The Western Governors' Association offered testimony on behalf of Western Governors to Senate leadership on March 30, 2018 regarding fiscal year 2019 appropriations.
WGA acknowledged the challenge faced by agencies to balance competing needs and offered assistance in implementing the recommendations.
The testimony by WGA Executive Director James D. Ogsbury on Energy and Water Development, in part, advocated for: State authority over groundwater management; coordinated water data collection shared across federal and state agencies; combatting aquatic invasive species including zebra and quagga mussels; and continued funding for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Transportation Safety Program.
The testimony on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs emphasized the significant effect of USDA on the West and the economic viability of rural communities. The testimony advocated, in part, for: Land-grant universities and colleges, including Cooperative Extension Service programs; funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program; USDA’s Rural Development programs promoting workforce development; and support for the conservation programs administered Natural Resources Conservation Service, including the Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting program.
Read the testimony to U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.
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