WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today released the following statement on funding for Presque Isle State Park being included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget proposal.
“I am pleased President Obama has included funding for Presque Isle State Park in his 2012 budget recommendation. Presque Isle is a prime destination for over four million visitors annually for a variety of recreational activities and is the top attraction for Erie’s tourism economy. Presque Isle also plays an important role in reducing potential flood damage and is essential to sustaining and protecting a unique ecosystem and a distinct bird sanctuary. While this is only the first step in the congressional budget process, I will continue to fight to maintain federal funding for sand replenishment at Presque Isle.”
Last month, Senator Casey urged the Army Corps of Engineers to include funding for Presque Isle State Park in its Fiscal Year 2012 budget. In a letter to Assistant Secretary to the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy, Senator Casey highlighted the economic and environmental benefits Presque Isle provides Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Since taking office, Senator Casey has secured over $2.5 million in federal funding for Presque Isle. He also supported $1 million that was eliminated when the 2011 budget bill was blocked late last year.
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