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http://www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentId=630
For Immediate Release
Media contact: Barry Tindall, 202.887.0290
U.S. Reps. Don Young (R-AK) and George Miller (D-CA) introduced
legislation on April 1 that would annually set aside $3.125 billion for
capital investments in public recreation and parks and other
conservation activities.
H.R. 4100 was referred to the House Committee on Resources. No immediate
action is anticipated.
"The proposed $3.125 billion annual spending [in the Get Outdoors, or
GO, Act] is about 3 percent of annual health care costs borne by the
[federal] government for obesity-related illnesses," Young observed.
Young told a gathering of media and interest groups, including the
National Recreation and Park Association, that "the bill encourages more
recreation activity, because studies have shown that adequate lighting,
good trails, easy access, and community-based recreation infrastructure
all result in increases in physical activity.
"More physical activity will help decrease this nation's obesity
epidemic," Young continued. "The GO Act proactively addresses this
problem by providing a permanent source of annual funding for local
governments, states, and federal agencies to encourage physical activity
and recreation in urban, suburban, and rural areas."
Young and Miller directly linked the proposal to Americans' increasingly
sedentary lifestyles and resulting health challenges. Miller observed
that "obesity is a public health crisis of the first order. And the Get
Outdoors Act is a sensible way to help mitigate that public health
crisis."
"Congress cannot, and should not, tell Americans what to eat, but we can
fight the battle of the bulge by investing in local parks, recreation
centers, soccer fields, and hiking trails. If we are serious about
addressing the long-term cost of obesity-related health problems, we
have to recognize the importance of recreation opportunities for
children, adults, and families," Miller said.
Young told advocates that "introduction of the bill is one tiny step
forward. Now it's your responsibility (to generate support)." This
proposal makes me feel good!" Young said. "Don't let anyone hijack this
idea."
Miller said that H.R. 4100 "will help communities investment in assets
that make them more livable."
The bill is similar to the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 701),
which passed the House, 315-102, on May 11, 2000. "NRPA and its members
worked aggressively in support of CARA and will support H.R. 4100," said
NRPA Executive Director John Thorner.
Under the proposal, state and local park systems would receive $450
million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and eligible
urban places would compete for $125 million for the renovation of
recreation and park facilities in more distressed communities.
The proposal would reinvest a portion of the revenue earned from
offshore oil and gas leases and drilling. President Bush's proposed
fiscal year 2005 budget estimates outer-continental shelf revenues at
about $5 billion.
Principal elements of the Young-Miller proposal include
* $900 million from the LWCF, divided equally between federal
agencies and state and local governments for investment in public
recreation and park and similar resources.
* $550 million to coastal states, including the Great Lakes
states, for coastal and marine conservation activities, including
"impact assistance" funds to mitigate on-shore impacts of off-shore
drilling. Only selected states would be eligible for impact assistance.
* $320 million for payment in lieu of taxes to offset tax
revenue losses in states with large amounts of federal lands. An
additional $30 million is recommended to aid communities near wildlife
refuges.
* $350 million for state fish and wildlife conservation,
recreation, and education for preventing wildlife from becoming
threatened or endangered while enhancing public access.
* $150 million from the Historic Preservation Fund for matching
grants to encourage private and public investment in non-federal
historic properties. An additional $10 million is recommended for
maritime heritage programs.
* $125 million for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery
Program to aid renovation of existing public recreation and park
facilities in more economically distressed urban places.
* $50 million for private landowner incentives to aid recovery
of endangered and threatened species.
Alexander, Landrieu to Introduce Bill Similar to H.R. 4100
U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA) announced on
April 1 that they will introduce a bill similar to the Young-Miller
House proposal and to CARA.
Alexander told NRPA members on Feb. 26 that he would introduce a bill to
authorize a permanent fund for recreation and conservation investment by
accessing annual federal revenue earned from outer-continental shelf
energy extraction. The Alexander-Landrieu proposal is expected to
authorize fewer funds than the House bill. The senators were seeking
comments and co-sponsorship prior to the Senate's Easter break this
week.
For more information, contact Barry Tindall or Michael Phillips at
202.887.0290.
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