Kagen Announces More Recovery Act Funding For Wisconsin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:       
August 18, 2009

Contact:  Jake Rubin
(202) 225-5665

KAGEN  ANNOUNCES  MORE  RECOVERY  ACT  FUNDING  FOR  WISCONSIN

Funds Will Help Restore Natural Resources and Enhance Public Safety and Health

(APPLETON, WI)  Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. is investing our tax dollars here at home in the industries that have been the backbone of our economy in Northeast Wisconsin.  Today, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for Forest Service projects in Wisconsin.  These funds will help to restore natural resources while improving public safety and creating job opportunities in economically distressed areas.

“I am working hard to invest our tax dollars here at home – creating jobs, and protecting our natural resources for future generations,” said Kagen.  “In Wisconsin, we have a rich heritage of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.  As we put our nation on the road to economic recovery, we are making sure that we protect our forests so they will continue to be a great place to visit and a source of revenue for local businesses.”

On July 20, 2009, Kagen welcomed the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry to Appleton for a public hearing to review forest resource management in northern Wisconsin. Kagen is the only member from Wisconsin on the Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry subcommittee and the House Agriculture Committee.

In the 8th District, $845,000 will be allocated to perform deferred maintenance of recreation areas and administrative buildings in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. 

According to the USDA, this project will upgrade recreation and administrative facilities infrastructure across the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin through conducting much-needed deferred maintenance work. The recreational visitor experience will also be enhanced at water-based recreation sites (lakes and streams) through replacing old boat docks across the Forest. Project benefits include improving public health and safety, and bringing additional tourism dollars into local communities by providing more enjoyable visitor recreation experiences.

“The Recovery Act is providing critical job opportunities, rebuilding our country’s infrastructure and protecting natural resources.  Everyone understands these actions will take time to succeed, but we are moving in the right direction,” said Kagen.