Video of Governor Rendell's concluding remarks during
PACD's Capitol Day on March 17, 2008:
(Harrisburg, PA) - The Pennsylvania Association
of Conservation Districts (PACD) held a Capitol Day Legislative luncheon
today focusing on key legislative issues important to conservation districts
across the Commonwealth. Over 200 participants attended the event, including
representatives from county conservation districts, members of the PA
House and Senate, and Governor Ed Rendell as the keynote speaker.
Several legislative issues were discussed including the need to obtain
consistent and sufficient funding for conservation district activities
and staff, amendments to the Conservation District Law, and future renewable
energy projects.
"These issues are vital to Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts,"
stated Larry Kehl, President of the PACD. "We spoke with our friends
in the PA General Assembly explaining the importance of these legislative
initiatives."
Susan Marquart, Executive Director of PACD, added, "The focus
of our Capitol Day luncheon is to bring forth ideas and generate enthusiasm
for our concerns. This successful event is an extension of an ongoing
dialog between the conservation districts and our elected leaders."
Some of the legislative highlights included:
Funding for the Conservation Districts
A review of the Operation and Structure of County Conservation Districts
released on June 7, 2005 by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
concurs with the position of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation
Districts (PACD) that Pennsylvania's conservation districts are under
funded. The study recommends that the state should pay 50% of the costs
for certain conservation district staff positions. Additional funding
is also necessary for the Nutrient Management Program that provides
technical assistance through conservation districts for the responsible
implementation of the Commonwealth's Nutrient and Odor Management Law.
Adequate funding for this program is essential to the agricultural community
and the public to ensure the viability and success of the program.
Amendments to the Conservation District Law
Conservation districts administer a wide array of delegated and contracted
state programs with a number of funding sources. To update and strengthen
Act 217, and continue to meet the conservation needs of the Commonwealth,
two major enhancements were suggested as amendments to the Conservation
District Law: increasing the capacity of conservation districts to deliver
locally led conservation; and further defining and strengthening the
State Conservation Commission.
Dedicated Funding for the Conservation Districts
PACD is talking with members of the PA General Assembly and the Administration
concerning dedicated funding for conservation districts. As was referenced
above, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report recommends
that the PA General Assembly strive to meet the State Conservation Commission's
policy of 50% funding for the district managers and technicians. Conservation
districts are continuously undertaking more responsibilities and program
implementation with less funding. By instituting a dedicated funding
source, conservation districts will be guaranteed a funding base and
PA citizens will be guaranteed continuing technical assistance to further
their land stewardship activities.
Energy Initiatives
PACD distributed a paper entitled, "Achieving Pennsylvania's Energy
Independence Goals While Strengthening Conservation in Pennsylvania;
The Critical Role of Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts." This
report shows that conservation district technical services will be increasingly
necessary as emphasis on bio-fuel production alters farm operations
and the need for updated and improved conservation plans. PACD is recommending
an additional $10 million allocation for the next five years to assist
the Commonwealth in becoming a leader in renewable energy resources.
PACD, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization representing Pennsylvania's
sixty-six conservation districts. For more information on the PACD visit
www.pacd.org.
