MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Norton, Commissioner Keys to Testify on
President's Proposed FY 05 Budget for Bureau of Reclamation

(WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton and Bureau of Reclamation Director John Keys will testify tomorrow on President Bush's proposed Fiscal Year 2005 budget before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. The Thursday, March 4, hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in Room 2362 B in the Rayburn House Office Building.

Norton and Keys will discuss major water initiatives in the President's request for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, including the proposed budget for Reclamation programs and projects, Klamath Basin restoration efforts, and Water 2025 strategies to help western communities avoid chronic water shortages. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over the budget for the Bureau of Reclamation.

"Interior's mission becomes increasingly complex as expectations evolve, new technologies emerge, and our responsibilities to the American people increase," Secretary Norton said. "How well we fulfill our mission influences whether farmers will have water and people can turn on the tap; whether our children will enjoy America's grand vistas, places, and history; whether we can hike, bird watch, canoe, or hunt and fish; and whether we can warm our homes and fuel our transportation systems."

WHO: Interior Secretary Gale Norton and Reclamation Commissioner John Keys.

WHAT: Testimony to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development on the President's proposed FY 2005 Budget for the U.S. Department of the Interior.

WHEN: Thursday, March 4, 2004, at 10 a. m. EST

WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building. Room 2362 B.