HomeMy Public PortalAboutResolution No. 108-99 03-23-1999 RESOLUTION NO. 108-99
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, IN SUPPORT OF SEEKING
INCREASED FUNDING FOR THE SOIL AND WATER
CONSERVATION PROGRAM IN TEXAS BY THE TEXAS
LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, for over a half century, farmers and ranchers working in cooperation with
local soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) have built a legacy proving themselves
willing and able to assume responsibility for the conservation of the state's soil, water and related
natural resources; and,
WHEREAS, since the 1940's, technical assistance provided to landowners by soil and
water conservation districts has been provided through a partnership with the federal government
through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) formerly the Soil
Conservation Service (SCS); and,
WHEREAS, the reduction of funds appropriated to the USDA-NRCS over the past two
decades has drastically reduced the technical assistance available from this source; and,
WHEREAS, federal mandated programs such as the Farm Bill, the Clean Water Act, Safe
• Drinking Water Act, and other environmental laws have drastically increased the workload of soil
and water conservation districts and NRCS Staff; thereby reducing the time available for direct
assistance to landowners for traditional conservation planning; and,
WHEREAS, there is a need to continue to strengthen voluntary conservation programs
to improve management and efficiency of water use and to improve quality and quantity of water
available for citizens of Texas; strengthen locally led conservation programs to protect the state's
soil resources; strengthen brush management programs for erosion control, water management
and improvement of wildlife habitat, and strengthen voluntary conservation programs for timber
stand improvement; and,
WHEREAS, there are many public benefits received from SWCD programs such as: the
protection of local land values and local tax bases; protection of the agricultural productivity
base; sustaining local economies, providing watershed protection and flood control; reducing
sedimentation in streams, rivers and lakes; increasing or sustaining stream flows; enhancing
groundwater recharge; enhancing local municipal and industrial water supplies; improving
fisheries, wetlands and aquatic systems; maintaining stability of the state's overall water budget;
maintaining a healthy wildlife population; helping protect threatened and endangered species
improving air quality; providing community services through soil interpretations for agricultural
and community development; and improving quality of life.
RESOLUTION NO. _108_99_ PAGE 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS, that the City of Richland Hills actively supports
seeking increased funding of the soil and water conservation program in Texas by the Texas
Legislature.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Richland Hills, Texas,
by a vote of 5 ayes, ~ nays, and ~ abstentions, on this the23rdday of March 1999.
APPROVED:
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~ ~ ~ ~ ° ~ - C. F. KELLEY, MAYOR
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TERRI WII;LIS, CITY SEC ETARY