Land for Tomorrow Coalition Commends Recommendations to Increase Funding for Conservation
The Land for Tomorrow Coalition commends Governor Cooper’s 2024 budget proposal for its commitment to protecting North Carolina’s state and local parks, farms, forests, and natural resources. If funded, this proposal is a significant step towards safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Governor Cooper recommends increasing allocations to the state’s conservation trust funds, including the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Land and Water Fund, and the Agricultural Development & Farmland Preservation Fund. His proposal also recommends restoring the state’s conservation tax credit.
Bill Holman, chair of the Land for Tomorrow Coalition and senior advisor to the Conservation Fund, said, “The conservation community commends Governor Cooper for recommending that the General Assembly continue to invest in land and water conservation and resiliency. These investments will protect North Carolina’s natural treasures, conserve farms and forests, grow our outdoor recreation economy, help sustain our travel and tourism industry, and maintain military readiness.”
Governor Cooper’s budget proposal underscores a shared commitment to protecting North Carolina’s farms, forests, parks, and natural areas. These allocations emphasize the importance of environmental conservation in fostering a vibrant and resilient state. Highlights include:
- Land and Water Fund: $60 million, including $30 million recurring and $30 million nonrecurring funds for the next fiscal year.
- Parks and Recreation Trust Fund: $60 million, including $30 million recurring and $30 million nonrecurring funds for the next fiscal year.
- Farmland Preservation Trust Fund: $20 million, including more than $7.5 million recurring and $12.5 million in nonrecurring funds for the next fiscal year.
- Recommends restoring the Conservation Tax Credit.
READ THE FULL RECOMMENDATION HERE:
https://www.osbm.nc.gov/budget/governors-budget-recommendations
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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.