Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-02), co-chair of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, has secured $2 million for the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and $1.1 million for the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR for further land acquisition at each respective location.

The funding was contained in H.R. 2996, the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior-Environment Appropriations Act.

“Southern New Jersey has long placed significant value on preserving and protecting our open spaces, and I continue to strongly support those efforts particularly at our wildlife refuges,” said LoBiondo.

“This substantial investment will assist ongoing efforts to acquire additional land in both Cape May and Atlantic Counties, which will enhance the area for both local residents and visitors while protecting the habitats of the native wildlife.”

“Land acquisition funding for Cape May NWR is one of the most important components in ensuring the future protection of valuable wildlife and wildlife habitat within the Cape May Peninsula,” said Howard Schlegel, Wildlife Refuge Manager at the Cape May NWR.

“The addition of wildlife habitat to the Cape May NWR will directly support the refuge's purposes as an inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds, protection of fish and wildlife resources, and the conservation of wetlands for the benefit of present and future Americans. Congressman LoBiondo should be applauded by all Americans for his stalwart support of the Cape May NWR and the National Wildlife Refuge System.”

Earlier this year, LoBiondo secured $1.5 million for the Supawna NWR in Salem County as part of the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The 80 acres, known as the Sinnickson Tract, to be acquired with the federal funding are located in Pennsville. The funding was announced in February.

LoBiondo has secured $18.3 million for the expansion and improvement of South Jersey’s three refuges since FY 1998.

The legislation will next be approved by the Senate and sent to the President for his signature.