Today Congresswoman Dina Titus released the following statement after voting in favor of a Democratic Motion to H.R. 2954, to extend the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for five years, and authorize $100 million dollars to fight wildfires on public lands.  

“With 87% of Nevada owned by the Federal Government, the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program is critical to all 16 counties in our state, and 1,834 counties nationwide. Today I voted to extend the PILT program for an additional 5 years. When the Congress considered the Omnibus Appropriations Bill last month, House Republicans brought legislation to the floor that did not extend this vital lifeline, further threatening county budgets and services to millions of Americans. The recent FARM Bill included just a one year authorization for the PILT program. Today’s vote would ensure that the PILT program will continue to bring critical resources to Nevada through 2020 providing stability and allowing local governments to plan more effectively.” 

In 2013, Nevada counties received $23.3 million dollars from the PILT program.  

“In addition, I voted to authorize $100 million dollars on wildfire prevention for Public Lands  to stop fires like the ones that devastated Mt. Charleston and Pine Nut last year. We’ve been experiencing long-term drought conditions which only exacerbate conditions for wildfires. It is critical that we provide the resources necessary to stop fires before they start through fuel treatments and other preventive methods.” 

One study estimates that on average, $1.8 billion dollars were spent annually to fight forest fires over the last from 2007-2012. The Motion failed with all 222 Republicans voting against it, and all 194 Democrats voting in favor of PILT and wildfire prevention funding.