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Congressman Lummis introduces FLTFA reauthorization to speed up the sale of surplus federal lands and promote a disposal-first policy.

On Tuesday U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo) reintroduced the bipartisan H.R. 2068, the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA) Reauthorization of 2013.  FLTFA authorizes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell surplus federal lands to states, localities, or private entities so they can be put to economically-beneficial use.  Profits from the sales can then be used to purchase state or private land encumbered by National Parks and other federal areas, advancing conservation goals and improving recreational access.  FLTFA could also help finance the acquisition of Wyoming-owned school trust lands like the two that remain in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). 

“For too long, the federal focus has been solely on growing federal land holdings while federal land ripe for disposal sits idle and dilemmas like the Grand Teton land parcels remain outstanding,” said Lummis.  “Add to the mix our insurmountable national debt and there is clearly the need for more innovative and taxpayer-friendly solutions to land ownership problems inherent in the west.  FLTFA is a land-for-land, disposal-first tool to rationalize land ownership patterns in furtherance of economic development, responsible conservation, and enhancing recreational opportunities—all without spending tax dollars or adding to the surplus of federally-owned property.”

“FLTFA reauthorization will benefit Wyoming and the West because it balances economic and conservation needs.  I appreciate Rep. Lummis leading the way on this legislation that will provide public access for places to fish, hunt, hike, and camp, while also protecting key natural resources.” Luke Lynch, Wyoming Director, the Conservation Fund.

“By introducing her bill reauthorizing FLTFA with significant improvements, Representative Lummis is bringing to Washington the common sense approach to land transactions that has long been used by the State of Wyoming to acquire and dispose of state trust lands.  The land-for-land approach is a balanced policy that doesn’t rely on taxpayer dollars.  Private landowners, public land states and American taxpayers will benefit from passage of FLTFA.”  Jim Magagna, Executive Vice President, Wyoming Stock Growers Association.

“We applaud Representatives Lummis and others for introducing this critical bill for western lands.  FLTFA reauthorization will provide opportunities for public access for hunting, and will conserve natural habitats that will ensure the future of elk and other wildlife.” Blake Henning, Vice President of Lands and Conservation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

BACKGROUND:

Federal Land Transaction and Facilitation Act:

In July of 2000, Congress enacted the Federal Land Transaction and Facilitation Act (FLTFA).  FLTFA authorizes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sell public lands identified for disposal through the land use planning process and retain the proceeds from the sales in a special account set up in the Treasury.  These funds remain available without additional appropriation, so the program is self-funded and does not rely on taxpayer money.

FLTFA was initially authorized through July 2010, and extended once through July 25, 2011.  Since its enactment, the BLM has sold just under 27,000 acres of surplus lands and used the proceeds to acquire approximately 18,000 acres within federal areas identified as having high resource value.

Highlights of H.R. 2068

• Reauthorizes FLTFA, currently expired, through 2020. 
• Expands the pool of eligible lands to be sold to include any lands identified for disposal in past or future federal land management plans.  Under the 2000 authorization, only land marked for disposal prior to 2000 was eligible for sale.
• Requires the Department of the Interior to establish and make available to the public an online database of all land marked for disposal.
• Directs agencies to give consideration to recreational access, including for hunting and fishing, in implementing the law.
• At the expiration of the reauthorization period, devotes any remaining funds in the FLTFA account to deficit reduction.

History of the Grand Teton National Park land parcels:

The two state-owned parcels are approximately 1,280 acres within Grand Teton National Park, and are valued at $45 million and $46 million, respectively.  Unaffiliated with the Park, the parcels are leased to cattle ranchers to generate revenue for schools.  Governor Matt Mead and the Wyoming State Legislature have approved the land sale to the Park; however, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) may not receive funding adequate to complete the deal reached between the State of Wyoming and the federal government.

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