R99-017 03-08-99RESOLUTION NO. R99-17
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND,
TEXAS, ACTIVELY SUPPORTING SEEKING INCREASED FUNDING OF
THE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM IN TEXAS BY THE
TEXAS LEGISLATU RE.
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 1940s, technical assistance provided to landowners by
SWCDs 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 Wate~ Act, and other environmental laws have drastically increased
the workload of SWCDs 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
RESOLUTION NO. R99-17
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 fore 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; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Pearland, actively supports seeking
increased funding of the soil and water conservation program in Texas by the Texas
Legislature.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTE ' _ _ /)'2/~A~CJ''} ,
A. D., I 999.
TOM REID
MAYOR
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RESOLUTION NO. R99-17
ATTEST:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
DARRIN M. COKER
CITY ATTORNEY
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