John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum Acting Refuge Manager Dr. Gary M. Stolz recently presented over $57,000 in fiscal year 2003 payments to communities located adjacent to the refuge. The funds were generated through the federal Refuge Revenue Sharing Act. The act was established by Congress in 1935 to provide payments to local governments in lieu of taxes and other revenues foregone when lands were included in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

?Clearly, the Revenue Sharing Act funds are appreciated by those communities that have land parcels incorporated within the refuge," Stolz said.

The funds were distributed to governments in Philadelphia and Delaware counties, including Darby Township ($349), Folcroft Borough ($22,150), Tinicum Township ($24,702), City of Philadelphia ($1,248) and Interboro School District ($8,653). The payments to local government entities can be used for any governmental purposes.

"Refuge lands provide an added benefit from tourism dollars generated through food, lodging and other expenditures by refuge visitors," Stolz said. He pointed out that assets to local communities also include the natural resource values of the refuge itself.

?The refuge serves as a living classroom for area students, a place for outdoor recreation. Tinicum Marsh itself, preserved as part of the refuge, protects many of the adjacent communities from flooding," he said. "The marsh acts as a huge sponge, holding immense amounts of water during storm events and slowly releasing it into the groundwater. In addition, it provides vital habitat for many aquatic species that form part of the food chain for animals and people alike. This obviously has both environmental and economic benefits to our neighboring communities. It is really a win-win situation for everyone.?