Ayotte Renews Strong Support for Critical Conservation Program

Press Release

Continuing her efforts to protect natural resources in New Hampshire and across the country, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) today renewed her call for full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) - which has helped advance public-private efforts to protect thousands of acres in New Hampshire without using taxpayer dollars. Her call coincides with the LWCF Coalition's release today of a report celebrating the program's 50th anniversary and recommending that Congress reauthorize LWCF before its funding expires in 2015. Ayotte recently proposed an amendment to create budget "point of order" against any legislation that doesn't fully fund LWCF.

"Preserving New Hampshire's pristine landscape is important to our state's economy and way of life," said Senator Ayotte. "LWCF has been used to preserve thousands of acres in New Hampshire - without using taxpayer dollars. I will continue my efforts to bolster this key conservation program to help advance efforts to protect land in New Hampshire for the benefit of future generations."

Earlier this month, Ayotte welcomed news that the Interior Department will release $43 million in LWCF funds to states - including $435,478 for New Hampshire.

LWCF is an account in the U.S. Treasury that collects a small percentage of offshore oil and gas leasing receipts, specifically intended to be used for conservation projects. At the local, state, and federal levels, LWCF provides grants to help conserve our natural resources and protect outdoor recreation opportunities, working forests, and wildlife areas.

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