Volunteers have emailed sample letters to residents so they, too, can request CNMI Congressman Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan and Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo to protect the funding for the nationwide program.
In the CNMI, according to the email, Marianas Resource Conservation and Development is finally back on its feet after several years of dormancy.
It would be such a shame to have all of last year’s hard work go to waste. Marianas RC&D recently assisted with a number of projects in the last 12 months and stands to help with many more in the next few years.”
These include “partnership with Beautify CNMI in tracking volunteer hours and helping process donations.”
Marianas RC&D also “helped make the Beautify CNMI calendar fundraising project possible; approved the partnership for the Marine Science Center project in Paupau; [and is now] looking to facilitate other projects such as the Garapan Public Market, a fisherman’s co-op and various solar projects, just to name a few.”
Federal funds provided to RC&D councils through U.S. congressional appropriations provide technical assistance and support for one federal coordinator per RC&D council, the volunteers said.
They said Marianas RC&D can help facilitate groups and projects to find resources, secure funding and provide guidance in project/program development.
“Rural community areas such as ours stand to benefit from the continuation of this type of federal program. While the MRCDC can continue as a private non-profit, it will be less functional without its very hardworking regional coordinator who helps guide the local council in so many aspects,” the volunteers said.
The following is the sample letter to Sablan and Bordallo:
“I am a member of the Marianas RC&D Council located in Mariana Islands, including both the CNMI and Guam. I would like to add my voice to the many RC&D Council members and supporters who are urging the Senate to restore FY 2011 funding for the RC&D Program. Please note: this is a PROGRAMMATIC REQUEST and not an earmark.
“The RC&D Program has created jobs and businesses, and leveraged financial means to support economic development and protect natural resources. On average, $6.93 is generated for every $1 of federal funds invested in the RC&D Program; for some RC&D Councils the leveraged amount is even greater.
“If funding for this program is cut, there are a number of local community projects only just getting off the ground that will suffer or just simply end or not happen at all. These include an array of environmental awareness and restoration projects, species protection projects, alternative energy projects, science programs as well as various projects aimed at bringing local agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing products to market. The variety and types of assistance that RC&D bring to our community are wide.
“Please show your support for our RC&D Council by asking the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee to provide $50.73 million to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service for the RC&D Program. Specifically, please ask them to insert the following language into the FY 2011 Agriculture Appropriations bill:
“‘Resource Conservation and Development Councils play an important role in job creation, rural economic development, and natural resource conservation. There are currently 375 existing RC&D Councils and 38 pending applicant Councils. The Committee provides $50.73 million to maintain the current operations of existing RC&D Councils.’ ”
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