The Growing Greener bond issue is the first step toward addressing the long-term infrastructure needs of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The Game Commission does not receive any state taxpayer dollars. Therefore, we are dependent on our sale of hunting and furtaking licenses to fund all of our operations. This bond issue allows a portion of Growing Greener funds to flow to the Game Commission.
One of the greatest challenges the Game Commission continues to face is maintaining its infrastructure. In the past, the agency has paid for capital improvement projects from license revenues - the agency's chief source of income. We currently maintain a large number of buildings, parking lots, shooting ranges, roads, dams and other structures that support the recreational activities of hunters and trappers, as well as those who do not purchase a hunting or furtaking license.
Pennsylvania's abundant natural resources are being effectively and efficiently managed by the state's two independent resource agencies - the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The expansion of the state's current Growing Greener program will provide much-needed funding for the agencies to maintain their facilities and properties. Sportsmen and sportswomen, will benefit from this bond issue.
Under the new law, each June 30, the Game Commission executive director will provide to the House and Senate Game and Fisheries Committees Republican and Democratic chairmen an annual report detailing the projects to be funded under the program, the amount of each project and the anticipated environmental benefit of the project.
Bond Issue Project List – Phase I
2007-2008 Annual Report
The $625 million will be spread out over six years in the following manner:
- $230 million to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to clean up rivers and streams; take on serious environmental problems at abandoned mines and contaminated industrial sites; and finance the development and deployment of advanced energy projects.
- $217.5 million to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to preserve natural areas and open spaces; improve state parks; and enhance local recreational needs.
- $80 million to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to protect working farms.
- $50 million to the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to revitalize communities through investments in housing and mixed-use redevelopment projects.
- $27.5 million to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) to repair fish hatcheries and aging dams.
- $20 million to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for habitat-related facility upgrades and repairs.
