PA Conservation Districts Ask Lawmakers To Keep Same Funding For Their Vital Services As They Finalize FY 2020-21 State Budget

The PA Association of Conservation Districts asks Senate and House members for level-funded budgets for the vital services provided by Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts.

Conservation districts help prevent pollution to ensure clean water for our future. They can also help the state with an economic recovery. 

Conservation districts prevent pollution from farms and construction sites. Staff from conservation districts work with farmers and construction companies. They make sure that practices are in place to limit pollution. 

This keeps our communities healthy. 

To help with an economic recovery in Pennsylvania, conservation districts are working through the pandemic. They review and approve permit applications. This keeps projects going and people working. 

Conservation districts provide funding for fixing dirt and gravel roads throughout the state. Fixing these roads provides jobs and prevents pollution from entering our waterways. 

“The conservation districts support construction work and our local farmers,” stated Brenda Shambaugh, PACD Executive Director. “Pennsylvania’s conservation districts are an important part of reopening the Commonwealth. They provide technical assistance and approve permits to keep projects moving. They do this in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.”  

Conservation districts need to keep their doors open to prevent pollution and to aid in an economic recovery. However, in order to operate, conservation districts need state funding. 

PACD asks the legislature to provide the same funding as last year. The General Assembly will consider a final state budget in November.

For more information on programs, initiatives, services and upcoming events, visit the PA Association of Conservation Districts website.

Related Articles This Week:

-- PA Farm Bureau, 45 Other Hunting, Angler, Business, Environmental, Watershed Groups Urge Senate, House To Pass On-Farm Conservation Funding Bill This Year

-- National Assn. Of Conservation Districts Accepting Applications For Conservation District Grants

Related Articles - Budget:

-- New Poll Shows 90% Of PA Voters Want Senate, House Members To Address Environmental, Conservation Priorities, Provide More Funding For Critical Programs

-- Analysis: 2020 Is A Make Or Break Year For Environmental Funding

-- House Speaker Cutler: Republicans Will First Raid Dedicated Funds To Balance Budget In November

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

-- House Republicans Moving Bill To Reallocate Keystone Fund, Damage Vitality Of PA’s Outdoor Economy

-- Analysis: Why Republican Freeze On Funding For Local Parks, Trails, Farm Conservation, Mine Reclamation, Recycling Is Bad For The Economy, Communities, The Environment

-- Senate Environmental Committee Puts Spotlight On Funding Needed To Implement PA Clean Water Plan At Chesapeake Bay Briefing

[Posted: October 16, 2020]  PA Environment Digest