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| Wilson Priorities Included in Interior Appropriations Bill Passed by House of Representatives |
July 18, 2002 |
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| Washington, DC - Congresswoman Heather Wilson announced today that her funding priorities in the Interior Appropriations bill have passed the House of Representatives. Included in the bill are projects to protect some of New Mexico’s open spaces to be enjoyed for generations to come.
“New Mexico is a beautiful land with an exciting history,” said Wilson. “We need to protect our open spaces and treasured landmarks so that they can be enjoyed for years to come. This funding will help facilitate some critical projects that are necessary to maintain the quality of life we enjoy in New Mexico.”
On November 1, 2000, Congress approved a comprehensive settlement of various land claims of the Pueblo of Santa Domingo. In the settlement, the Pueblo gave up its claims to approximately 50,000 acres of land claimed by the Pueblo pursuant to Spanish land grants, and around 50,000 acres of aboriginal title lands. A key part of this settlement agreement is that the Santo Domingo Pueblo will receive three successive payments of $5 million each, beginning with FY 2002. Unfortunately, only $2 million was allocated for the first payment.
The National Forest System/Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Valles Caldera Trust is making significant progress this year toward requirements, and beginning to open the Preserve to public activities. The Trust was first funded in 2001 at $988,000, and Congress approved $2.8 million for the Preserve this year. The FY 2003 request provides only base increases for salaries and benefits, and no additional funding to carry out the operation of the ranch.
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