Washington, May 25, 2005 -

Last night the House of Representatives approved $165,000 for the Stephenville Wetland Project, at the request of U.S. Representative John R. Carter (TX-31, Round Rock). The funding was included in H.R. 2419, Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.

"I am pleased that the House recognized the importance of protecting these fragile central Texas wetlands by deciding to continue funding this project," said Carter.

The funds will go towards finalizing the existing Feasibility Phase and the Plans & Specifications Phase of the Stephenville Wetland project. This funding will serve as one of the many tools needed to maintain or restore past habitat losses. The project will also aid in reducing phosphorus levels within the river and potentially helping to remove two reaches of the North Basque River from the Clean Water Act 303(d) list classification as an impaired and threatened water body.

The purpose of the project is to identify potential ecosystem restoration alternatives for City of Stephenville-owned properties adjacent to the North Bosque River in Erath County, Texas.

For more information or to request an interview with Carter, please contact Gretchen Hamel at (202)225-3864.