Appleton/Outagamie County

Appleton/Outagamie County

• Last Congress, Representative Kagen voted for the College Cost Reduction Act (H.R. 2669), which is largest investment in Higher Education since the GI BILL.  This measure, which was enacted into law, will cut interest rates in half by 2011, and increase Pell grants by $490 next year to a maximum of $5,400 by 2012.  Students at Lawrence University will be able to take advantage of this new law. 
• Congressman Kagen led the effort to include the provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to temporarily reduce the S Corporation Built-In Gains holding period from 10 years to 7 years.  Under current law, if a taxable corporation converts into an S corporation, the conversion is not a taxable event. However, following such a conversion, an S corporation must hold its assets for ten years in order to avoid a tax on any built-in gains that existed at the time of the conversion.  This initiative was based on the bipartisan Small Business Growth and Opportunity Act (H.R. 3874), which was introduced by the Congressman last Congress, and would permanently reduce this holding period from ten years to seven years.  S-Corporations, including Appleton Papers, will benefit from this reform on small business taxes.  
• Appleton Papers ($1.6 million) – This funding will be used to develop new, low-cost materials to provide flame and thermal protection for soldiers in combat and operational duty.  Appleton Papers will collaborate with the U.S. Department of Defense on this project.  Requested by Appleton Papers for Fiscal Year 2008.
• Replacement of the College Avenue Bridge in Appleton, WI ($500,000) – The funding will replace the current structurally deficient two-lane bridge with a four-lane structure.  In addition, bicycle and pedestrian facilities on the bridge will be upgraded.  Requested by WisDOT for Fiscal Year 2008. 
• Expansion of the Outagamie Regional Airport in Appleton, WI ($500,000) – The project is part of a long-term plan to move general aviation to the other side of the runway from the air carrier area.  This will allow expansion of both general aviation and the air carrier areas.  Requested by the Outagamie Regional Airport for Fiscal Year 2008.
• Appleton Papers ($3,200,000) – This funding will be used to develop a military uniform that offers a reasonable flame protection and cost, while maintaining a low garment weight, sufficient chemical safety for the person wearing it, breath ability, and durability.  Appleton Papers will collaborate with the U.S. Department of Defense on the project.  Requested by Appleton Papers for Fiscal Year 2009.
• Reimbursement of the State of Wisconsin and the Fox River Navigational System Authority for Fox Locks Restoration ($3,648,000) – These funds would be used for costs associated with the restoration of the locks and navigation system transferred from the Army Corps to the Authority.  This funding would fund approximately 30% of the restoration costs.  Requested by the Army Corps of Engineers for Fiscal Year 2009. 
• Oneida Tribal Health Center – Electronic Health Records ($190,000) – This funding would be used by the Oneida Community Health Center (OCHC), which serves over 12,000 active patients and is recognized as the healthcare system for the Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin, to implement an Electronic Health Record (HER) Software System, which would increase efficiency and lessen the chances of medical errors.  Requested by the Oneida Tribe of Indians for Fiscal Year 2009. 
• Outagamie County Airport Terminal Expansion ($1,045,000) – These funds will extend the terminal ramp to make up for space lost to terminal building expansion and to provide space for a new passenger boarding bridge necessary to accommodate larger jets.  Requested by the Outagamie Regional Airport for Fiscal Year 2009.
• Improvements to U.S. Highway 41 in Outagamie County ($380,000) – The project includes a series of improvements in the USH 41 corridor near Appleton, WI.  These improvements include resurfacing the mainline pavement and widening the shoulders of USH 41 in the corridor, raising and repairing several bridges in the corridor, and making several safety improvements in the corridor.  Requested by WisDOT for Fiscal Year 2009.
• Wisconsin Statewide Bus and Bus Facilities Capital Investment Program ($3,800,000) – These funds will replace transit buses over 15 years old; purchase vehicles to serve the elderly and persons with disabilities; and improve bus transfer facilities in several areas in Outagamie County.  Requested by WisDOT for Fiscal Year 2009.