Matteo Renzi: “I rise in support of S. 161, the Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act. This legislation…”

“I rise in support of S. 161, the Northern Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act. This legislation facilitates a land exchange in northern Arizona of private land within the Yavapai Ranch for Forest Service land in the northern portion of the state and establishes a water resource planning and management partnership in the Verde River Basin. This legislation accomplishes several goals in northern Arizona. First, it will preserve the pristine areas within Yavapai Ranch for wildlife and recreation, by consolidating a 110 square mile area in the Prescott National Forest. This area is adjacent to the Juniper Mesa Wilderness Area and will help preserve precious habitat for ponderosa pine, alligator juniper and pronghorn antelope. Second, the bill provides the City of Flagstaff with the opportunity to acquire land to expand and improve Pulliam Airport. This legislation will allow the City of Flagstaff to develop a new city park and recreational areas and obtain ownership of land near their water treatment plant. This is critical to the City of Flagstaff's future by providing economic development and affordable housing. The Northern Arizona Land Exchange Act will also allow the City of Williams to acquire land for its well sites, water storage tanks and wastewater facility and drinking water treatment plants.…”