News & Notes August 2007

The PA General Assembly passed the state budget on July 17, 2007 before leaving Harrisburg for their summer recess. The legislation, now Act 8A, allows the state to spend approximately $27.2 billion, a 3.2% increase over last year without an increase in taxes. Unfortunately, the budget represents a $140,000 decrease in conservation district funding over last year in the Conservation District Fund Allocation Program (CDFAP) line housed within the PA Department of Agriculture. The CDFAP line in the PA Department of Environmental Protection remained unchanged from last year. The nutrient management fund also remained constant at $3.28 million.

One conservation initiative that did pass the PA General Assembly is the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Act. This program gives farmers tax credits for installing conservation practices across the state. A total of $10 million has been allocated to the program. The PACD strongly advocated an amendment that was added to the bill allowing conservation districts who assist farmers with this program to be reimbursed for their efforts.

Other significant items in the budget are as follows:

• $1 billion transportation package including $532 million to fund bridge and road repair, $414 million to fund 73 public transit systems, and increase in turnpike tolls, and tolling of I-80.
  
• $17.5 million increase in health care programs.
  
• $600 million increase in education programs.
  
• $4.3 million increase in state park operations.
  
• $3 million increase in gypsy moth spraying.
  
• $1 million increase for stormwater management.

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