[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COCONINO AND TONTO NATIONAL FOREST LAND EXCHANGE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. J.D. HAYWORTH

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2003

  Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 622, the Coconino and Tonto National 
Forests Land Exchange Act authorizes, directs and expedites two land 
exchanges in the Coconino and Tonto National Forests in Arizona: the 
Montezuma Castle/Payson Airport Land Exchange and the Diamond Point 
Land Exchange.
  Through this land exchange, the Town of Payson will receive land 
adjacent to its airport that will be used for expansion and economic 
development activities. This is particularly valuable to Payson because 
the Town is totally surrounded by national forest lands, virtually 
land-locking the community. Local officials feel that the lack of land 
for industry and low-cost housing is the major obstacle to economic 
development in the region.
  These two exchanges have been pending for 6 or 7 years, with no 
conclusion anywhere in sight. The administrative process unfortunately 
broke down, leaving the Town of Payson and the homeowners of the 
Diamond Point Summer Homes Association with no other alternative than a 
legislated exchange. What's more, the exchanges are supported by the 
Forest Service and are already a part of the Tonto National Forest 
Plan.
  This is common-sense legislation that accomplishes goals that even 
the Forest Service has stated are a priority. These land exchanges are 
endorsed by the Gila County Board of Supervisors, the Rim County 
Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Payson, the Payson Regional 
Economic Development Corporation, and the National Park Service, among 
others.
  I commend the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Renzi, for making this 
legislation a priority, and for bringing it to the floor so quickly.

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