Opening Statements

Today we will consider H.R. 1177, the Removing Outdated Restrictions to Allow for Job Growth Act.

In the early 1980s, the City of Old Town, Maine, purchased land from the federal government to be part of the Old Town Airport. The deed included a restriction limiting use of the land to a municipal airport or other public use.

This bill allows the City of Old Town to petition the Secretary of Agriculture to release the deed restriction, and it directs the Secretary to provide the release. This legislation will allow economic development in Old Town to move forward, creating 175 much-needed jobs. It will also provide certainty to private investors in the community and help the local economy thrive.

I urge my colleagues to join me today in supporting this legislation, and I now turn to the Ranking Member, Mr. Peterson, for any comments he would like to make.