Reschenthaler Supports Legislation to Preserve Pennsylvania Lands
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) voted in support of a bipartisan, bicameral package of public lands bills, including legislation to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47) passed the House by a vote of 363 to 62, and now heads to the president's desk for signature.
"I am proud to support this legislation that will benefit hunters, anglers, and anyone else who appreciates the outdoors," said Reschenthaler. "The Natural Resources Management Act will ensure Americans can enjoy all that Pennsylvania has to offer for years to come."
The LWCF program does not use taxpayer dollars, but rather relies on revenues from offshore oil and gas royalties to fund outdoor access for hunters and fishermen and protect our country's vast natural resources. Throughout the nation, local and national parks, working forests, historic sites, and many other conservation efforts rely on the LWCF. In Pennsylvania alone, the LWCF has provided $309 million in funding for projects ranging from the Flight 93 Memorial to Valley Forge National Historical Park.
In Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, there are several projects that have received funding through the LWCF including:
· Mingo Creek Park in Washington County,
· the Driscoll Playground expansion in Strabane Township, Washington County,
· and Jefferson Township Park in Fayette County.
Additionally, S. 47 authorizes an additional $3 million in funding for the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, which celebrates southwestern Pennsylvania's historic steel legacy and includes Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties.
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