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For Immediate Release
June 10, 2009
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Senator White Corrects DEP Misinformation on West Nile Virus
Spraying
(Harrisburg) – Senate Bill 850, the General Appropriations
budget bill passed by the state Senate on May 6th, provided
sufficient funding to continue the Commonwealth's West Nile Virus spraying
program, said Senator Mary Jo White (21-R), chairman of the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee.
Senator White took issue with a press release issued by
Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger, which warned that under SB 850,
the Department of Environmental Protection would need to consider ending the
participation of counties in the program.
"Governor Rendell requested $4.25 million for the county
spraying program," said White. "Senate Bill 850 appropriated $5.193 million for
West Nile protection – certainly enough money to cover the amount requested by
the Governor."
White noted that, according to DEP, SB 850 provided only
$2.8 million for county spraying efforts. "This number is simply fabricated,"
said White. "Unfortunately, it appears that DEP is willing to let personnel and
operating costs trump actual spraying to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus.
That approach is misguided."
Additionally, White pointed out that the Department of
Environmental Protection has control over a Clean Water Fund, with a balance of
nearly $6 million. If DEP believes insufficient funds were appropriated to
properly protect citizens from the threats posed from West Nile Virus, DEP has
the discretion to utilize money from the Fund to safeguard the health of
Pennsylvanians.
Contact:
Patrick Henderson (717) 787-9684 or
energy@pasen.gov | 
