HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 38
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss, and Delegates Martin,
Michael, Mezzatesta, Staton, Varner, Pino,
Douglas, Givens, Manuel, Trump, Faircloth,
Miller and Riggs, on behalf of all of the
members of the House of Delegates)
Calling upon the President and the Congress to increase the
funds allocated to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation
service for Conservation technical assistance in West
Virginia.
Whereas, The State of West Virginia has significant concern
for its soil, water and related natural resources; and
Whereas, Soils enhance the quality of surface and
groundwaters and serve as the foundation for our bountiful
agriculture, our unique wildlife habitats, our beautiful
landscapes and the homes and communities of our citizens; and
Whereas, Clean water quenches our thirst, provides habitat
for fish and other aquatic creatures, supports recreation for
our citizens and visitors, and promotes economic growth; and
Whereas, Agriculture is a $400 million contributor to West
Virginia's economy; and
Whereas, West Virginia's family farms provide recharge areas
for aquifers, scenic and open land, habitat for wildlife,
oxygen, healthy food and help to retain the traditional rural West Virginia lifestyle; and
Whereas, West Virginia leaders have identified flooding as
the highest natural resource concern in West Virginia; and
Whereas, The Conservation Partnership completed a national
conservation technical assistance workload analysis that showed
a need for additional one-on-one technical assistance to help
landowners and communities conserve natural resources on private
lands; and
Whereas, The analysis included input by local citizens,
agricultural and community groups, the West Virginia Soil
Conservation Districts, the West Virginia Soil Conservation
Agency and The Resource Conservation and Development Councils;
and
Whereas, The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is
the only federal agency that has responsibility for providing
locally available, science-based conservation technical
assistance directly on private lands and to local governments;
and
Whereas, The number of Natural Resources Conservation Service
field staff providing technical assistance has decreased during
the past five years; and
Whereas, Additional technical assistance will have a positive
affect on the people, the environment, the economy and the
infrastructure of West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature calls upon the President of the United
States and Congress to increase the funding for USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service and charge the agency to provide
field support to address the unmet conservation workload in West
Virginia, and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House is hereby
directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the President
of the United States and Congress.
Email
Webmaster | © 2024 West Virginia Legislature **
