BIRMINGHAM, AL – On Wednesday, July 9, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will join Birmingham Mayor William Bell, Sr., a member of the bipartisan coalition Mayors for Parks, to discuss the Land and Water Conservation Fund's impacts on cities like Birmingham in creating parks, playgrounds, trails and opportunities for anglers and sportsmen.
The visit is part of a series of events the Administration is holding across the country this week – from Alabama to Alaska – joining with local elected officials and stakeholders to underscore the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support communities' conservation, outdoor recreation and clean water projects.
This morning, Secretary Jewell announced $43.38 million will be distributed from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to all 50 States, the Territories, and the District of Columbia for state-identified outdoor recreation and conservation projects. Alabama is set to receive $683,000 in Fiscal Year 2014; over the past 50 years, Alabama has leveraged over $66 million through Land and Water Conservation Fund on close-to-home recreation projects.
Over its 50 year history, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has played a vital role in boosting local economies in every state, but it is set to expire without action from Congress. President Obama has proposed to enact full, permanent funding as part of his 2015 budget request.
WHO:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
William Bell, Sr., Mayor of Birmingham, AL
WHAT:
To Highlight the Importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to America's Hunting, Fishing and Boating Heritage
WHEN:
Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 11:30 am CDT
WHERE:
East Lake Park
116 84th Street
Birmingham, AL 35206
RSVP:
Credentialed members of the media interested in covering the announcement / event are encouraged to RSVP HERE by July 8, 2014, at 6:00 pm EDT.
Source: Department of Interior
