Crapo Co-Sponsors Extension Of The North American Wetlands Conservation Act

Washington, D.C. - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act (NAWCA).  This five year extension would renew the authorization that expired at the end of fiscal year 2012. 

"The Gem State has 16 NAWCA projects that are either complete or now underway," Crapo noted.  "These projects have conserved over 65,000 acres of wildlife habitat.  The Henry's Fork wetlands projects in Fremont and Jefferson Counties alone leveraged $10,735,091 in partner funds to restore over 10,000 acres of migratory waterfowl habitat.  The Henry's Fork provides crucial migration stopovers, nesting grounds and foraging areas for 550,000 ducks, geese and swans and over 200,000 other wetland-dependent migratory birds.  Projects like the Henry's Fork offer vital wetlands habitat that must be protected."

NAWCA grants are used to protect and restore the quality wetlands and associated upland habitats in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico.  The law requires each federal dollar put into the program be matched by at least $1 in non-federal funds.  The contributions have far exceeded the match requirements, and have allowed for the successful implementation of wetland habitat restoration projects all across the continent.  In addition to preserving wetlands, nearly 7,500 jobs will be created annually in the U.S. 

Crapo is joined on the legislation by EPW Committee Chair Barbara Boxer (D-California) and Ranking Member David Vitter (R-Louisiana), as well as Senators James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Max Baucus (D-Montana), Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), John Boozman (R-Arkansas) and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).