Senate Bill 977 would extend funding of the successful Forest Lands Beautification Program through December 2008. Established in 1998, the program’s funding authorization expired in December 2003.

White, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said the identification of more than 300 illegal dumps in state forests and park lands makes it clear that much work remains for the Pennsylvania Forest Lands Beautification Program.

“Unfortunately, the amount of waste irresponsibly dumped on these public lands makes it necessary to pay for cleanup and prevention initiatives,” said White.  “Appliances, household trash, construction debris, tires -- you name it.  It litters the beautiful landscape, creating eyesores, ruining the experience for outdoor enthusiasts, threatening the environment and endangering wildlife.  As long as thoughtless people dump their trash, the state has to aggressively combat the problem.”

The program is administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which provides grants to municipalities and nonprofit groups to identify dump sites, clean them up, and implement prevention initiatives.

Under Senator White’s legislation, the governor would be able to choose to fund the program from the Commonwealth’s Solid Waste Abatement Fund, the Key ’93 Fund or the current source, the Recycling Fund.  Senate Bill 977 was approved by the Senate on Tuesday and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“Our state forests and park lands serve not only to preserve our natural heritage; they also attract tourist dollars,” said White.  “Enactment of Senate Bill 977 will allow the Commonwealth to continue protecting and preserving these great resources.”