Money for Saluda Shoals Park and Guignard Park is available but not yet in hand.

Congress has to approve it.

Land and Water Conservation Fund money comes from oil and gas royalties, not taxpayer pockets, says Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director for the SC Nature Conservancy.

“For more than 55 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected land, improved county parks, preserved cultural sites and increased public access.

“Like many federal programs, it faced budget cuts during the Great Recession. But the bipartisan program came back strong when legislators on both sides of the aisle voted to make it permanent,” Threatt-Taylor said.

The conservation fund can only work if the money in it is spent as intended.

“Its impact is highly trackable in acres protected, parks built, cultural sites preserved and trails opened to the public.

“It’s supported by both Democrats and Republicans and our South Carolina delegation has led the effort.”

“We need to fully fund LWCF with the money collected for that purpose, instead of redirecting it to other projects.”

In addition to Saluda Shoals and Guignard Park, the money is for North Augusta Riverfront Greenway, Congaree National Park and Fort Sumter National Monument.

“So, what’s the holdup? Busy legislative schedules, competing priorities and time.

“But the time is now. The Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act June 17 and a companion bill will soon be up for a vote in the House,” Threatt-Taylor said.

“To our South Carolina representatives, let’s get this done. Pass the Great American Outdoors Act and send it to the President’s desk.”