Washington, D.C. - Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-1) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA-5) have introduced two bills that are critical for wetlands conservation efforts. The first of the bills would reauthorize funding for the popular North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for five years, while the second would extend a particular provision of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act that is essential to NAWCA’s efforts.
“One of the best things Washington can do in these challenging economic times is to reauthorize federal programs that have proven successful,” said Wittman. “NAWCA is certainly one of these programs, having leveraged more than $3 billion in matching funds from conservation partners since its enactment in 1989. Protecting, restoring, and managing wetland habitat is a productive endeavor, and it is critical that we invest efficiently to conserve our natural areas for the use and enjoyment of future generations.”
“The North American Wetlands Conservation Act works and Congress should make sure it gets the funds it needs to remain successful,” said Thompson. “It allows us to preserve important wetlands, protect wildlife and habitat, and conserve natural treasures for our kids and grandkids to enjoy. I look forward to working with Congressman Wittman to pass these bipartisan bills so the NAWCA can remain strong for years to come.”
Since NAWCA’s enactment in 1989, conservation partners, from small landowners to large corporations, have leveraged the federal share of NAWCA with over $3.44 billion in partner funds. Over 4,400 corporate, small business, non-profit, state and local entities have tripled NAWCA dollars with matching funds with an average partner match of 3:1. From 1990 to 2010, the program has assisted in funding 2,038 wetland conservation projects in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico, affecting over 26 million acres of essential wildlife habitat. Today’s bill would reauthorize funding for NAWCA for five years.
The second piece of legislation would extend a provision of the Pittman-Robertson Act that directs the interest earned on obligations held in the wildlife restoration fund into NAWCA for use annually through a competitive grant making process. This provision, which currently is set to expire in September, has amounted to nearly $17 million to NAWCA in some years, based upon the prevailing interest rates.
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