[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11884-S11885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     NORTHERN ARIZONA FOREST LANDS EXCHANGE AND VERDE RIVER BASIN 
                            PARTNERSHIP ACT

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, after several years of negotiation and 
compromise, I am pleased that the Northern Arizona Forest Lands 
Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act of 2004 was approved by 
the Senate today. Through the dedicated efforts of all parties, this 
bipartisan agreement provides a sound framework for a fair and equal 
value exchange of 50,000 acres of private and public land in Northern 
Arizona. The bill also addresses the water issues raised by the 
exchange of lands located within the Verde River Basin watershed by 
limiting water usage on certain exchanged lands and by supporting the 
development of a collaborative science based water resource planning 
and management entity for the Verde River Basin watershed.
  It is gratifying that the compromise reached on the bill, after 
countless hours of deliberation and discussion, is both balanced and 
foresighted in terms of addressing the various issues raised by the 
exchange. I want to thank Senator Kyl and his staff, as well as 
Senators Domenici and Bingaman, and their staffs on the Senate Energy 
and Natural Resources Committee, for their tireless efforts in reaching 
this agreement. I also want to recognize the work of Congressmen Renzi 
and Hayworth who have championed this legislation in the House of 
Representatives.
  The bill sets forth a sound process for the achievement of a fair 
market value exchange which is expected to offer significant benefits 
for all parties. Benefits will accrue to the U.S. Forest Service and 
the public with the consolidation of checkerboard lands and the 
protection and enhanced management of extensive forest and grasslands. 
The communities of Flagstaff, Williams, and Camp Verde also will 
benefit in terms of economic development, water supply, and other 
important purposes.
  Since introducing this legislation in April 2003, I have heard from 
hundreds

[[Page S11885]]

of Arizonans and learned first-hand of the significant water issues 
raised by the transfer of federal land into private ownership. I want 
to thank all of the citizens that offered their time, expertise, and 
interest and provided us with valuable information on these issues. In 
large measure because of their efforts, I am more keenly aware that one 
of the most crucial challenges facing Arizona is the wise management of 
its water resources, particularly as we endure extended drought coupled 
with rapid population growth. Therefore, I am pleased that in addition 
to facilitating the Northern Arizona land exchange, this bill includes 
a number of new provisions to address water supply concerns associated 
with the exchange.
  First, in order to ensure that current water users and water rights 
holders are not adversely affected by increased future water demands, 
an agreement was reached to remove an 820 acre parcel of federal land 
in the Verde Valley, where the long-term availability of water supplies 
is uncertain and current problems exist. On the remaining 2000 acre 
parcel of federal land in the Verde Valley, a maximum water use limit 
of 300 acre-feet per year has been established along with other land 
and water use restrictions.
  Further, this bill includes a new title which supports the creation 
of a Verde River Basin Partnership to advance sound water resource 
decision-making at the state and local level in Northern Arizona.
  The development of a sound, long-term watershed management plan 
requires the involvement of all the stakeholders with water supply 
responsibilities and interests and a foundation of knowledge about 
available resources and existing demands. We are fortunate to have an 
existing model of collaborative science-based water resource planning 
and management with the Upper San Pedro Partnership in the Sierra Vista 
subwatershed of Arizona. In my view, the establishment of a similar, 
cooperative body in the Verde Basin will be a vital step in assuring 
the wise use of our limited water resources.
  Again, I want to thank all of the parties involved in this 
legislation during the past several years.

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