Interior Dept. Announces Nearly $7 Million Investment in Patuxent Research Refuge

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) applauded an announcement today by the U.S. Department of Interior that it will invest $6.91 million in seven projects at the Patuxent USFWS Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, MD through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  Congressman Hoyer visited the Patuxent Refuge in February with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and other members of the Maryland delegation to promote the economic and scientific benefits of conservation investments. A total of $7.964 million has been awarded to conservation projects in the State of Maryland.

"Two months ago I stood with Secretary Salazar and members of Maryland's Congressional delegation to highlight the potential job creation and conservation benefits of the federal economic recovery for the Patuxent Research Refuge," stated Hoyer. "With this announcement, we can look forward to those benefits becoming a reality. The funding for these projects will help provide Maryland jobs while supporting the work of an historic research facility that has been instrumental in the recovery of bald eagles, whooping cranes and other species."

In Maryland, the Department will fund nearly $8 million in Recovery Act projects, including:

Patuxent Research Refuge - $6.91 million

• $6,000,000 to rehabilitate infrastructure associated with Patuxent Facilities Modernization Plan; to be cost shared with $9 million amount from US Geological Survey. Projects include planning and design work, demolition of Stickell Hall, and construction of one residence.
• $568,000 to replace Quarters 147 with Modular
• $155,000 to replace Six Gates at Perimeter Fence for National Security
• $ 64,000 to replace National Wildlife Visitor Center Gate for National Security
• $ 41,000 to replace Bald Eagle Gate for National Security
• $ 41,000 to replace Airport/Stables Gate for National Security
• $ 41,000 to replace Lake Allen Gate for National Security

Additional projects - $1.054 million

• $1,000,000 to construct trail to Harriet Tubman Interagency Facility at Chesapeake Marshlands
• $54,000 to replace entrance road culverts at Eastern Neck NRW

All the projects represent priority needs identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through its capital planning process or existing plans.  The agency worked through a merit-based process to identify and prioritize projects before finalizing the project list by ensuring the investments met the criteria put forth in the Recovery Act: namely, that a project addresses the Department's highest priority mission needs; generates the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time; and creates lasting value for the American public.

For a full list of the Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Act projects and plans, go to the Fish and Wildlife Service's Recovery web site at recovery.doi.gov/fws/.  Additional information about other Department of the Interior Recovery Act issues can be found at the Department's Recovery Web Site at recovery.doi.gov/.