AGENDA #12

MEMORANDUM

TO: Mayor Waldorf and Council

FROM: Dianne Lemasters, Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission

RE: Support of Funding for Land and Water Conservation Resolution Recommendation

DATE: February 17, 2000

At its February 16, 2000 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the need for permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Program. The Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to forward the attached resolution recommended adoption.

A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING SUPPORT OF FUNDING FOR LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM (2000-02-28/R-14)

WHEREAS, for over 30 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund was a legacy left behind by the Outdoor Recreation Review Commission of the Federal Government to assist in funding, specifically for the purpose of acquiring and developing natural resources that would provide recreational opportunities and preservation of open space for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Land and Water Conservation Funds were generated from revenues produced from the sale of the country’s natural resources, specifically off-shore drilling rights; and

WHEREAS, the need to preserve open spaces and develop and maintain national, state, and local parks and recreational facilities becomes more critical each year due to the demands placed on such facilities by ever increasing populations; and

WHEREAS, during the last sessions of Congress, both the House and the Senate introduced Bills which would reinstate funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund or similar programs; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill has identified over $15,000,000 needed improvements for parks and recreation facilities, including renovation to existing facilities, development of new facilities, development of greenways, and protection and acquisition of open space, with funding for these projects from local sources, and

WHEREAS, reinstatement for funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund or similar programs would greatly benefit the Town of Chapel Hill as it develops and renovates recreational facilities for future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that:

1. The Town of Chapel Hill urges members of the House of Representatives and Senate of the United States Congress to support reinstating the funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund or similar programs which would greatly benefit both state and local governments as they strive to meet the continual needs of recreational services for their citizens.

2. A copy of this resolution shall be sent to Congressman David Price, Senator Jesse Helms and Senator John Edwards.

This 28^th day of February, 2000.