11592#toc.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY PROJECT

The Environmental Integrity Project (http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established in March of 2002 by former EPA enforcement attorneys to advocate for effective enforcement of environmental laws. EIP has three goals: 1) to provide objective analyses of how the failure to enforce or implement environmental laws increases pollution and affects public health; 2) to hold federal and state agencies, as well as individual corporations, accountable for failing to enforce or comply with environmental laws; and 3) to help local communities obtain the protection of environmental laws.

Keywords: Environmental Integrity Project, Washington, D.C., Conservation, Ecology, Environment, Environmental Law, Environmental Protection, Minerals, Natural Resources, Surface Mining

Disunity among donors on how to fund a Hamas-dominated PA - Jerusalem Post

RAFAEL D. FRANKEL
Jerusalem Post
03-10-2006
Headline: Disunity among donors on how to fund a Hamas-dominated PA
Byline: RAFAEL D. FRANKEL
Edition; Daily
Section: News
Page: 01

Friday, March 10, 2006 -- In the wake of the Hamas electoral victory, what was for a short time a united front in the international community on the terms for funding the Palestinian Authority and humanitarian projects in the territories has devolved into a collection of strategies employed unilaterally by the largest donors to the Palestinians.

Since Israel announced it was withholding tax revenues collected for the PA, the United States, European Union and other donors have all gone their own way.

USAID, the US overseas development fund, is reevaluating all of its work in the Palestinian territories in the wake of Hamas's election victory amid debate among the international community about how to fund humanitarian programs without sending money to a terrorist organization.

After the Hamas election, USAID spokeswoman Anna Maija Litvak said, a high-level review was initiated in Washington looking into the activities of the many partner non-governmental organizations USAID works with in the territories. That review is ongoing, Litvak said, and is looking specifically at whether money spent through those NGOs could wind up in the hands of Hamas.

According to US law, it is illegal for the government or individual American citizens to contribute money to groups such as Hamas that are listed by the State Department as terrorist organizations.

The review has stalled some projects in the territories USAID was already funding and put in jeopardy others that were planned for 2006. 'We are on hold waiting for an answer from the US,' Litvak said. 'It's impossible to know at this point how it will turn out.'

While the agency refused to release details, that was the general message delivered by USAID to a group of international and local NGO partners during a recent meeting in Tel Aviv.

The USAID money does not go directly to the PA, unlike US government loans which the PA recently returned to Washington following American demands that it do so before a Hamas-led government was sworn in. Rather, USAID money goes directly to the contractors and NGOs who are working on specific development and humanitarian projects funded by the agency.

In 2005, USAID channeled a total of $275 million to projects in the Palestinian territories through more than 20 NGOs. The money went toward a variety of programs focusing on economic growth, water management, democracy and governance, health and humanitarian assistance, and job training and education, among others.

According to Litvak, USAID in Washington was examining how and if it would be able to continue funding certain programs, such as infrastructure development, without dealing with a PA-led Hamas government. Such projects require coordination between local governments and the developers, Litvak said.

'We can't do everything without the government,' she said, adding that the political stance taken by the Bush Administration was to have no contact with Hamas until it met the three conditions laid down by the Quartet.

Meanwhile, the EU is taking a 'wait-and-see attitude' toward its funding for the PA and humanitarian projects in the territories, European Commission Technical Assistance Spokeswoman Anne Henriksen said.

Unlike the US, the EU is continuing to fund both the PA and NGO projects in the territories until a Hamas-led government is sworn in in the Palestinian Legislative Council. It recently donated 121.5 million to aid the Palestinians, 17.5m. of which went to the PA itself while the rest was channeled through NGOs for development and humanitarian assistance.

However, in that emergency funding, none went to partner NGOs which the EU also uses to carry out projects it funds. According to Henriksen, the EU has a list of pre- approved NGOs which it uses for its projects. Until now, Brussels has not conducted any large-scale review of those organizations and their possible ties to the PA and Hamas.

'We are moving on with the current projects,' Henriksen said, 'and basically waiting for the formation of the [Palestinian] government before making any moves.'

EU funding to the Palestinians totaled 280m. in 2005, and an additional 220m. in projects and donations were made by individual member countries, an EU spokesman said. No budget has been laid out for 2006.

Through 2005, the Palestinians were receiving around $1 billion in aid from Western governments, of which around 75 percent came from the US and European countries. That does not include Israeli tax transfers to the PA.

Iran has said it would donate $250m. to the PA to supplement revenue the latter would lose as a result of the cessation of both aid money from Western governments and tax revenues collected by Israel.

Keywords:

Copyright 2006 Jerusalem Post. All Rights Reserved