Who says Congress is all wet? Three bipartisan bills focusing on wetlands, fish and working waterfronts co-sponsored by Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, and Democrats from California, Texas and Maine are on the move, winning nods from the House Natural Resources Committee.
The committee approved a bill Wittman and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., sponsored to authorize $60 million per year for wetlands conservation from 2020 to 2024.
It also approved a measure Wittman and Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, sponsored to establish a Working Waterfront Grant Program providing matching grants to coastal states to preserve and expand access to waterways for commercial fishing, recreational guiding, aquaculture and boat building.
It also approved a bill Wittman and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, sponsored, to codify National Fish Habitat Partnerships, aimed at habitat conservation.
“Today was a big day,” Wittman said in a statement. “Healthy waterways and fish populations are absolutely critical to providing clean water and sustainable fisheries.”
He said the partnership bill will ensure that taxpayer dollars go further to conserve fish habitat, while the others take important steps towards better conserving our wetlands and preserving our working waterfronts.
Shad Plank is the Daily Press blog that tracks Virginia politics. It takes its name from the traditional Shad Planking political get-together, though hopefully it is tastier than the roasted fish featured at that Sussex County event. To contact Dave Ress with tips or questions, call 757-247-4535 or email dress@dailypress.com.
