CC - Item 5A - Staff Report - User Fees on Federal Lands \ ;hk
stat f,eport
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
FROM: FRANK G. TRIPEPI, CITY MANAGER
DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 1998
RE: USER FEES ON FEDERAL LANDS
This item was placed on the agenda by Councilmember Clark. In 1996. Congress authorized the
U.S. Forest Service and other U.S. agencies to begin a three-year test to determine if Americans
would willingly pay fees to access public lands. The House Subcommittee on National Parks and
Public Lands has scheduled a public hearing for"Thursday February 26. 1998 to consider making the
user fees permanent. 'That hearing, in effect, moves the time frame up for public comment from the
previous target of September 1999. Accordingly, should the Council choose to comment on this
matter, it should before the February 26 subcommitee hearing on the matter.
RECOMMENDATION:
Should the Council choose to comment on this matter, it is recommended that the City Council sign
and forward the attached correspondence to the I-louse Subcommittee on National Parks and Public
Lands.
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COUNCIL AGENDA
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« 9 TA ff !it - ITEM No. • 74
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MAYOR PROTEM:
COURcLMEM E5: 8838 E VALLEY BOULEVARD • P.O. BOX 399
NOV
ROSEMEAD,CALIFORNIA 91770
anavA tAYLORARK TELEPHONE(818) 288-6671
JOE vnsoUEz TELECOPIER 8183079218
February 19, 1998
The Honorable James Hanson
Chair, House Subcommittee on National Parks
and Public Lands
814 O'Neil House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Hanson:
We are writing to express our strong opposition to the concept of establishing"user fees" for access
to public lands and facilities. While we understand and support the growing sentiment to reduce
budgeted costs in Washington, we are absolutely opposed to the institution of what amounts to all
additional tax for the maintenance of federal property.
As taxpayers, we deeply resent the fact that a third of our paychecks is currently withheld to cover
our federal tax obligations, and yet, we might be forced to open our wallets again when our families
choose to camp at Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks. If cost reduction is the goal of this
proposal, then it might be more appropriate for the federal government to examine the money
currently funneled toward entitlements rather than try to"pickle and dime"people who simply want
to access facilities that their tax dollars paid for in the first place.
In this era of increasing youth and gang violence,we also do not understand the move to further limit
access to recreational and cultural opportunities. With the establishment of even nominal user fees,
we will have accomplished nothing but to raise the bar for recreational opportunities for young
people who need those opportunities most. How can we imbue in our youth a sense of pride and
ownership in America if we limit their ability to access some of the best attributes that America has
to offer. To establish user fees for national lands and facilities would serve to communicate a
growing sense in our country that America provides only for those who have the ability to pay for
what they need. All others, it seems, are being left out.
Again we want to reiterate our opposition to the establishment of user fees for public lands. We
appreciate your consideration of our point of view.
Sincerely,
JAY T. IMPERIAL ROBERT W. BRUESCH MARGARET CLARK
Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilmember
GARY TAYLOR JOE VASQUEZ
Councilmember Councilmember