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House approves $50 million in LWCF funding for states

From the National Recreation and Park Association

At yesterday's markup, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved the fiscal 2007 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill on a voice vote. Although only limited information was available from the Committee staff, park and recreation advocates will be heartened to know that for the first time in three years, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund state assistance program. Even better news is that the subcommittee recommended $50 million for 2008, a $20 million increase over the funded level of 2007 and 2006.

The Interior Appropriations spending bill funds the department of the Interior, EPA, the Forest Service, and other federal land-managing agencies.

Although the total appropriations bill was cut $753 million from 2007 levels to $25.7 billion, total discretionary funding was increased by 4.5%. Included is $199 million for the Centennial Initiative which will begin a ten-year investment in America?s National Parks as the 100 year anniversary of the National Park System approaches in 2016.

The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved $268 million in total LWCF funding for 2008, which includes federal land acquistion activities, state assistance, as well as Forest Legacy grants.

The President's proposed budget, released in February of this year proposed zero funding for LWCF for the third consecutive year and planned to terminate this program. Advocates have been tireless in educating Members of Congress just how important this 50/50 matching grant program is in the development of close to home public recreation resources.

This action by the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee is just the first step in a chain of actions to approve a final appropriations bill for 2008. Advocates should monitor the progress of the Appropriations bills in both the House and the Senate, and continue to voice support for this vital program as the appropriations process continues. Please look for Breaking News alerts, and regular Dateline Online Legislative Updates, over the next few months, as the appropriations process continues.

For additional information contact NRPA Public Policy at 202-887-0290, or email mphillips@nrpa.org .

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