How do Birmingham parks add to the quality of your life? #BirminghamParkAndRecreation #LWCF Interior Secretary Jewell and US Mayors Join City Parks Alliance to Highlight Economic Impact of Land and Water Conservation Fund Washington, DC – Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, Mike Boots of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, bipartisan Mayors for Parks coalition members Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, and Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra joined City Parks Alliance Executive Director Catherine Nagel on Wednesday, January 21 to discuss a new report on the positive economic impact of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The report, entitled “A Smart Investment for America’s Economy: The Land and Water Conservation Fund,” highlights cities that are leveraging LWCF contributions to create measurable environmental, economic, and public health returns on urban park investments. “Over its 50 years of existence, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has unmistakably contributed to the vibrancy of American cities,” said City Parks Alliance Executive Director Catherine Nagel. “The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a smart investment because it leverages state and local funding sources, which increases the positive impact that federal dollars can have in urban and metropolitan areas.” “This report highlights the extraordinary success of the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the past half century, investing revenue generated from offshore energy development into our communities and public lands for the benefit of all Americans. Projects in urban areas, all with matching funds, have been especially valuable in providing breathing space, natural play areas for children, and an environment that supports vibrant communities, said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “It underscores the need for Congress to not only reauthorize the Fund, but also to permanently provide full funding at $900 million annually that was intended when the law was passed.” The Land and Water Conservation Fund is set to expire this September, eliminating an important source of funding for cities. In addition to reauthorizing the program, advocates are calling on Congress to support robust LWCF funding so that it continues to benefit local communities. Since 1965 the LWCF has provided matching grants to fund the creation of more than 42,000 state and local parks, playgrounds, urban wildlife refuges, greenways, trails and open spaces. The full report can be read or downloaded here: bit.ly/1BcekY4 The full press release can be read or downloaded here: bit.ly/1xz6WlO Mayors for Parks, a project of City Parks Alliance, was launched in December 2013. The bipartisan coalition supports reauthorization and full funding of LWCF.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 03:26:35 +0000