HomeMy WebLinkAbout82-09 - Res. National Forest Counties & Schools CoalitionResotution *".4'7rrü
National Forest Counties & Schools Coalition
Purpose; Selection of Forest Reserve Payment System
Opting in/out of HR 1424 (PL 110-343 - Sect.60l(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 of the Agriculfural 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 activify 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 activity on national forests; and
\Vhereas 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 fit
to pass PL 110-343, which provides a four (4) year safety net whereby counties may either receive the traditional
annual payment from the Forest Service (and/or BLM) or select four years of payments based on a formula provided
in the legislation.
Whereas PL 1 l0-343 specifres 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 forth in Title I of PL 110-
343: and
Whereas it is understood that counties which select the PL I l0-343 full payment (safety net) option are doing so for
the full four (4) year life of the bill; and
Whereas it is further understood, that those counties who select to remain on the haditional 25Yo Forest Reserve
Receipt system, are obligating themselves for a two year period, and will have the option of changing to the PL 1 l0-
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 (speci$r one):
tr Traditional 25YoForest Reserve Receipts - 1908 AcT (7 year rolling average)X Full Safety Net Payment amount as per PL I 10-343; and
Be it further resolved that this selection be communicated to the Governor of the State of Washington, by November
10,2009; and
Be it further resolved that all jurisdictions receiving Forest Reserve Funds within Mason County receive a copy of
this resolution for their official records as soon as it is officially adopted.
Adopted this l5th day of September,2009.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COLINTY COMMISSIONERS