Robbins: State Senate Passes Legislation Providing for Environmental Improvements

Implements voter referendum, rejects tax and fee increases

Harrisburg – Legislation to implement the $625 million environmental bond approved by voters in May passed the General Assembly today and is headed to Governor Rendell to be signed into law, according to state Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), who supported the measure.

The legislation authorizes the Commonwealth to borrow $625 million over six years for a variety of environmental and conservation initiatives collectively known as "Growing Greener."

Robbins said House Bill 3, as amended by the Senate, provides funding for acid mine drainage abatement, mine reclamation, oil and gas well plugging, parks and recreation, open space and farmland preservation, state park and forest improvements, and capital improvements to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and the Game Commission.

"This measure continues the successful Growing Greener program enacted by Governor Ridge and the General Assembly in 1999, and it does so without the tax and fee increases proposed by Governor Rendell," said Robbins.

Debt service on the bond will be paid by using a portion of the existing $4.25 per-ton fee charged for waste disposal at landfills. Governor Rendell had originally proposed increasing taxes on households and businesses by nearly $150 million annually to pay debt service and fund other projects. Senate Republicans rejected the governor's proposal.

A key provision of the legislation is the creation of an innovative County Environmental Initiative program. Under this provision, each county will be able to designate at least $1 million in priority projects to be funded from the bond.

The actual amount for each county is determined by the county's class as designated under state law. Mercer County (5th Class), Lawrence County (5th) and Butler County (4th) will receive nearly $1.4 million over six years. Crawford County (6th) will receive $1 million.

"Local control of theses funds is very important, and something my colleagues and I advocated," said Robbins. "Counties and local conservation districts understand more than Harrisburg what are the most pressing, local environmental priorities."

Other highlights of the package include:

o At least $100 million for improvements to State Parks and State forests.

o $80 million to supplement Farmland Preservation programs.

o At least $60 million for Acid Mine Drainage Abatement and Mine Cleanup.

o $90 million for Open Space Conservation.

o $27.5 million to the Fish & Boat Commission and $20 million to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for infrastructure improvements.

o Continued funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, a priority of Senate Republicans.

o $50 million to Department of Community and Economic Development for Main Street and downtown redevelopment related to smart growth.

Robbins also noted the legislation continues support for county and local government recycling programs through a $2 per-ton recycling fee. Governor Rendell sought to redirect the funding to other programs.

CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322