[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 113 (Wednesday, September 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1711-E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2006

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5539, the 
North American Wetlands Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2006. I 
would also like to thank Chairman Pombo and Ranking Member Rahall for 
all their hard work and for ensuring swift consideration of this 
important legislation.
  As a wildlife enthusiast, conservationist, and member of the 
Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, I am a strong supporter of the 
North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). For that reason, I am 
an original cosponsor of H.R. 5539.
  As this body knows, NAWCA is a unique public-private, partnership-
based program that leverage non-federal funds to protect, restore and 
manage wetland habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Since it 
was signed into law in 1989, NAWCA grants have spurred more than 2,000 
partners to work on more than 1,100 projects, restoring nearly 23 
million acres of wetlands in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  In addition, NAWCA provides an excellent return on a relatively 
modest federal investment. Over the years, the act has provided 
approximately $720 million in grant funds which have been matched by 
approximately $2.1 billion in partner funds.
  Again, I thank the distinguished chairman of the Resources Committee 
for introducing this important legislation and look forward to 
continuing to work with him, Ranking Member Rahall, members of the 
Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus on this extremely successful program.

[[Page E1712]]



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