Friday, April 24, 2020

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

On April 24, the PA Recreation and Park Society sent a letter to all members of the Senate expressing their opposition to a Republican effort to freeze monies in special funds used to support local parks, recreation and conservation projects.
PRPS said, “Freezing these funds not only impacts parks, trails and other recreational assets now being used for mental health and physical fitness by your constituents in record numbers, but is shortsighted economic and fiscal policy that could harm the ability of the Commonwealth to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and maximize the amount of federal recovery and stimulus dollars received through matches.”
The text of the letter follows--
The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society urges you to oppose the language in House Bill 1822, or any other legislation, that freezes money in special funds used for conservation, recreation and environmental purposes until emergency disaster declarations related to COVID-19 are terminated. 
If the Senate considers House Bill 1822, which has other language with broader support, we urge you to remove the special funds language.
Freezing these funds not only impacts parks, trails and other recreational assets now being used for mental health and physical fitness by your constituents in record numbers, but is shortsighted economic and fiscal policy that could harm the ability of the Commonwealth to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and maximize the amount of federal recovery and stimulus dollars received through matches.
While more than 100 state special funds exist, only 16 are impacted by the language in HB 1822. The majority of those 16 appear to focus on conservation, recreation, agriculture, and community development. 
The prime examples are the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund.
It is also unclear how long some level of the COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration will last. For example, the Commonwealth is still under the January 10, 2018, emergency declaration against heroin and opioid addiction, which has been extended numerous times.
Revenues from these funds permit state and local agencies to confront imminent threats to public health, address infrastructure needs, and leverage private and federal funds. Projects supported by these funds create a wide range of jobs across many sectors of our economy and all regions of the Commonwealth. 
The ability to access these funds should help Pennsylvania maximize the number of “shovel-ready” projects it has prepared for federal stimulus and infrastructure funds.
Now, more than ever, Pennsylvanians are turning to our community and state parks for stress relief, family time, exercise and refuge. This heavy use is occurring at a time when park staff and volunteers are limited. 
A number of these dedicated funds can be used by park managers to address maintenance and safety needs to ensure that parks remain open for your constituents at this critical time. 
These assets, now being so thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by citizens of all ages, cannot absorb this heavy use without funds to maintain park infrastructure and be ready for the recovery ahead.
We urge you to oppose this language, and to consult with impacted agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to more fully understand its implications.
Thank you for your consideration.
Tim Herd, CEO PA Recreation & Parks Society
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and training opportunities, visit the PA Recreation and Park Society website.  Like them on Facebook,  Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, and find them on Instagram.  Click Here to support their work.
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[Posted: April 24, 2020]  PA Environment Digest
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