AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS CONFERENCE BILL INCLUDES CALVERT PRIORITIES
April 9, 2009
Press Release
Representative Ken Calvert (CA-44th) is pleased to have important local and state projects included in the final Fiscal Year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill (H.R. 2744), which passed the House by a vote of 318-63.
"Agriculture continues to be one of the most significant industries in California and this bill will provide important funding for a number of programs that are vital to our state," said Rep. Calvert. "Locally, the University of California, Riverside plays a key role through its world-class agriculture and exotic pest research. I am delighted that they will continue to receive funds for their invaluable work."
The following projects were included at Rep. Calvert's request:
$1,929,000 for Exotic Pests and Diseases Research at the University of California at Riverside's Center for Invasive Species Research. Exotic pests and invasive species have an enormous economic impact on California, costing agriculture an estimated $3 billion annually. To address these issues, the Center for Invasive Species Research coordinates research to prevent and combat pest invasions and provides sound science informing public policy decisions.
$24,250,000 for Pierce's Disease containment and inspection programs at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Funds will be used by APHIS for eradication and control activities related to Pierce's Disease. Pierce's Disease is a lethal disease of grapevine caused by a bacteria spread by certain kinds of leafhoppers known as glassy-winged sharpshooters.
$2,211,000 for Pierce's Disease research at the University of California. Combined with state and private efforts, funding for this research will help the grape growing industry develop more resistant grapevines.
$200,000 for the Irrigation Controller Installation Program at the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). Funds will enable MWDOC to install a smart irrigation controller system that uses cutting edge technology to regulate the amount of water that is delivered based on weather conditions, soil, slope, and type of landscape. This system could save the residents of Orange County as much as 30,000 acre feet of water every year on a reoccurring basis.
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"Agriculture continues to be one of the most significant industries in California and this bill will provide important funding for a number of programs that are vital to our state," said Rep. Calvert. "Locally, the University of California, Riverside plays a key role through its world-class agriculture and exotic pest research. I am delighted that they will continue to receive funds for their invaluable work."
The following projects were included at Rep. Calvert's request:
$1,929,000 for Exotic Pests and Diseases Research at the University of California at Riverside's Center for Invasive Species Research. Exotic pests and invasive species have an enormous economic impact on California, costing agriculture an estimated $3 billion annually. To address these issues, the Center for Invasive Species Research coordinates research to prevent and combat pest invasions and provides sound science informing public policy decisions.
$24,250,000 for Pierce's Disease containment and inspection programs at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Funds will be used by APHIS for eradication and control activities related to Pierce's Disease. Pierce's Disease is a lethal disease of grapevine caused by a bacteria spread by certain kinds of leafhoppers known as glassy-winged sharpshooters.
$2,211,000 for Pierce's Disease research at the University of California. Combined with state and private efforts, funding for this research will help the grape growing industry develop more resistant grapevines.
$200,000 for the Irrigation Controller Installation Program at the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). Funds will enable MWDOC to install a smart irrigation controller system that uses cutting edge technology to regulate the amount of water that is delivered based on weather conditions, soil, slope, and type of landscape. This system could save the residents of Orange County as much as 30,000 acre feet of water every year on a reoccurring basis.
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