New Hampshire bill seeks $40K funding for local river management committees

New Hampshire's local river management advisory committees (LACs) are set to receive much-needed financial support following a recent government meeting where a bill was discussed to allocate $40,000 annually for their operations. This funding aims to enhance the capacity of these volunteer groups, which play a crucial role in overseeing the state's designated rivers.

Established in 1989, the river management and protection program currently oversees 19 designated rivers across New Hampshire. The program relies heavily on the efforts of approximately 200 volunteers who serve on LACs, providing essential oversight and community engagement related to river management. However, these committees have faced challenges due to dwindling financial resources, making it difficult to fulfill their legislative duties effectively.

The proposed bill seeks to provide grants of up to $10,000 to LACs, allowing them to cover various operational costs, including administrative support, technical consulting, public meeting space, and educational materials. The funding is intended to help LACs conduct river monitoring, community outreach, and develop management plans, which are vital for maintaining the health of New Hampshire's rivers.

During the meeting, representatives emphasized the importance of this funding, noting that previous sources of financial support, such as the EPA's grant program, have become increasingly difficult to access. The bill is designed to be flexible, allowing multiple committees to benefit from the funds, which are capped at $10,000 per award to ensure broader distribution.

While the bill is currently authorized for a two-year period, stakeholders hope that its success will lead to continued support in the future. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) expressed a neutral stance on the bill but highlighted the importance of simplifying the process for distributing funds to maximize efficiency.

As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that local river management committees have the resources they need to protect and manage New Hampshire's vital waterways effectively. The outcome of this funding proposal could significantly impact the state's environmental stewardship and community engagement efforts surrounding its rivers.