02/09/06 NW take on `07 federal budget

02/09/06 NW take on `07 federal budget

Several members of the Northwest Congressional delegation are quick to point out there are aspects of President Bush's proposed fiscal year 2007 federal budget that will affect Northwest ag and its rural economies both from a positive and a negative point of view. They may nitpick on certain measures, but one thing is certain. Once again, the entire delegation is galvanized behind the threat of Bonneville Power Administration power rates increasing. The Bush Administration wants some of B.P.A.'s revenue from fiscal year 2007 used to accelerate repayment of its federal debt. But lawmakers say what that will do is increase B.P.A. customer power rates by ten per cent next fiscal year. Oregon Representative Peter DeFazio was among a group of House members who immediately sent a letter to the Administration calling for their halt to this plan. DEFAZIO: It's similar to a proposal they made last year which we stopped. I'm hopeful we can stop this one. It would do incalculable harm to us. Ironic that that energy matter in our region has so far overshadowed the President's increased funding for research and development of biofuels, especially cellulosic based ethanol, like those that could be created by Northwest grains and wood products. Lawmakers have individual bones to pick about the budget. In Washington Representative Doc Hastings' case, it is the reduction in half of federal Market Access Program funds that aid specialty crop producers in promoting their products in new and expanded global markets. Then again, Hastings notes M.A.P. has always been a federal target of funding reductions if not outright program elimination. HASTINGS: It does seem so and last year, of course, we fully funded it so this year we want to keep that momentum going. And Senator Patty Murray of Washington contends the Administration's limited funding for Port security improvements, and call for Ports like Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland to flip the remainder of the bill, will have a significant impact on Northwest ag as primary users of the ports. MURRAY: It's going to come out of the pockets of our farmers, and they can't afford that right now. One positive budget note, proposed funding has increased for aspects of the Healthy Forest Initiative. U.S.D.A. Secretary Mike Johanns says that includes $1.8 billion for community protection and sustainable forests. JOHANNS: The budget also maintains sufficient wildland fire resources to protect communities and natural resources. This is accomplished through full funding of the Northwest Forest Plan and extension of payments to states legislation.
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