SEATTLE – The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition honored Rep. Bill Fromhold (D – Vancouver) at their first annual Fall Breakfast today with the “Award for Outstanding Legislative Leadership.”  The award was presented jointly by former governors and Coalition co-chairs Daniel J. Evans and Mike Lowry.

Fromhold chairs the House Capital Budget Committee and also serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education.  During the 2007 legislative session, he was an early supporter of increasing funding for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program.  The final state Capital Budget, which passed both houses nearly unanimously, included $100 million earmarked for WWRP in the 2007-2009 biennium, an increase of $50 million over the previous biennium.

“In order to maintain the quality of life we enjoy here in Washington, we must preserve our wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation areas,” Fromhold said.  “I have always believed that our state can have a healthy environment and a strong economy.  In fact, it’s our abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities that draws millions of tourism dollars here each year.”

The WWRP is a state grant program administered by WWRC.  It funds protection of wildlife habitat, creation of outdoor recreation areas and preservation of working farms.  The 2007-2009 funding increase was endorsed by a broad coalition of interests including the Washington Realtors, Boeing, REI, the state associations of Counties and Cities, and the Fish and Wildlife commission.  The $100 million will fund 135 projects throughout the state that were selected through a competitive process.

WWRC’s Executive Director, Joanna Grist, had high praise for Fromhold’s efforts to double funding for the grant program.   

“Rep. Fromhold showed tremendous leadership during the 2007 legislative session on behalf of our state's parks, trails, working farms and wildlife habitat,” Grist said.  “As the chair of the House Capital Budget Committee, he set the bar at $100 million for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, and shepherded this bill through session. As a result of his dedication, Washington state will continue to make wise investments in our wilderness and outdoor recreation areas, making this one of the most desirable places to live.”

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For more information:

Rep. Bill Fromhold, 360-786-7924

Media staff contact:

Jennifer Zahn Spieler, 360-786-7201

Link to Rep. Fromhold’s website and print-quality image:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/fromhold/

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell_da@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.