AISWCD RESOLUTION 2007-1

RC&D Funding

WHEREAS, many counties in the state of Illinois belong to an RC&D area.  Ten RC&D areas are federally funded, three RC&D areas are awaiting federal authorization, and one RC&D area is still in the formation process.

WHEREAS, the RC&Ds fill a void in programming by assisting various and diverse
groups from watershed committees to city councils and local landowners.  RC&D Councils play an important role in protecting the environment in a way that improves the local economy and living standards.  Congress created this public/private partnership as a way of engaging local leaders to promote their local economy, leveraging limited federal dollars.  For every dollar appropriated by Congress, local Councils have leveraged an average of $8 from other sources to support conservation and economic development in our home communities.

WHEREAS, the National funding level for the RC&D program has steadily been decreasing.  Funding levels in 2004 – $59.4 million; 2005 - $56.4 million; in 2006 - $51.3 million; and in 2007 - $50.7 million.  Nationally, there are 35 RC&D areas that are waiting to be funded; yet no new areas have been funded since 2003.

WHEREAS, a lack of funding will cause Programs and projects to suffer statewide. RC&Ds in Illinois are facing a 25% funding shortfall.  Office staff has been cut and the RC&D Councils are being asked to assume a portion of the rental cost because of lack of funding. 

WHEREAS, we cannot allow funding to the RC&D program to be cut.  It is the only public/private Partnership federal program that encourages the people to actually take leadership roles in improving their community and their standard of living and returns a positive investment on the dollars spent.

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the AISWCD draft a resolution to NACD to lobby Congress that USDA add a line item to restore funding to 2004 levels for the Resource Conservation & Development program in their budget.

Approved by Peoria Co. SWCD: January 5, 2007.

Approved by Land Use Council 5: February 22, 2007.

Approved by Executive Committee: March 5, 2007.

Approved by Legislative Committee: March 5, 2007.

Approved by Resolution Committee: March 5, 2007.

Approved by AISWCD Board: March 6, 2007.

Resolution 2007-1 PASSED on July 30, 2007