Congressman Faleomavaega announced that bipartisan
legislation to establish a permanent national coral reef conservation program
has been introduced in the House of Representatives
.
“The legislation introduced by the Chairman of the Fisheries Subcommittee
and myself will authorize $60 million over four years to assess the size
and health of the coral reefs in United States waters, and to formulate
a plan to preserve these reefs,” said Faleomavaega. “Of this amount,
$40 million will be available for coral reef conservation grants.”
Among items addressed, the bill codifies the U.S. Coral Reef Task
Force, the group which worked with the Council on Environmental Quality
to obtain funding to remove nine grounded vessels from the reefs in American
Samoa. “The removal of the vessels in my home is a very immediate
example of the short-term benefits which can be derived from this legislation,”
said the Congressman. “Whereas before it almost took an act of Congress
to obtain money to save the reefs these vessels were destroying, this bill
gives the United States statutory authorization to quickly address problems
of this nature.”
The bill ensures a wide range of organizations, including local
and state governments, non-profit organizations, and the Regional Fishery
Management Councils will be eligible to apply for grants under this legislation.
A copy of Congressman Faleomavaega’s full statement made upon introduction
of the legislation is available upon request. |
![[106th Congress]](/faleomavaega/press/press_2000/images/106.jpg)
