November 03, 2009

Byrd Announces Presidential Approval Of Funding For Efforts To Preserve and Enhance West Virginia's Heritage

Washington, DC – Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., today announced that President Obama has signed into law the FY 2010 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.  The funding measure includes millions of dollars in funding Byrd secured for key projects and programs throughout the State of West Virginia.  Byrd is the senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and also a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior.

“From its majestic mountains to its raging rivers, and comforting scenic countryside, West Virginia's ‘Wild and Wonderful’ beauty is a sight to behold,” said Byrd.  “Over the years I have worked to provide funding for investments that will strengthen the infrastructure that supports West Virginia's tourism -- including recreation, conservation, and historic lands.  I believe that by investing in these treasures, we are not only preserving West Virginia's natural environment, but also strengthening our state's economy.  These resources will help to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the natural splendors of West Virginia.”

WILD AND WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

Byrd’s efforts continued his commitment to upgrade many of the parks and recreation areas throughout the Mountain State which he believes increases tourism opportunities in the State and also builds upon West Virginia’s “Wild and Wonderful” state motto.  Byrd secured money for the following projects:

The Monongahela National Forestis slated to receive $4.916 million, the bulk of which will be used to acquire the Thunderstruck Property, which will add 1,087 acres to the Forest. Upgrades to facilities within the National Forest’s boundaries include: $220,000 for improvements to the Lake Sherwood fishing facility in Greenbrier County; $125,000 for improvements to the Blue Bend Day Use area in Greenbrier County; and $250,000 for forest-wide facility improvements and roof repair at public use sites including Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. In addition to facility upgrades, Byrd also secured $1.521 million for road improvements throughout the National Forest: $200,000 for parking lot and road improvements at Spruce Knob in Pendleton County; $175,000 to the Big Bend Campground Loop in Grant County to pave campground loop roads; $396,000 to replace the Laurel Creek Bridge in Randolph County;  $500,000 for culvert replacement and road repair on the Glady-Durbin Road in Pocahontas and Randolph Counties; and $250,000 for road restoration efforts to provide better access to Buffalo Lake in Pocahontas County;

New River Gorge National River Parkwill receive $1.025 million for construction activities. Of the total, $900,000 will be utilized to complete development of Camp Brookside as a youth programs center, where the park would host Youth Conservation Corps crews, environmental education residential and day classes, and other youth programs.  The additional $125,000 will be used for continued support for the New River Parkway Authority;

The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge will receive $850,000 to construct the Heart of the Highlands Trail.  The project will link the trails of five separate land management agencies to several existing national trail systems.  These funds will be used to construct three bridges, two trail heads, a valley-wide observation platform, and four trail connections; and

$275,000 will be allocated to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to complete upgrades and repairs to the park’s fire alarm system.

ON-GOING RESEARCH AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES

In addition to securing funding for West Virginia’s parks, forests, and recreation areas, Byrd also secured funding within the bill for on-going federal research and educational activities in West Virginia:

$1 million for the Wood Education and Resource Center in Princeton to continue to facilitate interaction and information exchange with the forest products industry to enhance opportunities for sustained forest products production in the eastern hardwood forest region of the country;

$750,000 for the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown to address maintenance needs of various buildings at the Training Center, as well as for the renovation and upgrade of the video production facilities by providing high definition video equipment for its audio-visual production;

$750,000 for The Leetown Science Center to continue molecular biology research and support 3 full-time employees currently working on related projects; and

The White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery will receive $500,000 to continue their ongoing mussel research, recovery, and propagation at the internationally recognized hatchery.  White Sulphur Springs leads the Nation’s efforts in developing freshwater mussel propagation and culture technology for endangered species restoration.

“The continuing work at these facilities not only provides employment and educational opportunities; but the research that is conducted here in West Virginia is providing economic benefits for the entire nation,” said Byrd.

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