Washington, May 9, 2006 -  U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31), a member of the Appropriations Committee, announced today that the Committee has approved his request for $219,665 for Grassland Soil and Water Research at the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in Temple in the Fiscal Year 2007 Agriculture Appropriations bill. This program develops and uses databases and models to evaluate soil and water conservation practices and programs. The funding will allow the USDA-ARS to continue its research to improve soil and land information, improve conservation program decision tools, and train workers in effective data and tool management.

“The research being conducted at the USDA-ARS is helping maximize the effectiveness of conservation programs across the country. I am pleased to have assisted in securing funds for a joint project that has successfully worked to improve water and soil quality,” Congressman Carter said.

The Agriculture Appropriations bill now awaits action by the full House.