On April 21, the PA Conservation District Association set a letter to all members of the House opposing efforts by House Republicans to freeze funding for county conservation districts which they said would shut down conservation districts across the state, delay local construction projects and hurt local economies.

The amendment was added to House Bill 1822 by House Republicans Monday, with all Democrats opposing. Read more here.

The text of the letter said--

“The House may soon consider House Bill 1822 which includes a provision freezing any further project funding from the Conservation Districts Fund and other funds. 

“Our conservation districts are currently operating remotely, continuing to perform the important duties to keep the residents in our counties environmentally safe. 

“We are also providing guidance to those entities who will eventually need permit approvals for projects that will begin after all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. 

“By suspending funding from the Conservation District Fund, the PA General Assembly will be shutting down conservation districts, meaning all project planning and design would stop.  Additionally, any emergency site visits would cease to exist. 

“This is particularly crucial since the construction industry will begin operations in the near future and they won’t be able to obtain their necessary Chapter 102 NPDES permits without approval from conservation districts. 

“We understand the gravity of today’s health situation, but are asking you oppose HB 1822 as it is currently amended to freeze project funding from the Conservation District Fund and the Environmental Stewardship Fund. 

“Freezing these funds will not reduce the spread of the Covid-19 disease, but will be extremely detrimental to our county’s economy. 

“Conservation districts need to continue functioning remotely so we can keep our neighbors safe and our economy back on the right track after all restrictions are lifted. 

“Thank you for your consideration in this matter.”

For more information, visit the PA Conservation District Association website.

Related Articles:

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

PA Land Trust Assn. Says House Republican Effort To Prohibit State Expenditures On Conservation Districts, Local Conservation Projects 'Insanity'

PA Environmental Council: Almost All Funds Targeted By Republican Freeze Support Local Environmental Projects

PA Parks & Forests Foundation: Republican Efforts To Freeze Conservation Funding Will Hurt Communities, Small Businesses

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

House Republicans Pass Bill Blocking Environmental Regulations; Likely Going To Governor

Op-Ed: My Fellow Conservatives Are Out Of Touch On The Environment - Fmr. Gov. Tom Ridge

[Posted: April 21, 2020]

4/27/2020