Campaign To Save Pa. Conservation Corps Gains Allies

Supporters continue to rally behind the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps, a program that has been especially active in Potter County for many years. PCC is slated for elimination in Governor Tom Corbett’s proposed 2011-12 state budget, but some members of the General Assembly are working to have its funding restored.

Local advocates say elimination of the PCC would have a disproportionately adverse impact on rural areas. The Potter County Commissioners last week appealed to the governor and dozens of key legislators in Harrisburg to preserve the program. Their letter stressed the Corps’ value in Potter County, as demonstrated at the Potter County Fairgrounds, Susquehannock State Forest, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Austin Dam, Memorial Park, state parks, and townships/boroughs. Since that time, the commissioners have received pledges of support for the PCC from veteran Senator Stewart Greenleaf and from Representative Martin Causer.

PCC members receive temporary employment, as well as job training and other guidance, while performing important public service work, the commissioners pointed out. In their appeal, the commissioneers pointed out that elimination of the program would result in additional burdens placed on local governments and state facilities that provide a benefit to the local economy and way of life.