News Release

PACD welcomes findings of Legislative Budget and Finance Committee;
Vows to work with state officials to enhance conservation district services

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) today commended the state Legislative Budget and Finance Committee for its in-depth study of Pennsylvania's 66 county conservation districts, their growing workload in managing land and water resources and their need for adequate funding to accomplish their vital mission.

"We are extremely pleased that the General Assembly has conducted this important study of our conservation districts and their efforts to protect our water and natural resources," said PACD President Jarrett Miller. "The study confirms what conservation districts and the PACD has been saying for years - Pennsylvania's conservation districts are under-funded."

The legislative study noted that the Conservation District Fund Allocation Program appropriation is intended to cover 50 percent of certain personnel costs, but only covers approximately 40 percent. The study recommended the General Assembly provide one appropriation directly to the State Conservation Commission at a level sufficient to meet the 50 percent funding goal.

In fiscal year 2004-05, Miller noted that DEP budgeted $3.55 million as its share for the Erosion and Sedimentation Program. However, the Governor's proposed budget for 2005-06 provides only $3.1 million for the program. The actual need for this program in 2005-06 would be $5.3 million for DEP to meet its commitment to fund half the costs of the program.

The legislative study also recognized that DEP has stopped funding the efforts of county conservation districts in assisting applicants with permits under the Waterways and Encroachment Program. That left conservation districts with no alternative but to stop managing the program or pay for it themselves. PACD is asking DEP to provide $825,000 for this program in next year's budget.

The legislative study also investigated other conservation district programs and the oversight provided by the 11-member State Conservation Commission. The PACD plans to closely review the study and discuss its recommendations with officials and staff from the State Conservation Commission, DEP and the Department of Agriculture, as well as local officials.

"This extensive report on conservation districts contains many insightful findings and recommendations," PACD President Miller said. "We look forward to working with state and county officials to improve our services and enhance our water and natural resources programs."

PACD, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization representing Pennsylvania's 66 conservation districts. For more information on the PACD visit www.pacd.org.

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