Goals for State-Federal Action

POLICY: NCSL URGES CONGRESS TO STUDY THE PAYMENT IN LIEU OF TAXES PROGRAM

COMMITTEE: BUDGETS AND REVENUE

TYPE: ACTION

WHEREAS, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recognizes the shared responsibility of states, counties and the federal government for the management of public lands;

WHEREAS, the federal government recognized the adverse impact this shared responsibility had on the ability of state and sub-states units of government to collect revenues on property and facilities and thereby created the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program in 1976 and other subsequent revenue-replacing programs;

WHEREAS, the Department of Interior reports that “PILT payments help local governments carry out such vital services as firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations;”

WHEREAS, other federal properties within a state’s boundaries are not covered under PILT and create substantial costs in terms of infrastructure development and maintenance and increased security measures, much of which is borne by states and counties;

BE IT RESOLVED, NCSL urges Congress to request the Congressional Research Service to conduct a state-by-state analysis of the effects of federal property not covered under PILT and other revenue replacing programs on state and local revenues;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, NCSL urges the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives to hold hearings to discuss the effects of federal property not covered under PILT and other revenue replacing programs on state and local revenues;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, a copy of this resolution be sent to members of the U. S. Congress.