1999-028-SWCD INCREASED FUNDING
RESOLUTION NO. 99-028
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 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 timer 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 PARIS, that the
City Council actively supports seeking increased funding of the soil and water conservation
program in Texas by the Texas Legislature.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of March, 1999,
ATTEST:
Mattie Cunningham, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
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Scott p, Foster, City Attorney
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