Rep. Zeldin Supports Permanent Reauthorization of LWCF, Heads to President's Desk to Become Law

Press Release

Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47) yesterday, which now heads to the President's desk to become law, permanently reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF):

"In Suffolk County alone, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has provided funding for over 90 projects, supporting public access, fishing, hunting, recreation and our environment without taking a dime of taxpayer money. On Long Island, our coastal economy is a vital component of our overall economy, and clean water, land and air are essential priorities all protected by the LWCF. I've been proud to help lead the fight to permanently reauthorize this important fund in the House, and with a permanent reauthorization and full funding of this program heading to the President's desk, this is a huge win for our community and communities across the country."

The Natural Resources Management Act (S. 47), which includes a permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, passed the Senate on February 12, 2019, by a vote of 92-8 and the House on February 26, 2019, by a vote of 362-62.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund protects parks, trails, wildlife refuges and recreation areas at the federal, state and local level. For more than 50 years, it has provided critical funding for land and water conservation projects, access to recreation, including hunting and fishing, and the continued historic preservation of our nation's iconic landmarks from coast-to-coast.

LWCF does not use any taxpayer dollars -- it is funded using a small portion of revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments. Outdoor recreation, conservation and historic preservation activities contribute more than $887 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supporting 7.6 million jobs.

Since the creation of LWCF, Suffolk County has received $24 million in funding, which has helped fund over 90 projects, including:

South Jamesport Boat Launching Site
Hampton Bays Softball Field
Wildwood State Park Beach Building in Wading River
Montauk State Park Showers and Comfort Station
Acquisition of Havens Beach in Sag Harbor
Shoreline Protection in Orient Beach State Park
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley

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