Lincoln Chafee: “I would like to engage the managers of he fiscal year 2002 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill on the issue…”

“I would like to engage the managers of he fiscal year 2002 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill on the issue of funding for the Estuary Restoration Act. Along with Senators Warner, Lieberman, and Smith of New Hampshire, I have offered an amendment that would provide $2 million in funding for the implementation of the Estuary Act. Enacted last year, this bipartisan law establishes the Estuary Habitat Restoration Program with the goal of restoring one million acres of estuary habitat. We understand the budgetary constraints that the Appropriations Committee is operating under as this bill is being considered by the Senate. It is my hope that the managers can identify funding for the implementation of the Estuary Restoration Act during the conference with the House.”