Continuing his strong commitment to being a good steward of the environment, Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) has secured funding in the final 2004 Interior spending bill for energy conservation programs at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL),  improvements to the Cherokee National Forest, prevention of stream bank erosion at Moccasin Bend and other projects. Congressman Wamp has served on the Appropriations Committee and the Interior Subcommittee for the last seven years and he was one of the House Members who worked with the Senate to create this final spending bill.  The conference committee met late Monday night to finish reviewing the bill.  The House is scheduled to consider the bill today.

"It is vital that we protect Tennessee's natural resources so future generations can enjoy all of the beauty that this state has to offer," said Wamp.  "I am honored to serve on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to help do my part in preserving this valuable land and other critical resources across Tennessee and the United States."

The following is a list of projects that are included in the 2004 Interior spending bill that benefit the state of Tennessee:

*$105.8 million for energy efficiency and energy conservation programs at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.  This amount represents an increase of $16 million over the Administration's Budget request and a slight increase over last year's funding. These programs include research in areas such as combustion and emissions control, energy efficient appliances and refrigeration technology.

*425,000 for Phase I of the new construction of the Chilhowee Recreation Area in the Cherokee National Forest (CNF). Chilhowee, located in the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District in Polk County, is one of the most heavily utilized recreational sites and campgrounds in the CNF. Phase I of construction will include paving new roads and improving the wastewater system as well as completing campground loops C and D.  $249,000 was also included in the Interior spending bill for Phase II of construction that would complete loops E and F. This is area is specifically designed for large RV's and will include electric and water hookups. "Since loops E and F are next to Loops C and D, it was recommended that Phase I and II be built at the same time," said Wamp. "The simultaneous construction will also provide substantial savings to taxpayers."

*$500,000 to begin bank stabilization at the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District in Chattanooga.  Continued erosion of the shoreline along the Tennessee River threatens the important archeological and cultural resources of the Bend. This amount represents the first phase of a multi-year initiative.

*$750,000 for the National Park Service to purchase 1,186 acres within the Obed National Wild and Scenic River Corridor.

*$1.8 million for the NPS to acquire 909 acres within the Lower Hatchie Wildlife Refuge, including the McBride, Bennett and Harmon tracts in West Tennessee.

*$1 million for the Forest Legacy program to purchase 1600 acres of the Rugby tract in Morgan County.  The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will manage this important land as a Wildlife Management Area. 

*$1.9 million for the Advanced National Seismic Systems (ANSS).  ANSS is a national coordinated effort by the US Geological Survey dedicated to researching and understanding earthquakes and the dangers associated with them. According to Wamp, a portion of this funding will go to the University of Memphis' Earthquake Center.

*$1.5 million  is provided for the National Biological Infrastructure Initiative's (NBII) Southern Appalachian Tennessee Node.  The mission of NBII is to systematically organize, access and display biological information and to have this data readily available.  Partners in this project include ORNL, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

*$500,000 for the Tennessee Geographic Information System (GIS) Base Mapping Program.  This program produces some of the most advanced maps in the world.  These maps will be used in Tennessee's transportation, agriculture, environmental and homeland security planning. 

Other important initiatives included in the Interior Appropriations bill included:

*$1.6 billion for National Park Service operations including a backlog of maintenance projects across the country.

*$2.5 billion for the National Fire Plan, $1.8 billion for the Forest Service and $694 million for the Department of the Interior.  Substantive increases are provided for fire fighting readiness, hazardous fuels reduction, forest health and restoration activities, and State and community assistance. 

*$33 million increase for Forest Service forest health initiatives, including controlling the Southern pine beetle.