SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 22
(By Senators Helmick, Ross, Scott, Plymale, Sharpe, Schoonover,
Love, Whitlow, Anderson, Bailey and Minear)
Opposing the reduction of payment in lieu of taxes for federally
owned land in West Virginia.
Whereas, The congress of the United States has reduced the
amount of compensation to which counties are entitled; and
Whereas, The federal government owns over one million acres
in West Virginia, subject to stringent federal law, rules and
regulations that prohibit development; and
Whereas, County commissions have budgeted for an additional
one hundred eighty-five thousand extra dollars per federal law;
and
Whereas, The services provided by the county commissions
will be reduced or taxes raised on its citizens to cover this
nonpayment of payment in lieu of taxes; and
Whereas, These counties have the highest average
unemployment rate in West Virginia; and
Whereas, This default in payment of taxes will perpetuate this terrible situation; and
Whereas, If federal land was in private ownership, taxes
would yield an additional amount in excess of one million
dollars; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate opposes the reduction of payment in lieu of
taxes for federally owned land in West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That taxes be paid immediately or thirteen
thousand three hundred thirty-three acres of forest land be
transferred to the county commissions to cover this nonpayment of
taxes; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to
forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia
congressional delegation.
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