Senate Gives Initial OK To Land Sale
After nearly a half hour of debate Thursday afternoon, the Senate has passed House Bill 156, the Transfer of Lands Bill, on first reading in the Committee of the Whole. That bill would authorize the completion of the sale of approximately 1400 acres of land surrounded by Grand Teton National Park to the Federal Government for $170-million. Concerns during the debate were raised about what would happen to the land if the Interior Department reneged on the deal or whether the transaction was in the best interest of the nation given its current economic situation. Supporters urged the money be accepted and set aside in investments to fund state education when minerals funding declines. When the question was called, the bill passed on first reading with an overwhelming majority with only two opposed. It now goes on to two more readings before passage is final.
