The Mountaineers
Last week, Governor Inslee released his proposed 2017–19 operating, transportation and capital budgets. In addition to the proposal’s primary focus – fully funding basic education – the budget demonstrates a strong commitment to conservation and recreation.
The budget supports the vision of organizations, like The Mountaineers, with funding for state parks, recreation resources, conservation projects, and grants to share the outdoors with underserved youth. On November 22, The Mountaineers and other recreation voices met with Governor Inslee to discuss our priorities for the coming year, and we're thrilled to see them addressed in the budget.
The Governor’s Recommendations
For the Recreation and Conservation Office:
- $100 million for Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program. While this doesn’t hit the $120 million we advocated for in partnership with Washington Wildlife & Recreation Coalition, the proposed $100 million is more than we’ve seen in previous years.
- Funding for the Aquatic Land Enhancement Account increased from $3.6m -> $5.3m
For State Parks:
- Funding for most operational cost increases as well as $3 million for preventative maintenance efforts.
- $2.2m for No Child Left Inside (double the 2015 funding.) No Child Left Inside is a grants program dedicated to connecting underserved youth to nature. Now entering its second year, The Mountaineers advocacy efforts helped pass the legislation.
For Washington State Department of Natural Resources:
- $756k operating Teanaway Community Forest
- $1.5m capital Teanaway Community Forest
- $1.5m million capital for Blanchard Mountain
- $2.5m sustainable recreation projects
The proposal is a promising first step towards finalizing a budget that encourages the outdoor experience and protects our state's treasured lands and waters.
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One question I didn't read, was where the monies coming from? It is great that there is more funding for Parks and Rec areas but we need to have a good plan for the funding. There are many hands in the pot and Inlee's campaign pledge was not to raise taxes. I hope this can be addressed as to not stall progress in the House.
What Inslee has proposed is funded, and it now up to the Legislature to decide how they will enact the proposed budget. After budgets are approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, the State Office of Financial Management monitors state agency activities for conformance with executive and legislative intent. Learn more about the State budget process: http://www.ofm.wa.gov/reports/budgetprocess.pdf
