Okanogan County's payments have been declining. Payments would be made to the state and distributed to each county. Title II is mostly for watershed improvement work and title III can be used by the county for other projects and funds would stay in the county's control. Mr. O'Neal asked if the Commissioners would agree to one RAC to cover five eastside counties. The reason for the 5 county coverage is that it is difficult to get volunteers to serve on such a committee.
Legislation requires a majority vote to advance the project.
It is hoped that the committee would be up and running by March. This is a special legislation that only continues to 2006, at which time the funding will be up for debate once again. Once the Cmrs agree to the 5 county RAC, information will be put together on how people could apply and the Cmrs. could begin to bring nominations. The Forest Service will meet with the Cmrs. Although the committee is made of volunteers, travel expenses can be paid.