Paul Gosar: “Like many of my colleagues from Western States, I represent rural counties that are growing quickly but are hitting…”

“Like many of my colleagues from Western States, I represent rural counties that are growing quickly but are hitting roadblocks due to the large amount of Federal land in them. Yavapai County in my district is no different. My bill, the Cottonwood Land Exchange Act, is a commonsense land exchange between the Forest Service and Yavapai County that would allow the county to expand a park by adding new trails and bridges for the residents of Cottonwood to enjoy. In exchange for 80 acres in the Coconino National Forest, the county has offered to the Forest Service nearly 370 acres of land adjacent to the forest. This land is habitat for the endangered Arizona cliffrose, and the exchange will allow for better protection and conservation of the rose and other sensitive species. H.R. 6146 is truly a win-win for both the residents of Yavapai County and the Federal Government at no cost to the taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.”