Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved $1.25 million for PRIDE to continue its valuable environmental initiatives in southern and eastern Kentucky. Rogers secured this important funding to promote environmental stewardship and education, as well as initiate and manage important water clean-up and wildlife habitat protection initiatives in the region. The Senate is expected to vote on this final, comprehensive spending legislation later this year.

“PRIDE is an essential part of ensuring that we preserve our region’s natural beauty for generations to come,” said Rogers. “Through education programs, PRIDE teaches our children the value of personal responsibility and taking care of the environment around them. Through important clean up efforts, PRIDE teaches the value of conservation and ensures that our communities have access to safe, sanitary water. The empowerment that PRIDE brings to Kentuckians keeps litter out of our forests and makes certain that our breathtaking landscape is second to none.”

H.R. 3288, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010, includes:
• $1 million for PRIDE to continue important regional initiatives like stream clean-ups, debris removal, recycling efforts, stream monitoring and habitat improvement.
• $250,000 for PRIDE’s important environmental education and awareness campaigns in our local schools through PRIDE clubs and classroom projects.

PRIDE, which promotes Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment in 38 counties, was launched by Rogers and the late General James Bickford, former Secretary of the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet. To date, PRIDE has recruited more than 287,000 volunteers logging over 1 million volunteer hours, provided 28,089 homes with access to sanitary wastewater treatment, and cleaned up 135,884 tons of trash.

Through his role as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rogers works to secure valuable funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.