The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts expressed its disappointment and frustration concerning Gov. Rendell’s 2008-2009 fiscal budget proposal, which cuts soil and water conservation funding by $950,000 from last year’s final appropriation.

Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts throughout the Commonwealth implement many programs and services to protect water, soil and other resources. Several programs local conservation districts implement include erosion and sedimentation control, watershed protection, and abandoned mine reclamation.

In light of Pennsylvania’s interest in becoming a national leader in renewable energy production, it is imperative the Rendell administration and the state legislature provide the necessary technical assistance funding to properly produce and consume renewable energy in an environmentally sound manner. New technologies are being developed that utilize combustion, anaerobic digestion and gasification to generate energy from manure and other feedstocks.

Appropriate funding must become available to the conservation districts as they expand their technical assistance capacity commensurate with the development of biofuel and alternative energy production while also protecting soil, water, and air resources.

Susan Marquart, PACD Executive Director stated, “We will be working with members of the General Assembly not only to restore the funding for conservation districts, but to increase the state financial support so conservation districts can begin to assist landowners, renewable energy businesses, and the agricultural community who make the commitment to produce renewable energy in an environmentally safe manner.”

In conjunction with increased funding for the conservation districts, PACD is advocating additional funding for the Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Management Fund. The Governor’s budget proposal does not increase the fund, currently at $3.28 million, even though the Pennsylvania is striving to meet the challenges of nutrient reductions in the Commonwealth’s waters.

Larry Kehl, PACD president said, “The Nutrient Management Fund is vital to reducing nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and all other PA waterways. Without increased appropriations to this fund, our abilities to reduce nutrients in PA surface water will be severely hindered.”

In the coming months, PACD plans on talking to members of the PA General Assembly and requesting the formulation of a budget document more accurately reflecting the environmental concerns in the Commonwealth.

2/8/2008