Woonsocket Radio News Room

Amo, DeLauro Introduce Southern New England Regional Commission Act

Legislation would establish economic development commission to strengthen regional economy

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) introduced the Southern New England Regional Commission Act. The Southern New England Regional Commission Act would establish a commission that would encourage jurisdictions at different levels to work together to leverage federal support to strengthen the area’s economy.

 

“It is great to join with our regional leaders in introducing this important piece of legislation to tackle problems that do not stop at the border of one state,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Through the Southern New England Regional Commission, we will better coordinate efforts to fight climate change and grow our blue economy as we leverage the unique strengths of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts to unlock widespread prosperity for our communities.”

 

"The Southern New England Regional Commission is a game-changer for Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, driving investments in defense, maritime manufacturing, and infrastructure to create good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Together, we’ll harness federal resources to tackle shared challenges, because our economic future requires regional collaboration."

 

BACKGOUND

This legislation would establish a regional commission covering Rhode Island and surrounding counties in Massachusetts and Connecticut for purposes of promoting economic development in renewable energy, defense manufacturing, the maritime economy, infrastructure, and job training, among others. By facilitating collaboration across various levels of government with federal support, this initiative seeks to bolster the region’s economic resilience and growth.

 

A fact sheet on the legislation is available here.

 

Amo and DeLauro introduced the legislation with original cosponsors U.S. Representatives Stephen Lynch, Richie Neal, Seth Moulton, Joe Courtney, Seth Magaziner, Jake Auchincloss, and Lori Trahan.

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