§1904 Range Improvement Funding

Summary

Provides extra federal money for range improvements. It authorizes $15,000,000 each year for fiscal years 1980 through 1982. For 1983 through 1986 the yearly amount must be at least whatever was authorized for 1982. For 1987 through 1999 the yearly amount must be at least $5,000,000 more than the 1986 amount. These funds are in addition to range, wildlife, and soil and water management money requested under section 1748 and to funds available under section 1751. Any authorized amounts not spent in a year can be used in later years. At least 80% of the money must go to on-the-ground work like range rehabilitation, maintenance, and building improvements (including planning and supervision). No more than 15% may pay for hiring and training staff to supervise and enforce land use and allotment plans under section 1712. The Secretary must distribute funds after consulting advisory boards (section 1753), advisory councils (section 1739), range users, and others, and should favor cooperative agreements with range users when practical. Before spending money, the Secretary must prepare an environmental assessment for each project and must do a full environmental impact statement under NEPA if a project would have significant environmental effects.