The PA Parks & Forests Foundations wrote to lawmakers this week urging them to oppose efforts to freeze funding for local recreation and conservation projects that is needed to address imminent threats to public health and can help the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter refers to legislation-- House Bill 1822-- passed by Republicans in the House last week freezing new grant commitments from the Conservation District Fund, Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund and more.   The bill is now in the Senate for consideration.  Read more here.

 The Foundation joined other groups like the PA Association of Conservation Districts, Lancaster Clean Water Partners, PA State Grange, 11 major fishing and hunting groups, PA Land Trust Association, PA Recreation & Park Society, the PA Environmental Council,  PA Municipal Authorities Association and many others opposing a freeze on local conservation district, farm and environmental project funding.

The Foundation told lawmakers-- “Revenues from these funds permit state and local agencies to address imminent threats to public health, address infrastructure needs, and leverage private and federal funds.

“Revenues help to create jobs through the projects that are funded and the entities that are supported.

“The ability to access these funds may also permit Pennsylvania to be shovel-ready on infrastructure projects should a federal infrastructure bill pass … making federal investments more likely and attractive.

“It is unclear how long some level of the COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration will last. Hence, by freezing these funds—and potentially pulling from them—we could be removing funds necessary for economic stimulation through investments in parks, forests, and community recreation.

“Now, more than ever, Pennsylvanians are turning to our community and state parks and forests for stress relief, family time, and fitness.

“This heavy use is occurring at a time when staff and volunteers are limited.

“Our public lands, the property of all Pennsylvanians, cannot absorb this heavy use without funds to mitigate damage and to be ready for when we can be back to "business as normal."

“History has shown us that during tough economic times, people stay local for their vacations. By permitting these funds to meet their intended purpose, we invest in the recovery of Pennsylvania, post COVID-19.”

The text of the letter follows--

Last week, the House passed House Bill 1822 with A05143 –an amendment that would freeze any new spending from a targeted list of special funds until emergency disaster declarations related to COVID-19 are terminated.

While more than 100 state special funds exist, only 16 are impacted by this amendment. The majority of those 16 appear to focus on agriculture, conservation, and community development.

We understand that Pennsylvania and the nation are operating in a crisis situation and that there will be tough economic times ahead. Targeting these funds does not mitigate that crisis and, in fact, could add to it.

Revenues from these funds permit state and local agencies to address imminent threats to public health, address infrastructure needs, and leverage private and federal funds.

Revenues help to create jobs through the projects that are funded and the entities that are supported.

The ability to access these funds may also permit Pennsylvania to be shovel-ready on infrastructure projects should a federal infrastructure bill pass … making federal investments more likely and attractive.

Historically, the demand for these funds outpaces the source; freezing or eliminating these funds will have a negative impact on local communities as well as small businesses that benefit from the contracts made available from this funding.

Investments in addressing maintenance and safety needs ensures that public places remain open for visitors at this critical time.

It is unclear how long some level of the COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration will last. Hence, by freezing these funds—and potentially pulling from them—we could be removing funds necessary for economic stimulation through investments in parks, forests, and community recreation.

Now, more than ever, Pennsylvanians are turning to our community and state parks and forests for stress relief, family time, and fitness.

This heavy use is occurring at a time when staff and volunteers are limited.

Our public lands, the property of all Pennsylvanians, cannot absorb this heavy use without funds to mitigate damage and to be ready for when we can be back to "business as normal."

History has shown us that during tough economic times, people stay local for their vacations. By permitting these funds to meet their intended purpose, we invest in the recovery of Pennsylvania, post COVID-19.

For example, a study commissioned by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) job creation found that transportation enhancements (trails, walking and biking) projects create 17 jobs (design, engineering and construction) per $1 million spent, more than any other type of project—including pavement widening and new highway construction.

Furthermore, we know that for every $1 in taxpayer money invested in a state park over $12.40 comes back to the state in tax revenue. Tax revenue will be critical to the recovery process.

The targeted funds are used to address issues that communities across the state are struggling with every day, such as flooding, drinking water protection, and more. These funds were also put in place with a commitment to the voting public - and in some cases through a referendum vote.

It is unclear why only these funds were targeted, yet it is hard to deny that the bill will have a significant impact on economically vital environmental programs.

We urge you to reconsider this amendment and to consult with the agencies associated with the funds to fully understand the impact of freezing these special funds.

Thank you for your consideration.

Marci J. Mowery, President

For more information on programs, initiatives, special events and how you can get involved, visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,  Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter or tune in to their YouTube Channel.  Click Here to become a member of the Foundation.

[Editor’s Note: $172 Million Just Sitting There: The Senate and House are still sitting on a $172 million surplus in their own operating accounts, but they don’t seem ready to repurpose the money to help taxpayers and real people during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Read more here.

[Sacrifice is good… for other people in their view, apparently.

[Click Here to read more about "legislative privilege" and hiding how the General Assembly spends taxpayer money.]

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Analysis: Where Did The $2.93 Billion In Environmental Funding The General Assembly Diverted Or Cut Go?

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Related Articles:

-- House Republicans Pass Bill To Freeze Funding For County Conservation Districts, Local Parks, Farm Conservation, Watershed Restoration Projects; Will Hurt Local Economies

-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Proposed Environmental Funding Freeze Would Be ‘Devastating’ To Lancaster’s Economy, Clean Water Efforts

-- PA Conservation District Assn.: House Republican Effort To Freeze Funding For County Conservation Districts Will Shut Them Down, Hurt Local Economies

-- May 3-9 County Conservation Districts Week Overshadowed By Lawmaker Efforts To Freeze, Shutdown Conservation District Funds

-- PA State Grange Farm Organization Opposes Proposed Freeze On Conservation District, Local Farm, Restoration Project Funding

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-- PA Recreation & Park Society Opposes Republican Efforts To Freeze Funding For Local Park, Recreation, Conservation Projects

-- PA Environmental Council: Almost All Funds Targeted By Republican Freeze Support Local Environmental, Conservation Efforts

--- PA Municipal Authorities Assn, 19 Waste Authorities Oppose Proposed Freeze On Recycling Funding

-- Op-Ed: State Government Is Ignoring Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Right To A Clean Environment For Generations Yet To Come - Ron Evans, PA Environmental Defense Foundation

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[Posted: April 30, 2020]

5/4/2020