Mayfield, PA – The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, a non-profit organization committed to the preservation and protection of natural resources within a framework of economic growth, has put out an urgent call to its board members, partners, supporters and community beneficiaries to save the program from federal budget cuts that threaten to make it impossible for the organization to continue its work. RC&D provides a number of very valuable programs to residents of 10 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
“We have not done this in the past, but it is critical that we make a significant effort in getting our message out to the communities, citizens, and groups that have used our services and assistance,” RC&D Council Chairperson Brian Oram said in a letter released earlier this week. “In 2010, we, Pocono Northeast RC&D Council, leveraged our support by over 403%! Our program is the most cost effective means of creating jobs, implementing change in the community, and making environmental improvements throughout the US.”
The RC&D Program funding has been slated for zeroing out for FY 2012 and for the current continuing resolution for this year. Currently there are two versions of the continuing resolution being considered: the House version has the RC&D Program zeroed out; the Senate version has $25 million allotted. The RC&D Program is currently funded at $52 million annually.
The RC&D Council has been responsible for many important programs over the year. Most recently, the Council launched a program to help residential well owners finance needed well repairs with funds borrowed at only 1% interest rate for up to 20 years. The Council is asking all interested parties to reach out to legislators about the program and request their support.
About Poconos Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council is a non-profit organization that has been active in northeast Pennsylvania since 1980. The Council is committed to the preservation and protection of natural resources within a framework of economic growth and is directed by a group of dedicated volunteers. The regional organization encompasses and serves the following ten counties: Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne. Find out more about the organization by visiting the website at http://www.pnercd.org.
