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Wyden, Smith Secure More Than
$17 Million For Oregon Natural Resource Projects
Funds would be used for land acquisitions,
national park improvements
September 15, 2004
Washington, DC – U.S.
Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) today
announced that Oregon could soon receive more than $17 million,
and share in an additional $3 million, for natural resource projects
across the state. Wyden and Smith secured this funding as part
of the Senate’s FY2005 Interior funding bill which passed
the Appropriations Committee this week. Included in the bill is
funding for land acquisitions at the Columbia River Gorge and
the Fort Clatsop National Monument.
“These federal funds will
help Oregon farmers and fishers, and will restore and preserve
some of our most treasured natural resources,” said Wyden.
“Maintaining the beautiful areas that draw people to Oregon
also brings tourism dollars home and helps our economy grow.”
“An investment in Oregon’s
environmental and natural resources ensures that they will be
there for the recreational and economic needs of generations to
come,” said Smith. “The projects funded by this bill
will support farmers and rural communities while promoting the
values of our state.”
Following is a list of Oregon
projects funded by the bill:
• Clackamas County would receive $1 million through the
U.S. Forest Service for fish passage improvement projects.
• One million dollars
are provided for land acquisition by the Bureau of Land Managements
on the Sandy River. This would assist in the creation of a free-flowing
river from Mt. Hood to the Columbia River Gorge.
• Crater Lake National
Park would receive $8,741,000 to remodel the park cafeteria and
relocate the rim parking facilities.
• Fort Clatsop National
Monument would receive $5 million for land and water conservation
and land acquisition.
• Hinkle Creek would receive $675,000 for a watershed study
conducted by the U.S. Forest Service.
• The bill provides $500,000
for land and water conservation and land acquisition by the Bureau
of Land Management at the Grande Ronde National Wild and Scenic
River.
• $150,000 is provided
for improvements to the Bureau of Land Management at Swede’s
Landing at the Hells Canyon Complex. The funds would be used to
develop a deep-water boat launch and parking areas. The funding
would also be used to purchase a total of 716 additional acres
to enhance and protect the threatened vegetation and natural habitat
in the area.
The bill also provides additional
funds that Oregon will share with other states:
• $1,500,000 for land
acquisition for Pacific Northwest Streams. Oregon will share in
these funds with the state of Washington.
• $1 million for land
acquisition in the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia Gorge is
the second most-recognized Lewis and Clark attraction in the country.
Oregon will share in these funds with the state of Washington.
• $500,000 for land acquisition
for the Pacific Crest Trail. Oregon will share in these funds
with the California and Washington.
The bill is expected to be considered
by the full Senate soon.
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