Monday,
February 5, 2007
Thune: White House Budget Proposal for Lewis and Clark Water Project
Unacceptable
Source: US Senator John Thune
"The Administration's proposal for Lewis and Clark funding is unacceptable and represents a step backwards. As a delegation, Senator Johnson, Representative Herseth and I have consistently pushed for increased funding for this important project so thousands of South Dakotans can have access to a clean, reliable water supply, and today's proposal is a far cry from our requests. Thankfully, it's only a proposal, and the White House doesn't write the final budget. Congress determines the ultimate funding levels in the budget, and I will continue to work with the South Dakota delegation to secure a much more appropriate funding level for Lewis and Clark that meets current needs and allows for the project to be completed in a timely manner.
"In addition, I will
continue to work to prevent the Lewis and Clark funding levels for 2007
from being flat-lined at 2006 levels, as the Democrat leadership has
proposed to do."
History of Lewis and Clark funding
Administration House Senate Final Funding
FY 2006 $15 M $15 M $20 M $17.325
FY 2007 $21 M $22 M $23.5 M *
FY 2008 $15 M
The House and Senate will be working between now and September 30, 2007, to finalize the FY 2008 funding levels for all federal programs.
* Democrat House and Senate Leadership are pursuing flat-lined funding for FY 2007 at FY 2006 funding levels. If carried out, Lewis and Clark funding would remain at $17.325 million.
Contact:
Kyle Downey 202-224-2321