Jun. 13, 2018
HARRISBURG – At a press conference, Rep. Alex Charlton (R-Springfield), along with state legislators and Larry Williamson of the Growing Greener Coalition Partners, called for adequate increases for the Growing Greener III program, which would provide a much-needed boost in funding for conservation, preservation and recreation projects across the Commonwealth.
The full press conference is listed here.
Charlton cited
House Bill 2458, which would establish the framework for a Growing Greener III program to protect Pennsylvania’s water, land, forests and other natural resources; stimulate economic growth in our communities; and improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
“We only get one environment to leave to future generations, and it is in everyone’s best interest to maintain the health of our air, land and water,” Charlton said. “Even in challenging financial times, preservation now is far more cost effective than restoration later. And in the end, a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand.”
Growing Greener was created in 1999 and enhanced with the passage of Growing Greener II in 2005. Since its inception, the nationally recognized program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects; conserved more than 50,000 acres of threatened open space; protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland; repaired more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land; and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.
“It is absolutely critical that we put up the funds for Growing Greener III and protect open space and our quality of life,” said Charlton. “It’s equally important to recognize the economic impact that Growing Greener III legislation would have on our Commonwealth. Having open spaces and parks not only helps our tourism industry, which provides $40 billion in revenue, but our property values.”
Charlton called for leaders to advance House Bill 2458, which currently rests in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Representative Alexander Charlton
165th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Madry
717.260.6587
mmadry@pahousegop.com
RepCharlton.com /
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