A congressional bill that could send $200,000 a year to the Virgin Islands to fund acquisition of parks and recreation facilities was passed by the Resources Committee Wednesday.
According to a release from Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen's office the bill would provide $125 million on an annual basis for the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery program for grants to local governments to rehabilitate recreation areas and facilities, as well as for the development of improved recreation programs, sites and facilities.
"I am pleased to have been able to join my Democratic Colleagues on the Resources Committee in assisting Chairman Young in getting this landmark bill, HR 701, to the floor of the House," Christensen said.
"With this bill, there will be for the first time, guaranteed funding for all
conservation and recreation programs nation wide.
"I am overjoyed because the bill as it is currently written, would mean that the Virgin Islands could apply for and receive over $200,000 on an annual basis to acquire lands for parks and other recreation areas and facilities. As we continue to struggle to find a solution to the problems confronting our young people in the territory, the funding that HR 701 would provide could not have come at a more opportune time." Christensen also said.
After passing out of the Resources Committee the bill will go to the floor of the House. It is not expected to be signed into law before next year.