Herrera Beutler's Bill to Expand Economic Opportunities in Skamania County Receives Congressional Hearing

Statement

Today, the House Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a congressional hearing to consider Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler's bill that will expand economic opportunities and help Skamania County solidify revenue to fund local services like roads, schools, police, and fire protection.

Herrera Beutler's bill, the Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act, would transfer ownership of approximately 23 acres of the former Wind River Nursery from the U.S. Forest Service to Skamania County.

"It's a real win-win for the county because it helps the county develop recreational, historical, and business opportunities that are going to draw in tourism to an amazing area and revenue which will substantially benefit the citizens of Skamania County," said Herrera Beutler at the congressional hearing.

Skamania County Commissioner Tom Lannen testified to the committee during the hearing: "I'm asking for your support for Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act, which will help continue efforts to repurpose an abandoned Forest Service administrative site into something that is a win-win for the agency and my community."

Click here to view Herrera Beutler's remarks at the congressional hearing and click here to view Commissioner Lannen's remarks.

Additional Background:

In Skamania County, 80% of the land is owned by the federal government, with state and private timber land comprising much of the rest, leaving approximately 1.8% of land in Skamania County taxed at full market value. This in turn has hindered the county's ability to fund basic services like law enforcement and schools.

Skamania County currently owns 187 acres adjacent to Wind River Nursery and plans to develop the acquired acreage for recreational, historical, and business opportunities that will draw in tourism and additional revenue for the county.

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which encompasses a majority of Skamania County, is currently facing tens of millions of dollars in deferred maintenance. By conveying the land to the county, the U.S. Forest Service will shed financial responsibilities associated with the maintenance of buildings and facilities on the Wind River Nursery -- providing a win-win solution for Skamania County and the U.S. Forest Service.

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