Thank you to the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition for this update.
Federal Appropriations Update
In July, the House passed the Interior Appropriations Bill, which included $40 million for the U.S. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry program, an $8 million increase over the current fiscal year. Of those funds, $2 million was allocated for reforestation efforts in urban communities most severely impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer. The Forest and Rangeland Research program also received a $6.8 million increase ($3.9 million for Forest Inventory and Analysis and $2.9 million for Research and Development).
The House also passed its Agriculture Appropriations Bill, which funds the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The bill included $60.6 million for Tree and Wood Pests (an increase of $600,000 from last year) and $198.9 million for Specialty Crops (an increase of $6.9 million from last year).
The Senate has yet to pass any of its appropriations bills. Given the limited amount of time remaining in this session of Congress and the focus on pandemic relief, it’s likely that none will move until after the election. As a result, Congress will need to pass a continuing resolution before the new fiscal year begins on October 1. ?