New York Bronx Zoos and Aquariums need your help! Governor Paterson is proposing to eliminate our state funding for FY 2010. This proposal will affect us and 74 other living museums throughout New York that serve a vital role in our states environmental agenda and pump millions of dollars into our economy.
These severe cuts to the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums (ZBGA) budget line not only put New York's zoological and botanical resources at risk, but seriously compromise the financial health of the living museums that host 12 million visitors annually, and attract millions of tourism dollars to New York. Overall, the total economic activity generated by the Wildlife Conservation Society during fiscal year 2008 was $414 million.
For more info:
1.) http://www.bronxzoo.com/press/press-releases/impact-of-the-economy-on-the-bronx-zoo-and-ny-aquarium.aspx
2.) http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/01/30/endangered.zoos
As someone who cares about the environment, education and economic development, and who realizes the value of tourism to our state, I urge you not to enact the proposed elimination of funding to the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquaria (ZBGA) program. These disproportionate and severe cuts would result in the dismantling of a successful 30-year funding program, and would be disastrous for the state%u2019s 76 zoos, botanical gardens and aquaria.
The support that ZBGA receives within the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is critical to conserving New York%u2019s environment, protecting its open spaces, addressing climate change, aiding and inspiring thousands of teachers, and growing new generations of environmental stewards. Further, it generates millions of dollars each year for state and local economies. ZBGA institutions provide jobs and host over 12 million visitors annually. Overall, the total economic activity generated by the Wildlife Conservation Society during fiscal year 2008 was $414 million.
While New York faces challenging fiscal realities, the drastic cuts proposed will only be compounding the problem, and prevent ZBGA institutions from being part of the solution to our economic woes.
Please continue your investment in living museums and support full funding of the ZBGA program!
