DUMMERSTON — My article in the Jan. 2007 issue of the Commons, "A Place for Open Space," was well-timed. Shortly after its publication, Governor Douglas attacked one of the nation's most well respected and successful open space protection programs, Vermont's own Housing and Conservation Fund. Here are the details on Douglas's plan and how people can respond, courtesy of a 1/30/08 e-mail alert from Vermont Natural Resources Council, a non-profit organization in Montpelier:
The conservation of working farmland, open space, recreational lands, natural areas, and affordable housing stimulates Vermont's agriculture, forestry and tourism economy. Vermont's policy of sustained investment in the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, which builds permanently affordable housing and saves the working lands that support our economy has consistently proven its value.
That's why its troubling that in the Governor's budget address last week, he suggested the state cut nearly one-third of VHCB's annual budget - $5.2 million - to meet other state funding needs. VHCB is a model program which not only helps conserve rural lands, but also supports important affordable housing initiatives. For years, VHCB has been funded significantly below the statutory level. Weakening this valuable program even further, at a time when affordable housing and action on climate change rise to the top of Vermonters' list of priorities, is the wrong direction to take.
Help ensure Vermont doesn't take this step backwards. Ask your legislators to work hard to maintain VHCB's current budget in this tight fiscal year and beyond. Vermont must act now to capitalize on the pay-back this long-term investment promises by truly maintaining and building our "Green Bank."