WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Maine Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA) recently presented Senator Susan Collins with its “Katahdin Award,” which is intended to honor a “Maine elected official who has significantly enhanced the lives of the people of Maine through their support of parks and recreation services.” This is the first year that the MRPA has presented this award. The organization says it chose to recognize Senator Collins for her efforts to restore the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) stateside grants program which helps states and local communities build parks and playing fields, carve out trails, and preserve open space.
“I am honored to accept this award from the Maine Recreationand Parks Association,” said Senator Collins. “I have fought to restore full funding to the Land and Water Conservation Funds stateside grant program because I believe that few federal investments positively touch more American lives than those funded through this program. In Maine, these funds have been instrumental in improving and expanding park and recreational facilities all around our state, thus encouraging more people to be healthy and active.”
Senator Collins accepted the MRPA’s “Katahdin Award” during an event at the Monmouth Middle School in Monmouth, where the organization is hoping to help build a new playground for local schoolchildren.