Last week, the Department of Interior issued a press release touting the allocation of $37.4 million in LWCF State Assistance grants.  This announcement was for Fiscal Year 11 (FY11) which spans from Oct. 1, 2010 through Sept. 30, 2011. Unfortunately, without the support of State Assistance advocates we may not see the same level of funding in FY12.  In fact, funding for the State Assistance program for FY12 (Oct. 1, 2011 - Sept. 30, 2011) is in danger of being eliminated.

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The Surface Transportation Act (currently known as SAFETEA-LU) is due to expire in September of this year, and Congressional efforts at reauthorizing the law could have a detrimental impact on recreational trails funding – including pushing to eliminate the federal set-aside for programs that have provided the majority of trail, walking and bicycling funding in the U.S. 

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DOI is in the process of drafting the LWCF State Assistance competitive grant program.  Indications are that we are unlikely to see the program implemented before the start of FY12 which means the program would likely go into effect for FY13.  NRPA staff continues to work with Congressional offices to find a way to address this issue.

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In the June Advocacy Insider there was an article on advocacy during the annual August recess and the importance of reaching out to federal legislators while they are in their home states and districts.  Even though it is called “recess” many consider “state work period” a more appropriate term as this time away from Washington, D.C. allows legislators to reconnect with their constituents and take a closer look at policy priorities and positions. 

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The No Child Left Inside Act (NCLI), legislation which would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to provide grants to states for the development and implementation of state environmental literacy plans has been reintroduced in the 112^th by Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island (S. 1372) and Rep. John Sarbanes of Maryland (HR 2547).

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