President’s proposed budget includes 8.6% increase for Department of the Interior programs in the basin

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) today issued the following statement praising President Bush’s request for $62.9 million, an 8.6% increase, in the proposed 2006 budget for Department of the Interior (DOI) projects in the Klamath Basin: 

“With his new budget proposal, President Bush has once again reaffirmed his steadfast dedication to improving the difficult circumstances in the Klamath Basin.  Since the water crisis came to the nation’s attention in 2001, the President has consistently directed substantial assistance to foster projects vital to improving water quality and quantity in the Basin as well as tended to the needs of farmers and ranchers who had their water unjustly shut off by the government.  As the National Academy of Sciences concluded, the government got it wrong in 2001; the President has personally seen to making things better.

“For completing the screening of the A Canal, fixing problems at Chiloquin Dam, approving $50 million in water conservation funds, refunding operations and maintenance fees to farmers and ranchers that paid for something they didn’t get, and for many other initiatives, I commend the President and his team for their deep personal commitment to the Klamath Basin.  As I often tell people, rarely a day goes by that a senior official on the President’s team is not in touch with my office about matters in the Basin and inquiring about what additional help they can provide.  I’m grateful for their efforts and look forward to continuing our work together to make additional, long-term improvements that benefit all interests.”

In addition to the President’s budget request for DOI, he has requested $25 million for Department of Agriculture water conservation programs in the Basin that will help alleviate the burdens placed on water supplies.

Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes 20 counties in southern, central and eastern Oregon. He is a Deputy Whip in the House leadership structure and a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Committee on Resources.