GLTF FYI - Omnibus Appropriations

[Rochelle_Sturtevant@glenn.senate.gov (Rochelle Sturtevant)]

     House vote on the Omnibus Appropriations bill is expected tonight and 
     the Senate vote tomorrow morning.
     
     
     Great Lakes Programs ($ in millions)
     
     Agriculture                                House   Senate  Omnibus
      Conservation Operations                   641     638     641
        GL Basin Program for Soil Erosion...      0.5     0.35    0.5
      Env. Quality Incentives Program           174     200     174
      
     Conservation Programs were generally unchanged from the conference 
     (vetoed by the President). CRP is at 36.4 million acres, WRP at 
     120,000 acres. 
     
     
     Comerce, Justice, State and Judiciary
      Natl. Coastal Zone Mgmt. grants            52.7    49.7    52.7
          Nonpoint Source                        +2      --      +2
          Section 309                             0      +6       0
      Natl. Estuarine Research Reserve            4.3    10.5     4.3
      Coastal Ocean Program                      19      17.8    18.4
      Marine Sanctuaries                         15      14.25   14.35
      Natl. Sea Grant College Program            59      56      57.5
      GLERL                                       6.825   6.825   6.825
      NOAA implementation of NISA                 0.8     1.85    1.65
      Great Lakes Fishery Commission              8.353   9.353   8.353
      International Joint Commission              3.189   3.432   3.432
     
     The transfer of GLERL from OAR to NOS was not approved.  Language 
     indicates that the committee will reconsider if the transfer is 
     included as part of an overall NOAA reorganization strategy.
     
     Report language indicates that Sea Grant should continue its zebra 
     mussel research within the total funds and reiterates House language 
     directing that Sea Grant conduct a study of human health risks from 
     pathogens in ballast.
     
     NOAA funds for implementation of NISA include $850,000 for ballast 
     water demonstrations.
     
     Interior
      FWS ANS Program                             2.192   2.192   2.192
      GL Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program    1.578   1.578   1.578
     
     Transportation
      Mackinaw Replacement                        6       4       5.3
      Ballast Water Guidelines and Prevention     3       2+1R&D  >3
      St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.      11.496  11.496  11.496
     
     Report language includes opposition to fees for Coast Guard 
     navigational services.
     
     
     For more information, contact:
     
     Rochelle Sturtevant
     Coordinator, Senate Great Lakes Task Force
     Rochelle_Sturtevant@glenn.senate.gov