The Federal Government has too often used Outer Continental Shelf revenues for big, high profile projects, and has virtually left out small States like Mississippi. We have smaller projects, and our needs are not nearly as great as some of the larger states, but yet they are very real and very important to the people who live in Mississippi.
This legislation will shift more of the money that comes from these resources to States like Mississippi.
We have environmental organizations and State agencies that are trying hard to protect fragile wetlands and fisheries resources, and we are restoring the habitat of the osprey and eagle. Great progress is being made on these and other similar initiatives, but we need the extra money this bill will provide to enable our State to do the job right.
For many years, we have sought additional funding for the "State-side" portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides Federal funding for State initiatives for the protection of valuable natural resources and fish and wildlife habitat. Our bill provides full funding for the State's share while still providing for Federal programs, coastal conservation and impact assistance, wildlife conservation and education programs, and historic preservation.
I'm glad to be a cosponsor of this legislation, and I hope this committee will recommend its approval by the Senate.