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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1) took to the floor of the House of Representatives today to fight for a new firebreak to protect Payson and the Rim Country from the threat of wildfire. Congressman Renzi also secured a promise of assistance from Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Charles Taylor (NC) to help protect Payson and other communities in rural Arizona. Renzi was successful in getting the town of Payson included into the language of the Fiscal Year 2007 Interior Appropriations bill conference report. The report states that the “Committee encourages the service to carefully evaluate the need for fire breaks near Payson, AZ and proceed accordingly.” The hazardous fuels reduction language singles out Payson for evaluation and this will mean more wildfire funds for Arizona to assist state and local firefighters. Congressman Renzi has been pushing for an increase in funding for the National Fire Plan and the Fiscal Year 2007 Interior Appropriations bill conference report calls for an increase of more than $80 million dollars.
“The funding increase in the National Fire Plan is essential in fighting forest fires across our nation,” said Congressman Renzi. “Arizona is home to the largest stand of Ponderosa pine forests in America and mountain communities like Payson must have the resources to protect themselves.”
Congressman Renzi is leading the debate in Congress to build consensus on the federal response to forest fires in rural Arizona and across the nation. Renzi is working collaboratively with the forest related community in Washington and Arizona to raise awareness and promote the importance of restoration efforts and improve the health of our nation’s forests. Earlier this week, the House passed HR 4200, the Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act, co-sponsored by Congressman Renzi. The bill will give land managers the tools they need to promptly restore and reforest public lands. It will assist with forest rehabilitation following catastrophic events, like Arizona’s Rodeo-Chediski fire, as recommended by the scientific community.
Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Charles Taylor (NC) said he would work with Congressman Renzi to help protect Payson and other communities in rural Arizona form the threat of wildfire. “I will be happy to work with you on these fire breaks and the hazardous fuel projects in the vicinity of Payson and other areas that need this help,” said Chairman Charles Taylor.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1) took to the floor of the House of Representatives today to fight for a new firebreak to protect Payson and the Rim Country from the threat of wildfire. Congressman Renzi also secured a promise of assistance from Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Charles Taylor (NC) to help protect Payson and other communities in rural Arizona. Renzi was successful in getting the town of Payson included into the language of the Fiscal Year 2007 Interior Appropriations bill conference report.
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