WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate recently overwhelmingly passed the agriculture spending bill and Senator Bob\ Bennett, Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee chairman, successfully obtained more than $51 million for Utah agriculture projects. Of that total, $1 million is earmarked for the still-developing Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville. "As one of the fastest growing states, Utah may soon be confronted with urban sprawl, a limited water supply, diminishing public open space, and a shrinking resource base for native plants, wildlife, and wetlands," Bennett said. "Funds will continue to assist the Center's research and education efforts to address these growth-related issues."

"Utah's agriculture industry is critical to the state's economy, and this money will help our farmers and ranchers continue in their important role as some of the best producers in the nation," said Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, who also supported the bill.

Hatch noted that the Utah Botanical Center provides research on low-water-consuming plants for use in home landscapes in desert climates.