(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that she has included $3 million in funding for projects throughout Washington state that conserve and protect National Park and Forest Service land. The funding Murray provided has been included in the Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill which passed the Appropriations Committee today. Senator Murray is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
"Throughout Washington, our state’s delicate ecosystems and natural beauty are often threatened by development," said Senator Murray. "I am committed to expanding our conservation efforts in order to protect our land and the habitat of animal species. This funding will go toward expanding our National Parks, forests, and scenic areas so future generations can enjoy the tremendous benefits of our state’s natural resources."
Mount Rainer National Park Expansion – $1.5 Million
This funding will allow the National Park Service to purchase approximately 200 additional acres to add to the Mount Rainier National Park. The area includes a mile of the Carbon River that flows from the glaciers of Mt. Rainier and the scenic Marsh Property. The Carbon River provides a habitat for salmon and steelhead, and other terrestrial species. Conservation of these properties will help link the surrounding wildlife corridors and protect the ecosystem health of the Carbon River Valley.
Gorge Scenic Area – $1 Million
This funding would go toward the purchase of parcels of high-priority land in the Columbia River and Gorge National Scenic Area. The lands in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are under extreme threat of being developed, and protection of the scenic valley is critically important. The conservation of land will help ensure that the Gorge is a good place to live, work, and visit.
Ebey’s Landing – $500,000
This funding will help complete the process of acquiring an easement on 35.5 acres within the Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is a unique and popular park established in 1978 that provides and impressive historical record of Northwest Washington. The National Park Service owns a small percentage of the Reserve outright and has purchased easements on other privately-owned parcels, but much of the land remains under private ownership.
English 
Spanish