Sample Resolution in Support of the Conservation and
Reinvestment Act:
WHEREAS, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act is
authorized to invest $900 million annually in recreational
resources, and this money is derived primarily from revenue
received from oil and gas drilling on off-shore public
lands;
WHEREAS, Congress created the Land and Water Conservation
Fund in 1964 to assure that all Americans have access to high
quality recreation resources, to enhance the health and
vitality of the Nation, and to preserve valuable habitat;
WHEREAS, investments from the Land and Water Conservation
Fund support the creation of public parks and outdoor
recreational opportunities, the preservation of clean water
and open spaces, and other social and environmental
objectives;
WHEREAS, park lands and recreation opportunities contribute
to the quality of life and health of our community by
stimulating economic growth, increasing property values,
encouraging citizens to engage in healthy lifestyles and
providing a range of services that meet the recreation and
social needs of range of populations;
WHEREAS, the need to preserve open spaces and develop local
parks and recreational facilities becomes more critical each
year;
WHEREAS, capital investment needs for local recreation and
park systems nationwide have been estimated to exceed $50
billion for the years 2000-2004;
WHEREAS, the [town, city, county,
state] is committed to preserving our historical and
natural resources to ensure that all citizens will have the
opportunity to enjoy these resources;
WHEREAS, the Land and Water Conservation Fund state
assistance program has provided [$____ ]
to the [town, city, county, state] to
acquire, develop or rehabilitate recreation opportunities for
residents;
WHEREAS, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) of
the 106th Congress included programs that would preserve open
spaces, wildlife and historic facilities;
WHEREAS, the passage of CARA would provide funds to state
and local governments to aid in the preservation of these
resources via the reinvestment of Outer Continental Shelf oil
and gas revenues;
WHEREAS, the United States House of Representatives voted
overwhelmingly (315-102) on May 11, 2000 to pass H.R. 701, the
Conservation and Reinvestment Act, which provides full funding
for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Urban Park
and Recreation Recovery Program; and,
WHEREAS, over 63 members of the United States Senate and
all 50 governors, including then-Governor George W. Bush,
publicly supported CARA last year;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE [CITY, STATE, ETC]
- Endorses the Conservation and Reinvestment Act; and
- Urges the President Bush to make the Conservation and
Reinvestment Act, or similar legislation, a key component of
the Administration’s first agenda; and
- Urges the U.S. Congress to enact the Conservation and
Reinvestment Act, or similar legislation, early in the first
session of the 107th Congress.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY [ ]
DATE
