Washington, DC, June 14, 2006 - National Audubon Society applauds the House passage of legislation providing funding for the restoration of wildlife refuges of the Gulf Coast that have been devastated by hurricanes. Facing a backlog of operations and maintenance needs now well over $3 billion, the National Wildlife Refuge System does not have the funding available to divert to the acute threats and emergency needs created by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The House passed supplemental appropriations bill providing $132.4 million for damaged gulf refuges is sorely needed and we encourage the Senate to follow suit.
Over sixty national wildlife refuges were in the paths of last year’s devastating hurricanes. These refuges protect vital wetlands, serve as buffers to storm surges, and provide habitat to countless species including millions of wintering ducks, geese, and other migratory birds.
The Senate is expected to approve the measure in the next few days, which President Bush is expected to sign.
Earlier this year, President Bush included funding for restoration of refuges damaged by the storms. Audubon supported President Bush's request publicly in testimony before the House Resources Committee. The testimony can be read at http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/.
Audubon is also calling for additional funding needed for habitat, endangered species, and restoring the barrier islands and coastal wetlands that help protect coastal communities.
