HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 98-28 RESOLUTION NO. R.98-28
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD TO ACTIVELY
SUPPORT SEEKING INCREASED FUNDING OF 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 district (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 by the federal
government through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) ;
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, federally 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 land
owners 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 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 flow; enhancing ground
water 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.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Friendswood actively
supports seeking increased funding of the soil and water conservation
program in Texas by the Texas Legislature.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this fourteenth day of September, 1998.
Mayor Harold L. Whitaker
City of Friendswood
ATTEST:
s
Deloris McKenzi , T C
City of Friendswood
R98-28/kss