Senate Interior Appropriations Markup Set for June 7

Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance at Stake

From National Recreation and Park Association

The Senate Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies has set June 7 to consider its multifaceted FY 2006 spending bill. The legislation funds national forest, park, western public domain, and refuge systems, Land and Water Conservation Fund state assistance, federal land acquisition, and scores of other recreation, culture and Native American programs.

The subcommittee action marks the beginning of a 3-step Senate process-- subcommittee, full committee and floor action-- that will largely determine appropriations, if any, for Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance for state and local governments.

The May 30-June 3 congressional recess "is a great opportunity for advocates to contact senators while in their state," observed NRPA policy director Barry Tindall." Advocates for parks and recreation must take action now to help save this vitally important program," Tindall said.

The House of Representatives passed its version of the Interior bill (H.R. 2361, H. Rpt.109-80) on May 19. It provides no funds for LWCF state assistance and only minimal support for federal lands. House documents make no mention of the president's budget recommendation to terminate the state partnership.

An amendment to restore $20 million to the state assistance program was withdrawn by sponsors before it reached the House floor. Rep. James McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Peter King (R-NY), and Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ ) were prepared to lead a bipartisan effort to restore $20 million for LWCF state assistance, thus creating a small gap to make up if the Senate restores more. The amendment would have reduced the Fish and Wildlife Services' Land Owner Incentive program, a secretarial initiative. The offset was opposed by wildlife organizations and others.

Constituents should share thoughts on local benefits and, identify past and potential future LWCF projects. Call your Senator, especially if listed below, and ask them to secure at least $91.2 million for LWCF state assisatance. The following is a list of key senators, including members of the Interior appropriations subcommittee, full Appropriations Committee and key Senate leaders:

Stevens (R-AK),Shelby (R-AL), Feinstein (D-CA), Allard (R-CO), Inouye (D-HI), Harkin (D-IA), Craig (R-ID), Durbin (D-IL), Brownback (R-KS), McConnell (R-KY), Mikulski (D-MD), Bond (R-MO), Cochran (R-MS), Dorgan (D-ND), Gregg (R-NH), Corzine (D-NJ), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Domenici (R-NM), Ensign (R-NV), Reid (D-NV), Schumer (D-NY), DeWine (R-OH), Specter (R-PA), Frist (R-TN), Hutchison (R-TX), Bennett (R-UT), Leahy, (D-VT), Murray(D-WA), Kohl (D-WI), Byrd(D-WV), Thomas(R-WY)

You can access your Senator's office via the capitol switchboard 202-224-3121.

Land and Water Conservation Fund state assistance helps states and local communities develop parks and recreation resources through 50/50 matching grants. Since the initial grants in 1965 the program has been responsible for aiding 40,000 state and local parks and recreation projects in 98% of U.S. counties. To report feedback or gain assistance contact NRPA Public Policy at (202) 887-0290.