SAFFORD — The Graham County Board of Supervisors said they are generally supportive of a land swap between the Bureau of Land Management and Freeport-McMoRan, but they need some questions answered before they can fully commit.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to submit a letter of comment on the proposed land trade, seeking answers to 11 questions and concerns.
“It’s our duty to our citizens to do this logically, work hard for them and try to get some of this stuff solved,” said Supervisor John Howard. “I think we can. I think we can work very well with Freeport; we always have.”
The proposed land swap includes the acquisition of five non-federal parcels in Greenlee and Cochise counties, consisting of approximately 5,700 acres by the United States in exchange for federal parcels in Graham County adjoining the Safford Mining Operation, consisting of approximately 24,600 acres, to Freeport.
Graham County wants to know how the swap would impact revenues. Right now, the county receives money from the federal government for public land that cannot be taxed — funding comes under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Secure Rural Schools programs — and moving the land into a taxable entity would normally see an increase in revenue.
However, the county states Freeport has received a 30-percent reduction in tax liability by the state over the last three years, which would mean the county would get less funding than if the land stayed with BLM.
There are also questions about the waste material footprint; air quality; water usage; impact to local traffic; how a new rail spur will impact the area; how will a doubling of the workforce impact the region; and what will be the impact to recreation, hunting and ranching.
The public may also submit comments through Sept. 14.
Comments may be sent to 711 S. 14th Ave. Safford AZ 85546, or by e-mail at BLM_AZ_SFO_LandExchange@blm.gov.
More information, including a map, can be found online at the National NEPA Register.
