The Land for Tomorrow coalition praised Gov. Cooper’s proposed budget, which increases appropriations to the state’s conservation trust funds and provides additional personnel for the state park system.
“Land and water conservation are important to North Carolina’s economy,” said Bill Holman, NC State Director for the Conservation Fund and chair of the Land for Tomorrow Executive Committee. “Tourism, agriculture, and the military are all dependent on land and water conservation. That’s the reason that conservation has always been supported by both sides of the aisle. This is a good beginning; we look forward to working with the N.C. General Assembly on a final budget that supports conservation.”
Gov. Cooper’s budget:
- Increases recurring appropriations to the Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) by $6.8 million and a one-time appropriation of $5 million. CWMTF’s 2019 total appropriation would be $25 million.
- Increases recurring appropriations to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) by $3.7 million and a one-time appropriation of $5 million. PARTF’s 2019 total appropriation would be $25 million.
The governor’s budget recommends $1.75 million to hire additional park staff who will work at new park facilities that were funded by Connect NC Bonds that were approved by North Carolina voters three years ago. It also recommends several additional trail projects and a continued partnership with Conservation Corps in the state park system.
Land for Tomorrow is a statewide coalition of community leaders, conservation, and wildlife organizations, and parks and recreation advocates with a common goal: increasing land and water conservation in North Carolina.
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RELEASE: March 7, 2019
Media Contact: Debbie Crane (919) 794-4373