Washington, D.C. - Landmark legislation which would increase funding for national conservation and recreation programs and resolve several inequities regarding the disposition of funds generated from Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities will be marked up by the U.S. House Committee on Resources next week.

U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the Chairman of the Resources Committee, said the markup will be on compromise legislation drafted by the sponsors of:

• H.R.701, "The Conservation and Reinvestment Act of 1999"
  
• H.R.798, "Permanent Protection for America's Resources 2000"

As drafted, the new legislation would provide annual dedicated funding for the following:

Program Annual Funding Level

• Impact Assistance & Coastal Conservation: $1 billion

• Land & Water Conservation Fund Revitalization: $900 million

• Wildlife Conservation & Restoration Fund: $350 million

• Urban Park & Recreation Recovery: $125 million

• Historic Preservation Fund: $100 million

• Federal & Indian Lands Restoration: $200 million

• Conservation Easements & Species Recovery: $150 million

• Payment In-Lieu of Taxes & Refuge Revenue Sharing: $200 million

"In the next week, we still have a lot of work to do," Young said. "This is a good bill but some members may seek amendments. I'm hopeful that we can resolve all concerns prior to the markup."

"This legislation provides unprecedented and permanent support for America's natural resources," said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), senior Democrat on the Committee. "As with any complex bill, we have had to balance many viewpoints to craft this bill. But the bottom line is that we have agreed on an historic package that provides permanent protection to our national resources, and we need to work together to pass it."

"I want to commend all of the negotiators for reaching agreement on some very difficult issues," said U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI). "While a couple of issues are unresolved, the nation's strong desire for land, water, and wildlife conservation should encourage the Resources Committee to approve a good bill next week."

"It has taken a tremendous effort from all the Members involved to forge a consensus document that reflects multiple conservation objectives and concerns," said U.S. Rep. Chris John (D-LA). "I look forward to working with the Chairman and the Ranking Member to mark up this historic proposal through the Committee next week."

"Our national park system is one of the best ideas that America has ever had," said U.S. Rep. Bruce Vento (D-MN). "This bipartisan effort goes beyond protecting the crown jewels, and empowers local communities to fulfill the growing demand for park and recreation resources close to home. Whether it's the need for new soccer fields, wildlife refuges or picnic areas, this funding will be there to help protect our outstanding national forests and lands."

"This bill is the result of bi-partisan efforts to protect our natural resources for today as well as future generations," said U.S. Rep. Tom Udall (D-CO). "I look forward to working with my colleagues to making this legislation a reality."

The House Resources Committee has established an email address for those wishing to express comments on the legislation. People who would like to submit comments or recommendations can send them to: CARA@mail.house.gov