Photo by Howard Feintuch. Sen. Ben Cardin discusses the extensive renovations and upgrades taking place at the Patuxent Research Refuge during a press conference Aug. 26 at the site in Laurel. Cardin explained the construction is a result of $15.5 million in Recovery Act funds awarded to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey. The project has created 200 construction and design jobs and is expected to bring 90 new, permanent research-related jobs to Laurel upon completion.

Published on: Wednesday, September 01, 2010

By Howard Feintuch

Extensive renovations and upgrades are slated for the Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel as a result of a combined $15.5 million in funds from the Recovery Act given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey, which both have offices onsite.

Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin held a press conference at the site Aug. 26 to discuss the upgrades of the 12,790-acre property that also houses the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Several government officials spoke, including Congressman John Sarbanes of the 3rd Congressional District, where the Refuge is located.

The funding and subsequent work has created more than 200 construction and design jobs, according to Cardin, who is also the chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Cardin and Sarbanes were thanked by several of the speakers for their efforts to obtain the funding to address deficiencies at several of the buildings on the property. The Refuge was established in 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to support wildlife research.

Cardin said he also intended for the Recovery Act funds to create jobs at the Refuge.

Upon completion of the projects, Cardin said it is expected 90 new, permanent jobs will be created, primarily scientists and support staff, expanding the research capacity within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey.

“These facilities are great treasures. The work done here is truly unique. For example, whooping cranes were at the brink of extinction, and the work done here saved the species,” Cardin said.

Sarbanes also emphasized the importance of creating new jobs.

“The job element of this can also not be overlooked. There are more than 20 projects underway that have created work for people,” said Sarbanes.

One of the projects is the construction of a 38,000 square foot administration building for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Migratory Bird Management.

Anne Castle, Department of Interior assistant secretary for Water and Sea, was one of the speakers who expressed gratitude to Cardin and Sarbanes for their work in helping secure the funding.

“These facilities have always been known for cutting-edge research and being an internationally recognized wildlife research center,” said Castle. “The Recovery Fund money will allow us to continue to have cutting-edge laboratories.”

Dr. Martha McNutt, director of the U.S. Geological Survey, looks forward to the modernization of several of her agency’s facilities.

“Thanks to the funding from the Recovery Act, we can rebuild and modernize critical facilities. I’ve looked around and observed the work going on here and we can be proud of the progress made,” McNutt said.

Patuxent Research Refuge is one of over 550 refuges within the national wildlife system. Scientists there have conducted world class research on environmental contaminants, endangered species recovery and a variety of other critical wildlife conservation issues over the years, according to Brad Knudson, Refuge manager at Patuxent.

“The research facilities have done incredible work in the past, and now with the funding it will continue to do so and have a great future,” Cardin said.