Created in 1964, the LWCF Act directed $900 million per year in off-shore oil and gas royalties to create and protect Americas parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, and to provide dollars to states for creating state and local recreation opportunities. Earlier this year, both the House and the Bush Administration advocated zeroing out the program. However, Senators Salazar (D-CO) and Collins (R-ME) were instrumental in organizing 42 Senators and the National Governors Association to urge the Senate to fund this important program. The Senate Interior Appropriations Committee, led by Senator Burns (R-MT), met with the House in Conference and managed to protect $30 million for stateside LWCF in the FY06 budget.
Frank Hugelmeyer, president of OIA, stated, “Outdoor Industry Association is thrilled that House and Senate conferees agreed to continue funding for the federal governments successful stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund,” said Hugelmeyer. “Senate Interior Appropriations Chairman Burns and Senators Salazar and Collins deserve special thanks for keeping this important state and local park and trail program alive.”
