MADISON – The Wisconsin Assembly convened on Thursday afternoon to vote on a number of bills. Rep. Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) joined the majority of her colleagues in supporting extending the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
“The Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program funds land acquisitions and recreational development alongside a multitude of smaller grant programs through which local communities and non-profits can match the state investments. Every county in the state has had an investment from the Knowles-Nelson program,” explained Rep. Rodriguez. “My district has numerous projects with investments totaling $3,840,592 on items such as flood control and bike and outdoor recreation trails.”
Established in 1989, the Warren Knowles and Gaylord Nelson Stewardship Program preserves valuable wildlife habitats, important natural communities, protects water quality and fisheries, and expands outdoor recreational opportunities. Assembly Bill 315 (AB315) re-authorizes the stewardship program through June of 2028. The program will be provided $28,250,000 each year in bonding authority.
“I have long supported the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program voting to re-authorize the program in 2019 and 2021. The program has made numerous investments in Oak Creek’s bike and recreational trails, including the trail at Bender Park. I’m glad my colleagues agreed to continue this program,” continued Rodriguez.
“I commend Rep. Kurtz and Sen. Testin for their tireless work and leadership to continue our state’s great history on conservation,” concluded Rep. Rodriguez.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
