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Monthly Executive Director Message: State Budget

February, 2014

Monthly Message from Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener Coalition

Dear Coalition Supporters and Friends:

Thank you to those Coalition partners who attended our planning meeting in Harrisburg last month.  We had a productive day charting our course for the upcoming months and discussing a long-term approach for future conservation, recreation and preservation funding.

Coincidentally, just two days after our meeting, Governor Corbett announced $20.65 million in Growing Greener grants for projects statewide that will improve watersheds, reduce stormwater runoff and acid mine drainage and promote environmental education.

Congratulations to the awardees, many of which are Coalition members. For a full list, click here.

As we all know, these grants are important investments in our communities and play a significant role in combating pollution and keeping our drinking water clean.

Fortunately, the Governor’s proposed budget introduced earlier this month protects funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund as well as Keystone ’93 and Historic and Agriculture Preservation.

However, the spending proposal eliminates funding for the Heritage Areas Program, which has successfully conserved and enhanced the state’s natural resources and promoted tourism development for nearly 25 years.

The Legislature rightly rescued this important program last year restoring a critical $2.25 million line item.  We were surprised and disappointed to learn that it may be slated for the chopping block again this year.

Rest assured, we will be working diligently with the Corbett Administration and members of the House and Senate to restore funding for the Heritage Areas Program, which creates jobs and brings business to the region, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in state revenues.

As always, we appreciate your support on this and many other important issues.

Additionally, as the gubernatorial primaries approach, the Coalition will be reaching out to the candidates to educate them on the importance of funding to protect our natural resources, preserve our farmland, support our parks and trails and  safeguard our historic treasures.

If you have any questions you think we should ask, please let me know before the end of the month.

Also please feel free to contact me if you would like more information about the ongoing work of the Coalition or would like to make a donation.

And don’t forget to stay connected to the Coalition through Facebook and Twitter!

Sincerely,

Andrew Heath

Coalition Statement on Governor’s Proposed Budget

For Immediate Release:  February 4, 2014

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Expresses Cautious Optimism
Over Governor’s Proposed Budget
Organization Calls for Restoration of Heritage Areas Program Funding

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to Governor Corbett’s 2014-15 budget proposal:

“The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition is grateful that the Governor recognizes the importance of maintaining the programs that protect and restore our drinking water, preserve our farms and open spaces, and provide recreational opportunities.

“We appreciate that the Governor’s proposed budget appears to leave intact funding for critical programs such as Growing Greener, Keystone ’93 and Historic and Agriculture Preservation.

“However, the Coalition has grave concerns about the elimination of funding for the Heritage Areas Program, which has successfully conserved and enhanced the state’s natural resources and promoted tourism development for nearly 25 years.

“The Legislature rightly rescued this important program last year, and we are surprised and disappointed that it is slated for the chopping block again this year.

“The Coalition looks forward to working with the Corbett Administration and members of the House and Senate to restore funding for the Heritage Areas Program, which creates jobs and brings business to the region, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in state revenues.”

 

Coalition to Corbett: Protect Conservation Funding

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition to Governor Corbett:
Protect Funding for Conservation, Recreation and Preservation

 (HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today issued the following letter to Governor Corbett urging him to protect funding for critical programs that help, protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support parks and recreation, and safeguard our historic treasures.

The text of the letter is as follows:

The Hon. Tom Corbett
Pennsylvania Governor
225 Main Capitol Bldg.
Harrisburg, PA 17120 

Dear Governor Corbett,

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, thank you for your recent announcement of more than $20 million in grants for watershed protection projects across the Commonwealth.

These grants from the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are important investments in our communities and play a significant role in combating pollution and keeping our drinking water clean.

As you prepare to deliver your budget address next week, the Coalition strongly urges you to protect funding for the Environmental Stewardship Fund as well as for other critical conservation and recreation programs.

In addition to the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund, these programs include Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Heritage Areas program.

The Coalition is firmly opposed to any cuts or freezes to these programs, especially at a time when Pennsylvania needs to be investing more money to protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support parks and recreation, and safeguard our historic treasures – not less.

Consider that:

  • The Commonwealth still has 19,000 miles of streams that are unsafe for fishing and swimming.
  • More than 2,000 family farms remain on the statewide list for preservation.
  • Pennsylvania continues to lose three times as much forest, wildlife habitat, farmland and other open spaces to overdevelopment than we are able to preserve.
  • Abandoned mines still scar almost 190,000 acres in 44 counties and are the cause of more than 5,000 miles of dead streams.

Also, consider that investments in conservation, recreation, and preservation bolster the economy. A Trust for Public Land study found that for every $ 1 invested in land and water conservation, $7 in natural goods and services is returned to the state of Pennsylvania.

Moreover, investments in parks and open space add billions of dollars to property values and help support Pennsylvania’s tourism and recreation industry.  A report by the Outdoor Industry Association indicates that outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania generates $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue and supports 219,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs.

In addition, conservation funding is an essential component for meeting federal Clean Water Act mandates associated with the Chesapeake Bay Blueprint and the need to reduce pollution in our local rivers and streams.  Failure to meet the requirements to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment according to the Bay Blueprints timeline opens the Commonwealth up to backstops from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.  Growing Greener grants are needed for on-the- ground efforts to help meet these mandates.

Lastly, polls show strong, consistent public support for programs that improve our quality of life, boost the economy and protect the environment throughout Pennsylvania. The Growing Greener Environment Stewardship Fund – which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year – has enjoyed strong, bipartisan support from voters, legislators and governors since the beginning.

Please do not change that now.

We recognize the challenges ahead and look forward to working with you and the Legislature to ensure that funding for programs that protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support our parks and trails, and safeguard our historic treasures remains intact.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Andrew Heath

Executive Director

 

 

Coalition Applauds $38 Million Investment in Conservation and Recreation Projects

For Immediate Release:  December 6, 2013

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Applauds
$38 Million Investment in Conservation and Recreation Projects Statewide 

Coalition Highlights Importance of Maintaining and Expanding Funding for Future Projects

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today applauded the investment of $38 million in grants to support conservation and recreation projects statewide, and highlighted the importance of maintaining and expanding funding for future projects.

“The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition applauds the state’s approval of $38 million in grants that will be used to support critical conservation and recreation projects in nearly every county throughout the Commonwealth,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition.  “These grants remind us of the importance of maintaining and expanding funding to protect vital natural resources that provide numerous economic and quality of life benefits.”

The grants were awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is

supported with funds from a variety of sources that include The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund and the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program.

The following are examples of projects that have received grant funding:

  •  Natural Lands Trust will receive a grant of $834,500 to acquire and preserve a 234-acre stretch along Ridgeway Road within the Schuylkill Highlands in Berks County. The preserved forestland,  which provides habitat and recreational opportunities, will eventually be transferred to the PA Bureau of Forestry.
  •  The Nature Conservancy will receive more than $306,000 to acquire approximately 110 acres within the Tannersville Cranberry Bog in Monroe County, for habitat and wetland bog protection.
  •  Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society will receive $185,000 to provide recreation and park outreach and education.
  •  Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism was awarded a grant of $183,500 to provide technical assistance to partner organizations on the development of trails and greenways in Venango and Crawford Counties, to facilitate the construction of the Oil Creek Memorial Landing and to install signage along a segment of the Erie-to-Pittsburgh Trail.
  •  Allegheny Ridge Corporation will receive $200,000 to implement the Kiski Valley Outdoor Connections Plan, which include coordination of two trail acquisitions, installation of signage on regional trail systems and construction of boating accesses in Huntingdon County.
  •  Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will receive a grant of $110,000 to acquire approximately 48 acres along River Road in Confluence Borough to be used for forest protection and recreational opportunities.

“Investments in conservation contribute to the long-term economic success of Pennsylvania and to the health and well-being of its residents,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust.  “These grants will allow Natural Lands Trust to preserve hundreds of acres of land—from rural Berks County to the Mt. Airy neighborhood in Philadelphia—that will protect important wildlife habitat and provide ecreational opportunities now and for years to come.”

According to a recent survey from the Center for Survey Research at Penn State Harrisburg, 92 percent of 608 Pennsylvanians surveyed think that state funds dedicated to preserving farmland and

open space, providing parks and trails and protecting rivers and streams should continue to be used for these purposes.

In addition, the survey found that nearly 78 percent of respondents support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests and farms even if would cost the average household $10 more annually. These high levels of support are constant throughout every geographic region and every gender, ethnic, educational and economic demographic throughout the state.

Regional Coalition Releases:

* Southeast Pennsylvania

* Northeast Pennsylvania

* Central Pennsylvania

* Southwest Pennsylvania

* Northwest Pennsylvania

Governor’s Release

List of Projects Funded by County

Coalition Celebrates Marcellus Shale Legacy Grants

For Immediate Release:  November 26, 2013

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Celebrates Approval of Marcellus Legacy Fund Grants for Recreation and Critical Land and Water Conservation Projects

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today celebrated the approval of more than $28 million in Marcellus Legacy Fund grants to support recreation and critical land and water protection efforts throughout the state.

“These grants will have a lasting impact on the Commonwealth by supporting vital projects that will protect watersheds, preserve open space, mitigate flooding, build and improve recreational trails and treat contaminated water at former mining sites, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition.

Impact fees on natural gas drilling have generated more than $400 million to date.  Forty percent of the fees collected is allocated to the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund and a portion of that is distributed in the form of grants from the Commonwealth Financing Authority [CFA] to support statewide conservation and recreation efforts.  This initial round of grants distributed more than $28 million in grants.

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition was instrumental in ensuring that funds collected through the Marcellus Legacy Fund be made available for statewide conservation and recreation projects.

A breakdown of the grants distributed by the CFA is as follows:

  • $5.6 million to restore streams impaired by polluted runoff in 18 counties.
  • $16 million to support 116 greenway, trail and recreation projects throughout the state.
  • $5.2 million to support 12 abandoned mine drainage abatement and treatment projects statewide.
  • $700,000 to support flood mitigation projects in Blair, Bucks, Lackawanna and Northumberland counties.
  • $225,000 to plug orphaned and abandoned wells in Allegheny and Washington counties.

“The Marcellus Legacy Fund was created to help support important environmental protection efforts statewide and in local communities, and we’re glad to see that its impact is starting to be felt,” Heath said.  “This first round of grant awards will go a long way to improving environmental outcomes and upholding Pennsylvania’s status as a great place to live and work.”

Cindy Dunn Named President/CEO of PennFuture

For Immediate Release:  November 4, 2013

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Congratulates Cindy Adams Dunn on Appointment as President and CEO of PennFuture

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath congratulating Cindy Adams Dunn on her appointment as President and CEO of PennFuture:

“Cindy Dunn is an excellent choice as the chief executive of PennFuture and the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition congratulates her on this prestigious appointment.

“Cindy has decades of experience in outdoor recreation, conservation of natural resources, environmental protection and will be a strong leader for PennFuture, an organization that has a track record of success in enforcing environmental laws and advocating for strong environmental and public health policies.

“Since 2008, the Growing Greener Coalition has been working with groups like PennFuture to protect land, water, wildlife and historic sites. We look forward to working with Cindy and her colleagues at PennFuture to enhance the health and economic well-being of communities throughout the state by advocating for funding to support the protection of land, water, wildlife and air quality.”

About the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition

The mission of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition is to enhance the health and economic well-being of communities across the Commonwealth by advocating for funding to conserve, protect and restore land, water and wildlife, to preserve farms and historic places, and to provide well-managed parks and recreational areas throughout the state. Established in 2008, the Coalition comprises local, regional and statewide conservation, recreation and preservation groups.  For more information, visit www.PaGrowingGreener.org.

25th Anniversary of Farmland Preservation

For Immediate Release:  October 10, 2013 

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Congratulates Department of Agriculture
on 25th Anniversary of Farmland Preservation Program

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today congratulated the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on the 25th anniversary of the state’s Farmland Preservation Program.

“The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition congratulates the Department of Agriculture on the anniversary of the Farmland Preservation Program, which continues to boost the state’s agriculture industry and give residents access to fresh, local food,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition.  “As the number one industry in Pennsylvania, agriculture has a major impact on the state, providing $67 billion in economic benefits and 1 in 7 jobs. Continued investment in farmland preservation is critical to the economic success of our state and to the health and well-being of residents.”

Created in 1988 in response to a growing trend of developing farmland for non-agricultural uses, the program gives state, county and local governments the option to purchase from farmers conservation easements that protect against development.

Pennsylvania is the nationwide leader in farmland preservation, having protected over 478,000 acres on 4,471 farms in 57 counties throughout the Commonwealth.

“Pennsylvania residents and government officials have long understood that beautiful, productive farmland supports our economy, nurtures our health and enhances quality of life,” said Executive Director of the Lancaster Farmland Trust Karen Martynick.  “The success of this program says a lot about who we are as Pennsylvanians and has given us the opportunity to shape the future for our children and grandchildren in a real and positive way.”

The program is funded through an annual allotment of cigarette tax revenue in addition to Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship funds.

According to a survey from the Center for Survey Research at Penn State Harrisburg, 92 percent of 608 Pennsylvanians surveyed think that state funds dedicated to preserving farmland and open space, providing parks and trails and protecting rivers and streams should continue to be used for these purposes.

In addition, the survey found that nearly 78 percent of respondents support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests and farms even if would cost the average household $10 more annually. These high levels of support are constant throughout every geographic region and every gender, ethnic, educational and economic demographic throughout the state.

Critical Funding Restored in State Budget

For Immediate Release:  June 30, 2013

 Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Praises Corbett Administration and General Assembly for Restoring Critical Funding Programs in State Budget
Budget Restores $2.25 Million for Heritage Areas Program  

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today praised the Corbett Administration and the House and Senate for including critical conservation programs in the 2013-2014 state budget.

Specifically, the general fund budget includes $2.25 million for the state’s Heritage Areas Program and $3.3 million in restored funding for conservation districts, which is in addition to the $5 million the districts will receive from the Act 13 Impact Fee. The budget also includes increased support for the Department of Environmental Protection.

“The Growing Greener Coalition applauds Governor Corbett and members of the General Assembly for showing strong support for critical protection of land, water and heritage conservation programs that are essential to the health of the state’s economy and quality of life for Pennsylvania residents,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Growing Greener Coalition.  “The Coalition thanks the leaders of the House and Senate for restoring funding to the Heritage Areas Program, a program that had been zeroed out for many years.  We cannot emphasize enough that this restoration is a victory for Pennsylvania’s communities and the special places throughout the state that attract hundreds of tourists each year.”

Heritage areas create jobs and bring businesses to the region, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars of added value in personal income, profits, community revitalization and government taxes.  For every $1 of state funding received, Pennsylvania Heritage Areas leveraged an average of $5 of federal, local and private investment.

“Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas Program has successfully conserved and enhanced the state’s natural and recreational resources and promoted tourism development for nearly 25 years,” said Jane Sheffield, executive director of the Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area.  “Legislators were right to support this important program which creates jobs and bring businesses to the region, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in added revenue to the state.”