Conservation Districts React To Proposed 25 Percent Cut In State Funding

Larry Kehl, President of the PA Association of Conservation Districts reacted negatively to Gov. Rendell’s proposed 2009-2010 budget concerning funding for the 66 Pennsylvania conservation districts.

 

The Governor’s budget recommends a combined total of $4,254,000 in the Conservation District Fund within the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Protection. This figure represents a cut of over $1 million over the last fiscal year’s appropriations.

 

“Today’s conservation districts have evolved to provide expertise in almost every area of natural resource conservation. Conservation districts continue to help people and communities manage the natural resources in their area,” Kehl stated. “They provide landowners and businesses with the knowledge and the experience to successfully implement state law and regulatory requirements on their land and agricultural operations.”

 

Funds for Pennsylvania conservation districts are appropriated on the local and state level. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and the State Conservation Commission have indicated that 50 percent of certain personnel financing should be state appropriated, and 50 percent county funded. Typically the Commonwealth does not provide 50 percent of the financing.

 

PACD is advocating a $10,230,198 million state appropriation in the 2009-2010 fiscal year for conservation districts. Last year the state appropriated $5,260,000. Mr. Kehl said future consideration should be given to provide conservation districts with a dedicated source of funding. “Dedicated funding would greatly simplify conservation district annual budgeting processes,” Kehl stated.

 

For more information, visit the PACD website.