Mike Turner: “Arizona Congressman Attempts to Block Funding for Wilmington’s Historic Murphy Theatre”

Washington, DC – July 22, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Michael R. Turner today announced that Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake (R-06) has introduced an amendment to remove his $250,000 funding request for the Murphy Theatre restoration project from the Department of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010.  

“Congressman Flake should not succeed at blocking this funding,” Rep. Turner said.  “Wilmington officials and the theatre board have voiced their support for this project.  I will fight to keep the funding I have secured for the historic Murphy Theatre.  Flake’s attempt to obstruct this funding will not save one federal dime.  This is money approved for spending and the Wilmington community should get its share.”  
Congressman Turner secured the funding at the request of the Murphy Theatre board members and Wilmington city officials.  The funding will go towards restoring the historic theatre including replacing the 50-year old boiler heating system, repairing the theatre roof and performing electrical work.  

The Murphy Theatre continues to be a focal point of Wilmington’s downtown historic district for more than 90 years.  It serves as a community center, live theatre and arts center for local residents and hosts 35 events in a typical year, attracting more than 6,000 adults and 4,000 children annually.

Congressman Flake’s amendment will go before the House Rules Committee Wednesday afternoon to determine whether or not it will be voted on Thursday by the entire House of Representatives.