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TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2002

When President Bush releases his fiscal year 2003 budget on February 4, it is expected he will increase funding for terrorist-related programs while other areas will see little or no growth.

In advance of the harsh measures, the administration has begun sending out "good news" about the budget, meaning programs that will see hikes in funding. Secretary of Interior Gale Norton got her chance on Monday and said the new budget will include $56.5 million for the national wildlife refuge system, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Norton made the announcement while touring the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in California. While in the state last week, she said she'd increase funding for specific renewable energy programs at the Bureau of Land Management by $350,000 and at the U.S. Geological Survey by $500,000.

Norton has not stated yet what the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget or trust reform spending will be. In a status report submitted to a federal court last week, she said she was "highly confident" Bush would seek an increase in funds for trust.

If there is no growth in the Interior budget, money would have to be taken from other programs to pay for the increases.

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Interior secretary announces proposal to increase money for wildlife refuges (AP 1/21)