In an effort to reverse the damaging effects that Southern Pine beetles have had on the forests of Tennessee, Congressman Zach Wamp included $4 million in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill to combat the problem. President Bush signed this supplemental bill on Tuesday while he was in Kosovo.

"While driving throughout East Tennessee - from Chattanooga to Morgan County, I have seen the devastation caused by pine beetles. These insects have ravaged many acres of pristine Tennessee forestland. I knew something had to be done - and quickly. The $4 million will go a long way to address this problem and replant the trees across the state," said Wamp.

Due to Wamp's position on the House Appropriations Committee, he was able to secure over half the funds in the bill used to fight Southern Pine beetles ($7 million total) for the state of Tennessee.

"We appreciate the effort of Congressman Wamp to make this money available for Tennessee's private landowners, and we are excited about the opportunities it will create to reforest areas devastated by the Southern Pine Beetle and to minimize any further impact," said Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Dan Wheeler.

Ken Arney, Tennessee State Forester added, "It is difficult to truly estimate the losses that Tennessee's forestland owners have suffered as a result of the Southern Pine Beetle infestation. This appropriation from Congress will be critical to helping individuals recover the benefits that our forestlands provide in terms of scenic beauty, wildlife habitat and timber value."

According to the State Forestry Division, the $4 million dollars will be used for re-forestation, suppression and to create a public awareness program to inform landowners how they can protect themselves. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry will administer the two-year program. The department will announce how landowners can qualify for assistance at a later date.