Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to Mr. and Mrs. W. H., June 30, 1997

BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEES Congress of tfjc ®nitei> States Slousc of ^epreScntatince $®a$1jington, SC 20515-2002 June 30, 1997 ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP Dear Thank you for conveying to me your views with respect to the federal forest roads building program. Given the ever present danger of forest fires in the Pacific Northwest, I believe that it is appropriate for the federal government to undertake actions, such as building roads, that will allow emergency vehicles ready access to remote, heavily forested areas should it become necessary. Some have sought to portray federal funding of these roads as “corporate welfare” intended to exclusively benefit wealthy logging companies. I disagree with this wholesale characterization. While I oppose overt attempts to prop up private companies with federal dollars, it must be noted that loggers will not be the only users of these roads. To prohibit the federal government from building any new roads may be an extreme solution to a perceived problem. With respect to the upcoming attempt by Congressmen Joe Kennedy and John Porter to eliminate all funding for new timber roads, I will take your views under consideration. As you know, Congress has initiated a historic agreement to balance the budget to protect the economic future of Americans. A vital part of the agreement requires Congress to give every program a second look when making funding decisions. Accordingly, be assured that I will work to ensure that the roads building program receives a realistic, fiscally responsible level of funding during Fiscal Year 1998. Once again, thanks for contacting me. Please contact me again if I may be of assistance in the future. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress