Interior Department Fiscal 2003 Budget

February 13, 2002
news release of the Department of the Interior

Interior Budget Emphasizes Citizen-Centered Conservation, Restoration, and Rebuilding
–President Underscores Commitments to American Indians, National Parks and Refuges, Regional Restoration Projects–

(WASHINGTON) – President Bush’s proposed $10.6 billion funding for the Department of the Interior in fiscal year 2003 reflects his commitment to restoring natural areas, rebuilding parks and refuges, improving American Indian education and trust reform, and unleashing a citizen-centered, incentive-driven conservation ethic. The proposal is the largest Interior budget ever presented by a President.

“We can strengthen conservation and fulfill our commitment to ensuring a strong economy by working with Americans whose lives, families, and communities are linked to our nation’s natural resources,” Interior Secretary Gale Norton said today in unveiling the proposal. “We can secure a new environmentalism for the nation—one founded in community, compassion, and cooperative conservation.”

The 2003 budget would maintain historic funding levels for the Department, enabling it to develop stronger partnerships with states, tribes, local communities, and citizens in a common goal of stewardship of the nation’s lands and resources, Norton said.

The proposed budget is more than 21 percent higher than the 2000 appropriation level of $8.6 billion. And multi-year funding that becomes available as a result of existing legislation will provide an additional $2.6 billion, for a total 2003 Department budget of $13.2 billion.