Keep LWCF funding

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, the subject of Suzy Dix’s Aug. 23 guest opinion, needs reauthorization, with the existing stipulations about how the fund is distributed retained. Washington has a history of excellent citizen input for criteria and project prioritization. This process has brought people to the table who don’t necessarily agree on much, but because of the stipulations in the grant process, they collaborate with each other.

Frequently, this results in improved community projects and relationships. The process also requires that recipients offer up in-kind and financial matches in order to secure LWCF grants. This is another way of making it worthwhile for community members to work together. Thus, the way the grants are made is as important as the reauthorization.

Communities are best served if the criteria and decisions are left in the hands of citizens, not used as plums or bargaining chips to be used by elected officials or agencies. Keep the funding and the process intact.

Lunell Haught

Spokane