John Chafee: “I rise in support of S. 476, a bill I introduced 1 year ago, to reauthorize the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation…”

“I rise in support of S. 476, a bill I introduced 1 year ago, to reauthorize the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act. The Foundation has proven extremely effective. It advances the conservation of our natural resources through the formation of innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors. This is an organization that deserves our support. The Foundation was established as a federally chartered but private and independent, nonprofit organization to serve as a link between Government and private efforts to conserve our fish and wildlife resources. It is authorized to receive private donations and matching Federal appropriations to benefit fish and wildlife conservation. Since the Foundation was established in 1984, it has funded over 870 conservation projects all over the Nation and in 12 foreign countries. The Foundation has used the partnership approach to fund fish and wildlife projects valued at over $108 million--utilizing only $32 million in Federal appropriations. Dollar for dollar the Foundation is one of the most effective organizations for implementing conservation projects, matching every Federal dollar with $2 in nonfederal contributions.”