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FOXX VOTES TO HELP FARMERS
Wednesday June 08, 2005FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071
WASHINGTON – This evening, United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) took an important step to help farmers in Western North Carolina by voting for a $1.8 billion Agriculture Appropriations Act for FY 2006.
“I am pleased that we were able to pass a fiscally responsible bill to help our farmers and rural communities,” said Rep. Foxx, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Farmers are the backbone of our communities and we must provide the resources they need. My colleagues and I worked hard to exercise fiscal restraint on this bill without cutting those programs crucial to helping farmers.”
One important aspect of the bill is that it will prohibit the use of federal funds to implement Country of Origin Labeling on meat and meat products. “This is a very important issue to the beef, chicken and pork producers in the district and needs to be handled through proposed legislation,” said Rep. Foxx.
The bill will also increase funding for the Rural Community Advancement Program’s water and waste disposal grants by $42 million. This program provides resources to small rural communities to develop and finance water and waste disposal systems.
Finally, the bill will maintain funding for the Resource Conservation and Development Program which provides resources to local communities for economic development.
Rep. Foxx is also pleased to report that she was able to include the Wilkesboro/Kerr Scott Reservoir Intake project in the appropriations bill. This project will help the towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro by providing for the installation of a new raw water intake on the prong of the Kerr Scott Reservoir and a new raw water booster pumping station.
“This project will guarantee an adequate water supply for residents of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro and enhance the towns’ image by providing sufficient water supply to attract new industries,” said Rep. Foxx.
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