Senate Joint Resolution No. 13

Introduced By _______________________________________________________________________________

A Joint Resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of Montana supporting the efforts of the governor to develop a proposal that includes federal properties within Montana that can be presented to the federal government as a solution to the land exchange requirements of the Crown Butte agreement.

WHEREAS, the United States of America, Crown Butte Resources, Inc., and Crown Butte Mines, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Northwest Wyoming Resource Council, Sierra Club, Gallatin Wildlife Association, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, Montana Wildlife Federation, Wyoming Outdoor Council, and Beartooth Alliance entered into an agreement August 12, 1996; and

WHEREAS, the negotiation of this agreement did not include the State of Montana or individual Montana private property owners as parties; and

WHEREAS, Montana is willing to assist the federal government in finding suitable federal assets within the state that can be exchanged in whole or in part for assets owned by Crown Butte Resources, Inc., as required by the agreement; and

WHEREAS, Montana is willing to develop a process that will meet the performance requirements of the agreement and avoid future litigation regarding the assets exchanged; and

WHEREAS, Montanans jealously guard their constitutional rights to know and to participate through public involvement, and Montana is willing to develop a process that will meet the performance requirements of the agreement and avoid future litigation regarding the assets exchanged; and

WHEREAS, land with environmental, historic, or recreational value should be protected for the public's enjoyment; and

WHEREAS, Montana has a responsibility to stimulate economic prosperity for the citizens of the state.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislature supports the efforts of the Governor to find federal properties within the state that can be exchanged with Crown Butte Resources, Inc., in order to satisfy the requirements of the agreement and at the same time provide public information concerning ongoing negotiations, protection for sensitive lands, and economic opportunity for Montanans.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution will be sent by the Secretary of State to the Montana Congressional Delegation, the President of the United States, and Crown Butte Resources, Inc.

-END-