WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam H. Putnam (FL-12) voted in support of H.R. 2673, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2004. This legislation funds several projects of importance in the 12th district of Florida.

“I am pleased that the Omnibus legislation includes key funding projects for agriculture, health care, transportation and other important areas vital to the 12th Congressional district,” said Putnam.

“Florida’s orange growers have long been dealing with the destructive power of citrus canker, which threatens our $9 billion industry.  I am pleased that Congress has approved funding for Florida agricultural priorities, including citrus canker compensation,” said Putnam. “It is my hope that these crucial programs, including expanded research on harmful invasive pests and diseases, will assist Florida farmers and ranchers in meeting their increasing agricultural challenges.”

“I am pleased at the inclusion of $500,000 for the Polk County Health Clinic Upgrade Project,” Putnam stated. “The existing clinics are functionally obsolete, and current space constraints impact both clinic staff and the ability to treat patients. The funds would go towards construction of a new east Polk health care clinic.”

“Projects funded include $10 million to allow citrus growers who have had their groves destroyed due to Citrus Canker to become eligible for compensation.  Also, the Omnibus includes funding for several important research projects to be conducted through the University of Florida Experiment Station in Lake Alfred, including $450,000 for research on Citrus Canker, $402,000 for Diaprepes Research and $750,000 for research on Citrus Tristeza,” said Putnam. “In addition $423,000 was allotted to conduct studies on the effect of grapefruit consumption and drug-interaction and $360, 000 for citrus waste utilization through the Florida Department of Citrus.”

“This legislation provides sustained funding for several important 12th District transportation projects.  These include continued funding for the Lakeland In-Town Bypass, which will assist in keeping pace with our region’s growth and the increased pressures on our infrastructure.  The bill continues much-needed funds for the City of Winter Haven to support downtown community redevelopment initiatives and for continued construction of the Winter Haven Transit Terminal,” said Putnam.  “It also provides significant funding for the Lakeland Area Citrus Connection, including special services for the disabled in Lakeland, Auburndale, Bartow, Mulberry, Eagle Lake and Lake Alfred.”

“I am pleased with the federal government’s continued involvement in these very important projects because these funds will go a long way to improving the quality of life for the 12th District of Florida and help meet our transportation challenges,” Putnam concluded.

Agriculture:

Citrus Canker compensation       $10 million
Citrus Canker eradication       $8 million 

University of Florida, Lake Alfred Citrus Research Station

Citrus Canker research       $450,000
Diaprepes Root Weevil (Citrus)     $402,000
Citrus Tristeza         $750,000

Florida Department of Citrus
Grapefruit Drug Interaction     $423,000
Citrus Waste Utilization      $360,000 

Ruskin Tropical Aquaculture Research  $214,000

Transportation:

Lakeland In-Town Bypass     $400,000
Winter Haven Downtown Improvements  $100,000
Lakeland Area Citrus Connection Buses   $550,000
Winter Haven Transit Terminal    $350,000
I-4/Tampa Cross Town Connector   $2 million
Florida High Speed Rail      $4 million

Labor /HHS:
Polk County Health Clinics     $500,000