HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) asks Pennsylvania legislators for level-funded budgets. The state’s 66 conservation districts provide a vital function in the commonwealth. They help prevent pollution to ensure clean water for our future. They can also help the state with an economic recovery.
Conservation districts prevent pollution from farms and construction sites. Staff from conservation districts work with farmers and construction companies. They make sure that practices are in place to limit pollution. This keeps our communities healthy.
To help with an economic recovery in Pennsylvania, conservation districts are working through the pandemic. They review and approve permit applications. This keeps projects going and people working. Conservation districts provide funding for fixing dirt and gravel roads throughout the state. Fixing these roads provides jobs and prevents pollution from entering our waterways.
“The conservation districts support construction work and our local farmers,” stated Brenda Shambaugh, PACD Executive Director. “Pennsylvania’s conservation districts are an important part of reopening the commonwealth. They provide technical assistance and approve permits to keep projects moving. They do this in a safe, efficient, and effective manner,” Shambaugh concluded.
Conservation districts need to keep their doors open to prevent pollution and to aid in an economic recovery. However, in order to operate, conservation districts need state funding. PACD asks the legislature to provide the same funding as last year. The Pennsylvania General Assembly will consider a final state budget in November.
–Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts