For immediate release: July 1, 2010
Contact: Brad Knudsen, Refuge Manager, (301) 497-5580, brad_knudsen@fws.gov
Terri Edwards, (413) 253-8324 or (413) 244-4235 (mobile), terri_edwards@fws.gov
FFS #R5BD, R5BE, R5BF, R5GQ, R5GR, R5GT, R5GU 

Washington, DC – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has awarded more than $6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for construction projects that will significantly modernize facilities at the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel, Md.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a sister agency under the Interior Department operates the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center on the site. The two agencies are working together to complete a multi-year series of projects to improve these federal facilities owned by the Service.

The Recovery Act funding will enable the Service to demolish the outdated and unsafe Stickel Lab; design and engineer an energy-efficient building for the agency’s national migratory bird management program; design and engineer the rehabilitation of several historic structures; construct two energy-efficient residences; assess and mitigate for historic and cultural resources that may be affected by construction; and replace a number of gates on the property. Extensive work is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the local economy.

“The Department of the Interior is working diligently to create thousands of jobs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These jobs are in communities all across the United States,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “Investments will build trails, restore habitat, upgrade visitors’ centers, and much more. It is heartfelt to know that these efforts are helping to change lives by putting people back to work as well as laying the groundwork to conserve and protect America’s national treasures.”

The U.S. Geological Survey also received $8.5 million in complementary funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for projects, including designing and engineering a state-of-the-art wildlife science laboratory and animal research facilities, constructing a few buildings associated with whooping crane recovery, and building a residence for research staff on the site.

For more information on this project, visit the Patuxent Research Refuge project page.

The Recovery Act gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. Of that amount, $280 million in funding goes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nationally.

The stimulus funds represent an important component of the President’s plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the act, Interior is making an investment in conserving America’s timeless treasures – our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage – while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

For a full list of funded projects nationwide, go to the Interior Department’s Recovery website.

For a list of Service projects visit the Service’s Recovery Act website.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery web site which will include an interactive map that enables the public to track where and how the Department’s recovery dollars are being spent. In addition, the public can submit questions, comments or concerns at recoveryact@fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.