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News
from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chip Weiskotten, 202-226-8553
Russ Levsen, 202-225-2801
HOUSE
PASSES BILL TO HELP SOUTH DAKOTA FIGHT FOREST FIRES
Herseth
Sandlin Moves Compact Bill Through House – Next Step is President’s
Desk
July 30,
2007, Washington, D.C. –
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin today secured passage of key legislation
to help fight forest fires in South Dakota. The bill, S. 975, grants
Congressional approval to an interstate forest fire protection compact,
which will allow South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming to share resources
to fight forest fires. North Dakota will also be able to join the compact
agreement.
Rep. Herseth Sandlin
introduced the bill in the House, and spoke in its favor on the House
floor. The bill now goes to the President’s desk for his signature.
Rep. Herseth Sandlin
said, “Once signed into law, this legislation will immediately allow
South Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming to work directly with each other
and pool their resources to rapidly address wildfire conditions. This
authority will be especially critical as we move into August and even
deeper into fire season.”
The bill enjoys
support from South Dakota’s Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune, as
well as Governor Rounds. The South Dakota State Legislature ratified
the agreement in 2006. Wyoming and Colorado have also ratified the agreement;
North Dakota is able to enter the compact pending its ratification.
Rep. Herseth Sandlin
added, “Earlier this month, I visited areas devastated by the Alabaugh
Canyon Fire, which consumed over 10,000 acres, destroyed more than 30
homes and tragically killed one person. Only the tireless and professional
work by emergency response staff in South Dakota stopped this fire from
becoming even worse. The fire season is far from over, however, and
this bill will immediately assist their brave efforts, and hopefully
make them even more effective while enhancing their safety.”
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Congresswoman
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats
committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is
co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the
profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three
committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’
Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin
was appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence
and Global Warming.
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