Jim Souby, president and CEO of the institute, said the federal government actually provides about 25 percent of $1 million it raises annually. He said the federal grant funds the institute's environmental studies, which it shares and implements with local and state government leaders.

"We would characterize the grant as a smart investment," Souby said, noting his group reports annually to the government on its use of the funding. The institute was founded by former Gov. Mike Leavitt and other former governors to address and implement solutions to long-term issues.

The Pig Book also takes issue with $1 million added by the Senate to the Defense spending bill for a competency-based distance education initiative with Western Governors University.

"A close examination of their Web site does not reveal any defense-related missions," the book said.

Bennett also sits on the Senate Appropriations Interior Subcommittee and the Pig Book points to $13.95 million for Utah projects in the Interior spending bill, including: $4 million for the Utah Public Lands Artifact Preservation Act; $1.5 million for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail; $750,000 for the Range Creek/Rainbow Glass Ranch; $500,000 for a wastewater treatment plant in Eagle Mountain; and $300,000 for wastewater infrastructure improvements for Judge Tunnel in Park City.

Bennett's spokeswoman Mary Jane Collipriest said that by criticizing funding for items like the popular Bonneville Shoreline Trail and the new Museum of Natural History at the U., "CAGW demonstrates that it's missed it again."

"Without a new museum at the U., ancient artifacts found on federal land will continue to deteriorate in the closets and filing cabinets where they're currently housed," she said. "CAGW is ignoring the tremendous cost to the government which would result in failing to protect these valuable historic items. I'm sorry someone's led them astray in their analysis and failed to provide them with complete information about these worthwhile Utah projects."

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E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com