What does offshore drilling have to do with the future of a community center in South Park? A lot, depending on whether Congress extends a decades-old program.
It all has to do with the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), established back in 1964, which redirects oil company royalties for off-shore drilling, towards outdoor and recreation programs. Multiple national parks have enjoyed the funds, as have several local projects.
But the fund's future is now in doubt, as are plans for the South Park Community Center.
"This park is a community gathering place," said Christine Mahler, Executive Director of the Washington Wildlife Recreation Coalition. She has been lobbying Congress to preserve the program.
The City of Seattle has filed for $720,000 in grant money, hoping to use the funds to rebuild playfields and create more outdoor space for the people who live nearby.
"If Congress does not renew this program, preferably permanently, that grant will not happen. This park will not happen without this grant," Mahler said. The LWCF is currently slated to expire on September 30.
The Trump administration signaled last year it was interested in discontinuing the program. However, a spokesperson for U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told KING 5 Thursday: "The Secretary supports reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Please direct any questions about discussions/negotiations to your Congressional delegation."
There is bi-partisan support. Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Congressman Dave Reichert both are in favor of keeping the fund. Reichert, along with dozens of others Republicans, sent a letter earlier this year to House Speaker Paul Ryan asking to continue the program. His office reiterated his support on Thursday.
GOP Letter on LWCF by on Scribd
Asked why oil companies should pay for things like facilities in South Park, Mahler says "Oil companies should pay for this because they are getting benefits from our natural resources." She adds, "This neighborhood of South Park is one of the poorest and most diverse neighborhoods in Seattle — and this is one of the few outdoor areas for the kids to come and play."
LWCF Support on Scribd
EDITOR'S NOTE: The wading pool at the South Park Community Center was open from the end of June to Aug. 16, Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m.
