WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation which would provide $2 million to Wisconsin's Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The funding was included at the request of Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and other members of Wisconsin's House Congressional Delegation. The provision was included in the Interior Appropriations Act for FY 2000. The approval by the House of the funding follows action last month by the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide a similar $2 million for Wisconsin's section of the trail. That measure was included at the request of Senator Herb Kohl.

"This funding would be the largest single contribution of funding for the trail in one year," Congresswoman Baldwin said. "The Ice Age National Scenic Trail represents an important part of our heritage. We must do all that we can to protect our portion of this historic trail."

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,000-mile route which goes through 31 Wisconsin counties, including Dane, Sauk and Portage counties. Of the eight National Scenic Trails, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is the only one in the U.S. that is completely encompassed in one state. The funding is expected to be used for land acquisition to protect parts of the trail endangered by development. The funding will be matched by State and private funds.