Bob Franks: “I strongly support H.R. 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA). This legislation offers a historic…”

“I strongly support H.R. 701, the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA). This legislation offers a historic opportunity to invest in our natural legacy by ensuring adequate funding for open space, recreation, and land and water conservation. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by Congress in 1965 as the primary vehicle for funding land conservation efforts in the United States. The Federal Government uses LWCF funds for acquisition of our national parks, forests, beaches, and wildlife refuges. Since coming to Congress in 1993, I have consistently supported the principle behind LWCF--reinvest the revenues earned from the depletion of offshore oil and gas resources in the conservation of other lasting natural resources. Unfortunately, the promise of LWCF has never been fully realized. As a result, many opportunities to conserve precious lands and work with our State and local partners in conservation efforts have been lost. As a member of the House Budget Committee, I have strongly opposed the raid on the LWCF to pay for other programs unrelated to land and water conservation. Representing the most densely populated State in the Nation, New Jersey is in urgent need of all available Federal funds in order to protect our State's limited amount of open space. If enacted, CARA would ensure that the LWCF is fully and permanently funded.”