The federal government will deduct more than $860,000 from its timber payments to Arizona this year, some of the more than $15 million the U.S. Forest Service said it will withhold from 22 states.
A Forest Service letter to governors last week said the deductions are needed to keep the agency’s budget in balance after the cuts from the federal budget sequestration that took effect earlier this year.
“We regret having to take this action, but must ensure that the Forest Service meets the requirements” of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said in the letters.
The Aug. 19 letter to Gov. Jan Brewer said Arizona will still receive about $1.1 million this year after having $861,351.95 withheld from its payment. Brewer’s office did not return calls seeking comment Tuesday.
Oregon was hit the hardest by the cuts, missing out on nearly $4 million this year. In all, the cuts hit 41 states and Puerto Rico, ranging from Oregon down to North Dakota, which lost $32.13 in its timber payment.
From The Tucson Sentinel: https://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/090213_timber_payments/arizona-21-other-states-have-federal-timber-payments-reduced/