Construction of a Trail Near You May Be In Jeopardy
June 7, 2013Moving a Fence To Save a Community Treasure
June 15, 2013The Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) and the Natural Heritage Trust Fund (NHTF) are important funding sources for Catawba Lands Conservancy, and cuts to these dedicated funding sources and their livelihood are in flux.
On June 13, the NC House approved its budget recommendations for FY 13-14 and FY 14-15 (recommending maintaining the dedicated revenue source for PARTF (Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) and CWMTF, but limits funding for these programs). And, the House eliminated the Natural Heritage Trust Fund and defunded the Natural Heritage Program. The NC Senate is currently in the process of finalizing its budget recommendations.
Regarding the NC Conservation Tax Credit: The NC House retains this credit in its budget but the Senate budget version repeals the NC Conservation Tax Credit, an important incentive for landowners to conserve their properties.
What’s Next? Legislators from both sides will be appointed to review and make concessions on the major differences between the two chambers on tax policy and funding. A final budget is expected by the end of June.
There are still a lot of moving parts before a final North Carolina state budget is approved in order to determine the impacts on greenways, trails and conservation efforts regarding PARTF and CWMTF funding sources.
Please see the link below to contact your elected officials (representatives and senators) to express support for maintaining funding and tax credits for important conservation efforts: http://www.ncleg.net/Representation/WhoRepresentsMe.aspx