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December 4, 2009

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Fed money coming for wildfires

Monday, Sept. 11, 2000 | 11:38 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

WASHINGTON -- Federal money for wildfires that ravaged Nevada and other Western states could be on its way soon.

President Clinton on Saturday asked Congress to approve $1.5 billion to fight fires and for restoration.

"As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will work with my colleagues to secure this funding," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a statement.

About 635 million acres have burned in Nevada, officials in Reid's office said. Three other states saw even worse fires: Idaho (1.2 million acres); Montana (935 million acres); Alaska (625 million acres).

Reid's office said $730 million would be used to restore forest and rangeland. The rest of the money would be used to strengthen fire fighting programs and replenishing the federal fire suppression budget.

Officials say this year's wildfire season ranks among the worst ever. Thirty-eight fires continue to burn in nine states.

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