Schumer: Congress Must Reauthorize & Fully Fund Upstate's Primary Source Of Conservation And Recreation Funding

Statement

Standing at Peacock Park in Lake Placid, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on his colleagues to immediately reauthorize and fully fund The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Schumer said the LWCF provides critical funding that protects natural areas, water resources, and historical sites in Upstate New York. In addition, Schumer said jeopardizing these critical funds threatens both conservation and recreation projects that generate a significant amount of economic activity for communities across the Adirondacks. Schumer said this program has supported over 10 important conservation projects in Essex County, totaling over $4 million in funding.

"For five decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided millions in federal funding for dozens of parks in the North Country and across Upstate New York. In the process, it has preserved hundreds of acres of parks, generated billions in economic activity, and created over 300,000 jobs in New York State. Peacock Park right here in Lake Placid is a shining example of the good this program can do. That's why it is completely unacceptable Congress failed to reauthorize this critical program, which is now putting parks, economic development and conservation efforts in jeopardy," said Schumer. "I am urging my colleagues to reauthorize this program right away, so residents and visitors alike can enjoy sites like this, across New York and the nation, for another 50 years."

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