HomeMy WebLinkAbout62-10 - Res. National Forest Counties & School Coalition Selection of Forest Reserve PaymentResolution No. G2 -lO
National Forest Counties & Schools Coalition
Purpose: Selection of Forest Reserve Payment System
Opting in/out of HR 1424 (PL 110-343 - Sect. 601(a), Division C) Safety Net
Whereas counties having United States National Forests within their boundaries have received Forest Reserve funds for
roads and schools since the passage ofthe Agricultural Reapportionment Act of 1908 based on revenues generated from
these forests; and
Whereas these counties have substantial areas of land in public ownership which can neither be developed nor taxed to
generate revenue from economic activity or taxation; and
Whereas during most of the 20th century Forest Reserve payments were a consistent but cyclical source of income for
schools and counties; and
Whereas during the past decade changes in public policy at the national revenue have substantially reduced and in some
cases virtually eliminated economic activify on national forests; and
Whereas the demands for education and roads have in most jurisdictions continually increased while Forest Reserve
revenues have declined; and
Whereas the Congress of the United States recognizing the existence of the above mentioned conditions has seen fitto
passPL 710-343,whichprovidesafour (4)year safetynetwherebycountiesmayeitherreceivethetraditionalannual
pay-ent from the Forest Service (and/or BLM) or select four years of payments based on a formula provided in the
legislation.
Whereas PL 110-343 specifies that each forest county has an option to select either: (a) remaining on the traditional
25YoForest Reserve Receipts payment system or (b) selecting the full payment system set fofih in Title I of PL 110-
343; and
Whereas it is understood that counties which select the PL 1 10-343 full payment (safety net) option are doing so for the
tull four (4) year life of the bill; and
'Whereas it is further understood, that those counties who select to remain on the traditional25Yo Forest Reserve Receipt
system, are obligating themselves for a two year period, and will have the option of changing to the PL 110-343 safety
net system after the second year ofthe bill.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that Mason County and its impacted school districts, hereby select to receive their
forest reserve payments as set forth below (speciff one):
! Traditional 25oá Forest Reserve Receipts - 1908 Acl (7 year rolling average)
X Full Safety Net Payment amount as per PL I l0-343; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all jurisdictions receiving Forest Reserve Funds within Mason County receive a
copy ofthis resolution for their off,rcial records as soon as it is officially adopted.
ADOPTED this 24th day of Augusf 2010.
BOARD OF COLINTY COMMISSIONERS
Tim Sheldon, Commissioner