News for Immediate Release
Aug. 10, 2021
Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, [email protected]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Backcountry Hunters & Anglers applauds the Senate for passing a major, bipartisan infrastructure package that will address a number of important public lands and conservation issues across the United States, including abandoned mine cleanup, Forest Service roads and trails and wildlife crossing safety.
“This infrastructure package is a huge deal for public lands, public waters, and public wildlife," said BHA President and CEO Land Tawney. "The Senate deserves high praise - and we urge the House to follow their lead.”
BHA provided input to lawmakers during the plan’s development to ensure it reflects sportsmen’s and women’s values and is excited about a number of key components to the package, including the following:
- Authorizing $11.29 billion for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund
- Creating a new abandoned hardrock mine cleanup program to be authorized for $3 billion that will provide jobs in rural regions and restore water quality for fish, wildlife and local communities
- Funding the Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trail Remediation Program at $250 million, which will improve water quality and aquatic habitat while making Forest Service roads and trails more durable
- Creating a pilot program designed to reduce wildlife collisions on highways and roads while improving habitat connectivity for fish and wildlife based on sound science, to be funded at $350 million
As the House of Representatives takes up the infrastructure bill, these key conservation measures are expected to be reflected as a priority. The House has said it will not consider the infrastructure bill until a budget reconciliation package is passed by the Senate, a several week process that the Senate is kicking off today.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.
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