Kratovil release

Kratovil Backs FY 2010 Agriculture Appropriations Bill Making Key Investments in Public Health, Food Safety, Rural Communities, Conservation & Other Priorities
July 9, 2009 1:39 PM

Secures over $4.8 million in funding for The Chesapeake Bay, the Deer Creek Watershed and sustainable agriculture programs
Date: 7-9-09 – For Immediate Release
Contact: Kevin Lawlor, 202 225 5311
Washington, DC –Today, Rep. Frank Kratovil backed the FY 2010 Agricultural Appropriations Bill, legislation designed to protect Americans’ food safety, boost rural economies, protect Americans against price fluctuations for necessities and help feed struggling families. The legislation not only funded important national priorities, but did so in a fiscally responsible manner, cutting millions of dollars from underperforming and over funded programs. Specifically it achieves a gross savings of $735 Million by targeting dollars toward high-priority needs, while eliminating 5 programs and cutting funding below 2009 for another 35 programs.

“This is very important legislation for the American people because it provides funding for the public health programs and food safety initiatives that keep families healthy and safe,” said Kratovil. “It holds special significance for rural regions of the country such as ours because of a much needed re-investment in rural housing, water projects, community facilities and economic development efforts. These programs sustain our rural communities and create new opportunities for growth and development in small town economies.”

In addition to funding national priorities Congressman Kratovil was able to secure over $4.8 million for projects that take root within Maryland’s First Congressional District. Passage of the bill ensures that the United States Department of Agriculture will have access to $3,998,000 for restoration, conservation, and other activities related to the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. “Our communities depend on the Chesapeake Bay not only for its beauty but also its utility and we depend on this funding to keep the Bay healthy and clean,” said Kratovil. “This funding ensures that the programs we depend on will continue to operate and I will continue to fight on their behalf.”

Rep. Kratovil also secured $400,000 for the conservation of the Deer Creek Watershed in Harford County. This funding assists in the implementation of the Deer Creek Watershed Restoration Action Strategy recommendations, promoting conservation efforts and complementing stream bank restoration within the watershed. Deer Creek is the largest watershed in Harford County covering 38% of the County’s land area. “This program is the prime example of federal investment in local priorities. Tax payers expect that their money will be put to work at home in their communities and this investment does just that by preserving water quality Harford County,” said Kratovil.

Additionally, Rep. Kratovil secured $439,000 for the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to research methods of sustainable agriculture on the Eastern Shore that help farmers and put food on our tables. The funding is needed to seed programs that will address alternative crop use through the development of alternative plant sources for bio-energy as well as to conduct research on plants that are pest-resistant thus reducing the need for harmful pesticides. “The agriculture industry defines both the commerce and the heritage of the Eastern Shore,” said Kratovil. “If we fail to protect the industry with new innovations and technology that provide sustainability then we are doing a disservice to all those that are served by the agricultural community. I was proud to support this funding and will continue to support this and other similar initiatives.”

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