October 02, 2018

Manchin Bill To Permanently Reauthorize LWCF Approved By Energy & Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) bill, the Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act (S. 569), was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. This bill would make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). 

“For decades, LWCF funds have made West Virginia even more wild and wonderful for all of us to enjoy and escape the daily hustle and bustle of our everyday lives for a chance to experience the outdoor recreation opportunities our wonderful state has to offer. Since LWCF was established, $241 million in LWCF funds have been used to increase access in the Monongahela National Forest, Harpers Ferry, and the New River Gorge National River, among others. In fact, LWCF funds paid for every single public access point along the Lower and Middle Gauley River, in West Virginia, an area used by over 50,000 people per year. As a native West Virginian and outdoor enthusiast, I know just how important our Wild and Wonderful outdoor heritage is to our great state and I am pleased we were able to come together and deliver solutions for our constituents, and I look forward to passing these bills on the floor,” Senator Manchin said.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee also approved Senator Manchin’s bill, the Restore Our Parks Act (S. 3172), which would address the deferred maintenance backlog of the National Park Service. In West Virginia, there is nearly $64 million in deferred maintenance at the national park service managed areas.

To watch a video of Senator Manchin urging the committee to approve the legislation, please click here.

###