WASHINGTON – Congressman Spencer Bachus today announced that the House of Representatives voted for final passage of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2006. Included in the Interior Appropriations Act is $421,000 he secured for land acquisition within the Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge.
This $421,000 House earmark is the latest in a series of Congressional earmarks aimed at completing the 3,500-acre refuge authorized under Congressman Bachus’ Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act, which was signed into law in October 2000. Today’s appropriation will complete and expand the refuge to approximately 150 acres beyond the 3,500 acres originally authorized for inclusion.
“You cannot live in a state such as Alabama and not be both awed by its natural beauty and inspired to do whatever is possible and practical to protect it. Within our beautiful state, the Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge is unparalleled in its beauty and diversity. This refuge is essential in safeguarding the area's pristine and fragile beauty while allowing managed access for the public. We want thousands of families, wildlife watchers, recreationists, and students to visit and enjoy this God-given legacy. This project has been a high priority of citizens of Bibb County as well as conservationists and environmentalists throughout Alabama since its inception in 2000. I am pleased to have secured funding for completion of the refuge,” Congressman Bachus said.
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