Federal, State, and Local leaders today hailed the decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to transfer $41.5 million in emergency funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to support efforts to eradicate the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) from Massachusetts.
USDA also provided emergency funding of $24.5 million to the program last year to jump start an aggressive eradication program. In addition, the Fiscal Year 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill included $13 million for beetle eradication.
Rep. Jim McGovern coordinated the Massachusetts delegation's request for the funding awarded today. APHIS will use the $41.5 million in emergency funding for enhanced tree surveys, expanding chemical treatments, and infested tree removal in Massachusetts.
-This is terrific news for Central Massachusetts,- Rep. McGovern said. -The Asian Longhorned Beetle has caused tremendous damage in our communities, and the federal government must continue to be a strong partner in this fight. I want to thank Secretary Vilsack for working with us on this important issue, and I will continue to make sure that all possible federal resources are utilized to get rid of this beetle once and for all.-
-The Asian Longhorned Beetle has destroyed tens of thousands of trees throughout central Massachusetts and if it spreads, has the potential to devastate our nation's forests and timber industry,- Senator John Kerry said. -This substantial investment will allow us to replace trees, begin rebuilding depleted areas and eradicate the beetle from the area for good.-
-The Asian Longhorned Beetle infestation has severely damaged the ecosystem of cities and towns throughout Central Massachusetts,- said Senator Paul G. Kirk, Jr. -I commend Secretary Vilsack for approving these additional emergency funds to complete the ALB eradication process and ease the unexpected heavy financial burden on our communities.-
-I am grateful to Secretary Vilsack, as well as Congressman McGovern and other members of the delegation, for this much-needed funding,- said Governor Deval Patrick. -With these funds, we can continue our efforts to eradicate the Asian Longhorned Beetle in Worcester and the other affected towns, and to restore the natural beauty of these neighborhoods by planting new trees. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the USDA on this initiative and many others.-
-The landscape of Greater Worcester has been greatly impacted by the battle against the Asian Longhorned Beetle,- said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. -Governor Patrick and I are very grateful for the leadership and advocacy of our federal partners including Senator Kerry, Senator Kirk, and Congressman McGovern who have all actively supported the eradication of the infestation and efforts to replant the many trees we've lost.-
-The damage already caused to the Central Massachusetts region by the Asian Longhorned Beetle is simply staggering,- said State Senator Harriette Chandler. -I thank Congressman McGovern for his hard work, and Secretary Vilsak and the USDA for demonstrating their commitment to fighting this pest aggressively for as long as it takes to stop its spread and eradicate it.-
-Kudos to Congressman McGovern. Once again he has shown his brilliance in being able to secure funding for his Congressional district for a problem that is of upmost importance,- said State Rep. Jim O'Day. -This funding will go a long way in the battle towards both eradication of the ALB and reforestation of Worcester's urban forest. My hat also goes off to Secretary Vilsack and the USDA for recognizing the need for this funding to address the ALB's devastation in the Worcester and surrounding communities.-
-Our collective goal of fully eradicating this invasive beetle from our midst is one step closer because of this funding,- said Worcester City Manager Michael V. O'Brien. -We are grateful for the ongoing advocacy for this funding by Congressman McGovern and the entire delegation.-
