HomeMy WebLinkAbout116-08 - Res. National Forest Counties & Schools CoalitionResolution No. 116-08
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 of the 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 activity 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 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 110-343 specifies that each forest county has an option to select either: (a)
remaining on the traditional 25% Forest 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 110-343 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 traditional 25%
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 of the 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 (specify one):
Traditional 25% Forest Reserve Receipts — 1908 Act (7 year rolling average)
X Full Safety Net Payment amount as per PL 110-343; and
Be it further resolved that this selection be communicated to the Governor of the State of
Washington, by November 10, 2008; and
Resolution N o a
Page two o f two
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lie it further resolved that a
uriselictions receiving Forest Reserve Funds within Mason County
receive a cony of this Peso Ion for their officia records as soon as it is officially adopted.
Signed: MASON COUNTY
Chair
ATT11-41,ST0
im Sheldon
-BOARD OF COHN
,7
mmissiorier Ross Ga1agher
Rebecca So Rogers, Clerk of the Board
Y COMM
SS
ON IERS
Date: ii/ 9/
t?03