The United States Department of Agriculture has doubled the amount of funding they will provide to New York State through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Monday.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service coordinates eradication and suppression efforts for emerging plant pests, including both emergency funding and technical assistance to states. With APHIS's assistance, New York's Department of Environmental Conservation will be able to survey the state to determine the extent of the infestation, and create and enact a plan to fight the spread of EAB.

Last week Schumer called for USDA to provide emergency funding to NYS to battle Ash Borer, and today he is announcing that they have responded to his request by doubling the amount of funding available to New York state from $100,000 to $200,000.

"This funding is a big step forward for New York State's battle against Ash Borer and the problems it could cause for our economy," Schumer said. "I appreciate USDA responding to my request so quickly, and providing New York with money that will translate to boots on the ground to fight this scourge. This is a good first step, and we will continue to fight for funding from the Forest Service to contain and push back this infestation.

''The Department of Environmental Conservation has done an excellent job fighting this infestation, and with these with these increased resources, it will be possible for the DEC to have a far greater impact in the Southern Tier and across New York."

APHIS can provide both funding and technical expertise in combating and treating this infestation. They routinely provide manpower, experts and equipment to localities that are experiencing invasive species emergencies.

However, despite the mounting threat from EAB, APHIS has not provided New York State with adequate funding to fight the infestation. Schumer said that APHIS has an obligation to provide the state, thorough the DEC, with sufficient funding and experts to combat the spread. Ash Borer can have a devastating impact on the state's economy, and Schumer said USDA should react accordingly.

Schumer last week also called on the US Forest Service to accept NYS DEC's application for stimulus funding to improve education on how to stop the spread of Ash Borer and to enforce the ban on the transportation of firewood. Schumer today said that he will continue working with the USFS to obtain those funds as soon as possible.