[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 27 (Friday, March 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            INTRODUCTION OF FOREST SERVICE EQUITY STUDY ACT

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 1994

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced legislation to 
authorize a study of Forest Service funding allocations among the nine 
regions of the National Forest System. I am pleased to be jointed in 
the introduction of the Forest Service Equity Study Act of 1994 by 
Representatives Joe Skeen, Steven Schiff, Bob Stump, Jim Kolbe, Jon 
Kyl, Ed Pastor, and Karan English.
  As many of my colleagues know, several regions of U.S. Forest Service 
have historically been disadvantaged in the regional allocation 
process. Region Three, which includes both New Mexico and Arizona, has 
been a prime example of this inequity in Forest Service funding. In 
fact, data supplied by the Forest Service itself proves this point: 
some of the regions of the National Forest System receive more funding 
on a per unit basis than other regions for recreation management, 
wildlife and fish management, road maintenance and other activities.
  Although the Southwest region has one of the greatest needs in the 
country for watershed restoration and management, our region was the 
lowest funded region in the Lower 48 States in fiscal year 1994 funding 
from the Forest Service for watershed protection. With 24 million 
acres, the Northwest region is comparable in size to the 21 million 
acres of the Southwest region. Despite this similarity, in fiscal year 
1993, the Northwest received nearly twice the funds ($95.2 million) to 
manage nontimber resources then did the Southwest ($56.3 million).
  My legislation, which has also been introduced in the Senate by Jeff 
Bingaman as S. 1839, is an attempt to correct this inequity by 
mandating a Federal study and setting the stage for reallocating 
regional Forest Service funds.
  The Forest Service Equity Study Act of 1994 authorizes the Secretary 
of Agriculture to conduct an equity study within 1 year of the date of 
enactment of this act. This study would include an analysis of the 
methodology and rationale justifying funding decisions regarding the 
regions that were made prior to the date the study is conducted; 
examine the equity of the allocations taking into account regional unit 
burdens; and examine the relationships between funding allocations, 
Forest Service goals, and the diverse needs of the regions based on 
ecological factors and demand for multiple-use services.
  Mr. Speaker, as budgets get tighter and it becomes more difficult for 
Congress to fund even the most basic programs, equity in Federal 
funding on a national basis should be our standard. We cannot expect 
the American people to pay equally for the maintenance of the Nation 
and not receive at least proportional benefits.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to secure 
passage of this most important funding legislation and I urge all of my 
colleagues form States in similar situations to join me in supporting 
the Forest Service Equity Study Act of 1994.

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