Washington, DC (August 31, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that U.S. Departments of Interior and Transportation have awarded the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge with $510,000 in federal funding to replace a tram.

“More and more people are enjoying our nation’s national parks and public lands,” said Hinojosa.  “Because of this, we must preserve these ecological and environmental resources so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.  These funds will help the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge continue the work begun more than 60 years ago, and will ensure that the refuge remains a place of splendor and grandeur.”

The funding is awarded through the Alternative Transportation in the Parks and Public Land program established under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy of Users of 2005.  This new program funds transportation in national parks and will:  help conserve natural, historical, and cultural resources; reduce congestion and pollution; and, improve visitor mobility with disabilities.

The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,088 acre refuge on the banks of the lower Rio Grande River established in 1943 for the protection of migratory birds.  The habitat is host or home to nearly 400 different types of birds and a myriad of other species, including the indigo snake, malachite butterfly and the endangered ocelot.