FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2006
Contact:  Kristin Ebersole
(717) 787-3817
kebersole@pasen.gov
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Legislation Providing for Conservation District Funding Approved by General Assembly

Senate Bill 1224 is key part of Farmers First Agenda second phase 

HARRISBURG – Legislation providing a single, non-lapsing fund to the state's 66 Conservation Districts received final approval from the General Assembly, said state Senator Mike Waugh (R-York). 

Senate Bill 1224 is a key part of the Farmers First Agenda promoted by Senator Noah Wenger (R-36) and Waugh.  The senators unveiled the initiatives for the second phase of the Agenda in June. 

Conservation Districts work closely with county and local agencies to implement conservation programs that promote stewardship of the environment. They assist landowners with the implementation of best management practices to improve soil and water quality, administer the state's Nutrient Management Law, coordinate watershed activities, and focus on sedimentation control and reducing erosion. 

"The Conservation Districts play an invaluable role in this Commonwealth," Wenger said. "I am very pleased that we will be providing them with a guaranteed source of funding that will also make their administrative requirements more straightforward." 

"Our Conservation Districts help landowners cut through the complexities of state programs and regulations," Waugh said. "With Senate Bill 1224, we can help the Districts simplify some of the complexities that they face on a daily basis." 

"By providing a non-lapsing fund, we ensure that the Districts have a continuous stream of funding to provide programs and services," Waugh added. 

Senate Bill 1224 combines the funding allocated by the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, in addition to federal funding, into one special non-lapsing fund administered by the State Conservation Commission. "This way, instead of having to complete reporting requirements and paperwork for multiple funding sources, the Conservation Districts can streamline their efforts," Wenger said. 

For many years, the Districts were funded primarily by the Commonwealth through a single appropriation, the Conservation District Fund Allocation Program through the state Department of Environmental Protection. Another allocation from the state Department of Agriculture was initiated in 1999. 

Since then, the Districts receive two separate appropriations, each with its own programs and paperwork. This is in addition to funding provided by counties, other state programs such as Growing Greener II, and private entities. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee reported last summer on the significant accounting and reporting burdens Conservation Districts face because of this situation. 

"When we help the Conservation Districts more effectively and efficiently manage their finances, they in turn can more effectively and efficiently help us manage our resources," Wenger said. 

Senate Bill 1224 was approved unanimously by both the state Senate and state House. It has been sent to the Governor's desk for his signature.