AZ SCM1018

Urges U.S. Congress to provide full long-term funding for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program established in 1976 to compensate counties for services provided on federally managed lands

Notes that 66% of Arizona's 113,417 square miles are federally or tribally managed, removing significant portions from the local property tax base while counties must still provide law enforcement, emergency services, and road maintenance

Highlights that the national average PILT payment of $0.72 per acre in fiscal year 2014 is inadequate and that Congress has failed to pass permanent funding since 2008, instead relying on last-minute annual extensions

States that uncertain PILT funding threatens the financial stability and structural solvency of Arizona counties and public school systems, compromising their ability to provide essential health, safety, and welfare services

Requests Congress work with Arizona and county governments to develop policies promoting economic development on federally managed lands