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Letterhead
January XX, 20XX
The Honorable Bill Thomas
1234 Main Street
Anywhere, US 1234567
RE: Commerce Appropriations for the Piedras Blancas Property
Dear Congressman Bill Thomas,
The San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce respectfully requests your support for a $2 million augmentation, for the purchase of the 20-acre Piedras Blancas property, to NOAA’s Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program in the Commerce appropriations bill. Some funding for the acquisition of the property by the Trust for the Public Land is now contained in the Senate version of the bill, however, we need your support for a $2 million (total) augmentation when the item comes before the Conference Committee next month. Matching funds will be provided by the California Coastal Conservancy.
As you know, tourism plays a very important role in the economy of San Luis Obispo County. Our spectacular coastline draws thousands of visitors to the area and in the acquisition of the 20-acre Piedras Blancas property located in the northwest part of the county enhances that appeal significantly and strengthens current connection between coastal tourism and our inland cities.
Acquisition of the property by the TPL, will secure the only public beach and trail access that will be immediately open to visitors on this 18-mile portion of the Hearst coast. The property includes two sandy beaches with classic marine terraces, creating a perfect protected setting for coastal recreation and viewing elephant seals and other wildlife. Public protection of the Piedras Blancas property will also close a missing half-mile gap in the California Coastal Trail and offers the potential for an urgently needed visitor’s center while also significantly improving access to the nearby Piedras Blancas Lighthouse by providing a staging area for hiking and driving tours.
It is now critical that the final version of the Commerce appropriations bill increase its funding for the Piedras Blancas property acquisition form $250,000 to $2 million. Your leadership and commitment to this project is needed to ensure that it is completed in this fiscal year.
Thank you in advance for your support of this important coastal conservation project.
Sincerely,
Mary Smith
Chairperson of the Board
cc: Honorable Congresswoman Lois Capps, Representative 23rd District |
| Keep your letter short. A succinct, one-page letter will have more impact than a longer one. If you have a documentation of the bill’s impact on your business, enclose it, but keep the letter short. |
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Later...If the legislator does what you ask, be sure to send a thank you letter.
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