The Fair Share Plan proposes a state-funded $170 million plan in 2008-09 to help communities and ratepayers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and farmers statewide achieve mandated nitrogen and phosphorus pollution reductions while accommodating future economic development and providing more options for farmers, wastewater treatment plants, and future homeowners and businesses.

Here’s an outline of the Plan:

Funding to Reduce the Cost to Communities and Ratepayers

· State would pay 50 percent of the estimated $1 billion cost of required wastewater plant improvements as other states have done in the Chesapeake Bay watershed;

· Fair Share Plan: $100 million per year over three years, starting in 2008-09, and $50 million per year for next four years (duration = 7 years) to help authorities finance improvements;

· 184 plants in the Bay watershed are mandated to meet new permit requirements and without state assistance, ratepayers will carry the entire burden of these mandates.

Direct Help to Farmers to Reduce Nutrient Runoff

· Direct aid to farmers through statewide cost share programs to help put best management practices on the ground, thus reducing pollution and improving water quality;

· Fair Share Plan: $35 million per year in REAP tax credits and $15 million per year in 50 percent cost share grants for necessary practices, to be administered by the State Conservation Commission (duration = five years);

· Without active farm participation, Pennsylvania cannot meet mandated water quality improvements.

Funding for County Conservation District Farmer Assistance

· Provide new, on-going funding to county conservation districts to provide technical assistance and planning services to farmers statewide. These are the first steps to putting best management practices on the ground to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution;

· Fair Share Plan: $10 million per year in new funding beyond proposed budget;

· Without expanding district programs serving farmers, Pennsylvania cannot meet mandated water quality improvements.

Keep PA Agriculture Growing: Restore Ag Funding

· Restore Department of Agriculture funding in 2008-09 and the future, including the Nutrient Management Fund, Research, Crop Insurance, State Conservation Commission, and Farmers’ Market Development;

· Fair Share Plan: $10 million needed in 2008-09 to keep research, education and promotion programs on track;

· This funding is critical for the health of Pennsylvania’s number one industry and to meet mandated water quality improvements.

Ensure a Workable Nutrient Credit Trading Program

· A viable nutrient credit trading program is needed to provide sewage capacity for future economic development in large portions of Pennsylvania.

· The current system must be strengthened by adding a nutrient credit bank to provide greater stability and predictability, reduce trading risks and provide viable nutrient reduction alternatives for wastewater treatment plants and other point sources.

For more information, visit the PA Fair Share for Clean Water Plan webpage.

4/11/2008