HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 99-08 RESOLT7TION N0. R99-8
A RESOLI7TIOPi OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, TSXAS, SUPPORTING
INCREASING STATS FUNDING FOIt SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATI023 PROGRAMS
TO ASSIST IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF FEDER.ALLY 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 CON5SRVATION DISTRICTS AND NRCS STAFF,
THEREBY REDIICING THE TIME AVAILABLE FOR DIRSCT ASSISTANCE TO
LANDOWNE:RS FOR TRADITIONAL CONSERVATION PLANNING.
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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 had drastically reduced the technical assistance available from
the source; and
WHEREAS, federal mandated programs such as the Farm Bill, the Clean Water
Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and other environmental laws 2zave 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 the 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; and
R99.8/LST03
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, wetland and aquatic systems; maintaining
stability of the state's overall water budget; maintaining a health�
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.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Friendswood actively
supports seeking increased funding for the soil and water conservation
programs in Texas by the Texas Legislature.
PASSED, APPROVED AND RESOLVED this the lst day of March, 1999.
Mayor Harold L. Whitaker
City of Friendswood
ATTEST:
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Deloris McKenzie, TR C
City Secretary
R99.8/LST03