For over 50 years, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has provided funding for the construction of baseball diamonds and swimming pools, maintaining state and local parks, and establishing wildlife refuges across the country. However, LWCF has not only been essential to protecting Pennsylvania’s environment, but also in preserving its most important historical sites.
In Pennsylvania alone, the LWCF has invested $315 million in protecting historic places. Washington’s Crossing Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, Bushy Run Battlefield and the Flight 93 Memorial all received funding from the LWCF for the creation, preservation and maintenance of these historical sites.
Few would argue the importance of this funding; it is necessary that Pennsylvania have spaces to contemplate the legacy of the events that occurred on these sites, honor those who came before us, as well as educate future generations.
Despite bipartisan support the LWCF, without Congressional action the program will expire on Sept. 30. Allowing the LWCF to expire will leave Pennsylvania’s historical sites vulnerable and at risk. Congress must act now to permanently reauthorize the LWCF, in order to protect and preserve the places that matter most in Pennsylvania.
COURTNEY WEAVER
South Side
First Published: September 29, 2018, 4:00 a.m.