Rep. Lofgren Announces $900K+ for Conservation Efforts in San Benito County

HOLLISTER, CA - Today, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that San Benito County will receive $910,558 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to help support habitat conservation efforts.

"For the sake of future generations, we need to make investments now that preserve and protect our environment tomorrow. This federal funding will help protect at-risk species and safeguard the rich biodiversity and ecological integrity of the region's wildlife habitats. The unique fauna and flora in San Benito County's mountains, foothills, and agricultural valleys must be properly cared for, and I will continue to support smart and balanced local conservation efforts," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18).

The FWS funding was provided by the Conservation Planning Assistance Grant Program, which supports the development and implementation of habitat conservation plans. This grant will specifically provide for conservation and recovery efforts for 22 species, including the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, giant kangaroo rat, San Joaquin kit fox, San Joaquin woolly-threads, and monarch butterfly.

The grant program was authorized by Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act and is funded through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, which received money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the FY24 consolidated appropriations package, which Rep. Lofgren voted in favor of.

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