RESOLUTION NO. 45-10

A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE FUNDING OF THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND AND SUPPORTING SB2747

Recitals.

Created by Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) provides money to federal, state and local governments to purchase land, water and wetlands for public use.

Land is bought from landowners at fair-market value (unless the owner chooses to offer the land as a donation or at a bargain price.) The LWCF is funded principally from fees and royalties paid by offshore oil and gas production companies operating in federal waters. Other sources of funds include taxes on boat fuel and the sale of surplus federal lands.

Generally the property that is purchased using LWCF funds becomes part of the National Forests. Lands and waters purchased through the LWCF are used to provide recreational opportunities, preserve wildlife habitat and provide clean water for recreation and species protection. In addition to the federal component that has enlarged the National Forests, Parks and wildlife refuges; the LWCF has a state component that helps pay for local parks and recreation projects. The LCWF has provided over $12,000,000.00 to Western Colorado Counties and $1,940,000.00 to Mesa County.

In 2009 when offshore energy production revenues totaled more than $5 billion, only $180,000,000.00 or less than 3% was set aside for the LWCF. The LWCF has received full funding only once since being authorized. Funding for the LCWF has steadily declined to a low of $155,000,000.00 in 2008.

Colorado Senators Udall and Bennet are the co-sponsors of SB2747, The Land and Water Conservation Funding Act, which calls for funding of the LWCF at its full, authorized level of $900,000,000.00.

With the passage of SB2747 and authorization of Congressional funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund at its full funding of $900,000,00.00 for 2011 the American people will be ensured that royalties paid for the privilege of producing energy from America’s marine endowment are invested in conservation to the fullest extent authorized by law.

For these and other reasons it is in the best interest of all the residents of the City of Grand Junction that the City Council endorse and support the full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund as proposed by SB2747.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION does strongly support the passage of SB2747 and recommends Congressional funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for $900,000,000.00 for the year 2011 and continued full funding thereafter.

Passed and adopted this 29^th day of November, 2010.

CITY OF GRAND JUNCTION

/s/: Teresa A. Coons        

Mayor and President of the City Council

ATTEST:

/s/: Stephanie Tuin        

City Clerk