[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E150-E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE LAND EXCHANGES IN ARIZONA'S 
                      FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK RENZI

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Congressman J.D. Hayworth and 
myself, I rise today to introduce legislation to facilitate two land 
exchanges in the Tonto and Coconino National Forests in Arizona's First 
Congressional District. Congressman J.D. Hayworth sponsored similar 
legislation in the 107th Congress that unanimously passed the House.
  The legislation authorizes the Montezuma Castle land exchange and the 
Diamond Point land exchange. In the Montezuma Castle land exchange, the 
Forest Service will acquire a 157-acre parcel of private land adjacent 
to Montezuma Castle National Monument and the 108-acre Double Cabin 
Park parcel, both in the Coconino National Forest.
  An Arizona partnership, the Montezuma Castle Land Exchange Joint 
Venture, will acquire approximately 122 acres of National Forest System 
land adjacent to the town of Payson's municipal airport. The town of 
Payson has entered into an agreement to purchase a portion of this land 
to create private sector business development and job opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, this exchange will protect riparian areas along Beaver 
Creek, the view-shed for the Montezuma Castle National Monument, and it 
will transfer Double Cabin Park to Federal ownership.

[[Page E151]]

  In addition to the Payson land, this legislation facilitates the 
Diamond Point land exchange. The Forest Service will acquire a 495-acre 
parcel, known as the Q Ranch, in an area where previous acquisitions 
have been completed and Federal land has been consolidated.
  In exchange, the Diamond Point Summer Homes Association will acquire 
108 acres of Federal land that have been occupied since the 1950's by 
the association's 45 residential cabins.
  The land exchanges in this legislation are supported by the town of 
Payson, the Gila County Board of Supervisors, the Rim County Regional 
Chamber of Commerce, the Payson Regional Economic Development 
Corporation and the National Park Service.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation benefits local communities, the Federal 
Government and the American taxpayer. I urge my colleagues to support 
this important legislation for the First District of Arizona.

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