Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that a key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives has approved $1 million for PRIDE to continue its valuable environmental initiatives in southern and eastern Kentucky. This legislation is expected to be voted on by Congress next week.

“Since its inception in 1997, I have witnessed firsthand the incalculable role of PRIDE in restoring our great land to its natural beauty. Just as important as ridding our forests, streams and roadways of litter and debris, the PRIDE program has inspired a younger generation of Kentuckians to value their surroundings and empowered them to take responsibility for the future of our region,” stated Rogers. “Kids in our communities are developing wetlands, constructing greenhouses, developing nature walks, and monitoring pollution. These funds are critical to continuing these efforts and equip teachers to lead inside and outside the classroom.”

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. Since this program’s inception, Rogers has secured over $195 million for PRIDE and PRIDE-related sewer and water infrastructure projects.

These funds are included in the FY10 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which was approved by the House Appropriations Committee on June 9, 2009. The bill is slated to be considered by the full House of Representatives next week. Rogers works to secure valuable funding for important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.