Last Saturday’s BDN editorial, “Fight Fat, Fund Parks,” clearly states the need for continued funding of the LWCF program. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 provides 50 percent matching grants to the states, and through the states to local governments, to conserve land and to develop recreational facilitiesfor public use.

The LWCF directs that $900 million annually, largely from Outer Continental Shelf royalty and lease receipts, be credited to a U.S. Treasury LWCF account. No funds may be expended from the account unless annually appropriated by the Congress. Regrettably there is a balance of about $13 billion in authorized but unappropriated funds.

The original budget included no funding for the stateside grants for 2007. At a critical time in this nation’s history, where the attention has focused on health care costs and the obesity of our citizens, zero funding of a program that has and continues to encourage healthy lifestyles is not sound public policy.

Since 1970, the city of Brewer has been involved with six LWCF projects with a total cost of $400,700; half funded by local appropriations. This city has benefited immensely from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in increased physical and mental health. Similar success stories are prevalent throughout the state of Maine, with thousands of our residents enjoying the benefits of parks, trails, and athletic facilities.

Thanks to Sen. Susan Collins and the entire Maine congressional delegation, there is a good chance that $100 million may be restored for this vital program. A call or letter to your representative showing your support for continued funding of LWCF may persuade Washington to recognize the positive benefits of a program that has far reaching impacts across this nation.

A healthy America should be a top priority of every individual, state and local government, as well as the federal government.

Ken Hanscom

Director

Parks and Recreation Department

Brewer