“The funding that was approved in this legislation is a victory for Eastern North Carolina,” Jones said. “While many of the streams and waterways around Camp Lejeune have been cleared, those that they flow into on the base remain clogged.  This has led to even more flooding and property damage off-base. This bill will address these problems now and will help alleviate future flooding should North Carolina face additional devastating natural disasters. Not only will this allow for the much needed cleaning of the rivers at Camp Lejeune, but we have also secured funds for a variety of flood related disaster prevention programs in rural North Carolina for both our farmland and for the protection of our waterways.”

 The total funding level for H.R. 4461 was $78 billion. The conference report for Fiscal Year 2001 approves $15 billion in direct spending plus an additional $3.5 billion in emergency funds. An appropriation of $5 billion was granted to reduce the public debt. A tobacco provision, supported by Rep. Jones, includes funds that may be used to study the medical, biotechnological and industrial uses of tobacco.  The bill also ensures that the United States Department of Agriculture gives priority to producers that are transitioning from tobacco to other crops when considering applications for assistance.

 The legislation provided $120 thousand for technical and financial assistance from the Emergency Watershed Program for the Camp Lejeune project. Other major funding provisions in the bill include:
 

• $969 million for agricultural research
• $107 million for watershed and flood prevention operation
• $110 million to restore our nation’s watershed and waterways damaged by natural disasters.
• $80 million to ensure resources are available to repair damaged farmland and rangeland as a result of a natural disaster.
• $34 million increase of Farm Agency Service salaries and expenses allowing the continued delivery of the farm ownership, farm operating, and disaster loan programs.

 The Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report passed the House by a vote of 340 – 75. Following Senate action, the President is expected to sign the bill into law.