The Renew Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, Wednesday praised House members for their unanimous vote on a budget amendment that restores funding for a key recreation and conservation program.

Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition, issued the following statement:

“The Coalition is extremely pleased with the House vote to restore funding for the Keystone 93 program,which is critical to sustaining our state’s parks, open space and outdoor recreational opportunities.

“This was a bi-partisan effort and the Coalition expresses its gratitude to every member voting in the affirmative.  We especially thank Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware) for his leadership and for bringing both sides of the aisle together to stop this cut to recreation and conservation funding.

“The Coalition also commends Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) for lending his voice to the cries for conservation funding to be restored.

“As budget negotiations continue, this unanimous, bipartisan vote in defense of Keystone 93 should send a strong signal that investments in recreation and conservation are a priority across Pennsylvania and must be included in the final budget package.”

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth.  More than 200 organizations have signed the Coalition’s statement of support, and more than 150 government entities, including 37 counties, have passed resolutions calling for a dedicated source of funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund.

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6/11/2012