Speech
Otter Creek Transfer
Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
Billings, MT
4/10/2002
Today marks the culmination of years of work by many people. It is a day that truly represents a dramatic change in the way Washington D.C. works. And it is a day that brings potentially significant opportunities to the state and the people of Montana. ///
As you know, the cornerstone of my Administration is economic development, which includes creating and maintaining good paying jobs in this state. Today brings about a significant step in that direction.
In 1998, legislation was passed by the United States Congress that compensated Montana for lost economic opportunity associated with the Crown Butte mine buy-out located near Yellowstone National Park.
That legislation recognized that federal actions have local impacts and offered the State of Montana the choice between ten million dollars worth of federal mineral rights or the mineral rights in what is known as Otter Creek Tracts 1, 2 and 3.
At that time, then-Governor Marc Racicot contemplated the choice. He chose the Otter Creek Tracts and informed then-Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt. As you may know, the Clinton Administration refused to transfer the title.
Upon becoming Governor, one of the first acts I initiated was to request newly appointed Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton to immediately transfer the title for the Otter Creek Tracts.
Over the past year, I have worked closely with Secretary Norton to accomplish that task. We have been in constant contact with the Secretary and her office to make the transfer a reality. ///
Today, I am very pleased to announce that after nearly four years, the State of Montana has acquired the title to the most significant asset we have received since Statehood.
The Otter Creek Tracts contain over five hundred thirty-three (533) million tons of Super-compliant coal. With this acquisition, the State of Montana has before it the opportunity to generate hundreds of good paying jobs and millions of tax dollars that will help ensure a quality education for our children. ///
In fact, studies have indicated that the development of just two of the three tracts could bring the State of Montana nearly Half a billion dollars in taxes and royalties over a ten to fifteen year period.
Additionally, this development could generate as many as five hundred (500) good paying jobs. ///
The challenge to receive ownership to these tracts has been a long and ultimately successful endeavor. But the challenge to generate additional funds for public education and to foster the creation of good paying jobs continues.
We must meet the challenge to develop these tracts in an environmentally and community-sensitive manner and to make these tracts fully generate the potential they hold. ///
As you know, the Montana Land Board recently voted to apply stipulations and conditions to these tracts. I maintained, along with Secretary of State Bob Brown, that the Land Board needed to move cautiously and prudently in making decisions affecting this tremendous asset.
I stressed to the Land Board members that they should hold a hearing here in Billings to allow voices from Southeast Montana a better chance to be heard.
I emphasized to those same Land Board members that they needed more information on how the stipulations and conditions might affect development and the generation of tax dollars for education.
While the Land Board rejected those arguments, I am determined to move development forward in the Otter Creek Tracts. I am prepared to reach out to all constituencies in an effort to maximize the potential on this asset. ///
I will work with industry, local citizens, and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe to make sure development occurs in a responsible and timely fashion. ///
I am prepared to put Dave Gibson, our Chief Economic Development Officer, and his office fully behind the development of the Otter Creek Tracts.///
Now, let me thank the Secretary of Interior, Gale Norton. Her leadership and determination are the reasons we are here today, instead of in a courtroom attempting to force the federal government to comply with the law. The relationship between my Administration and the Bush Administration grows stronger every day and this announcement is evidence of that fact.
I also want to thank my friend Senator Conrad Burns. Without his support of the legislation authorizing the transfer and my effort to receive title to these tracts, we would not be here today. The people of Montana have a good friend in Senator Burns.
Let me also thank Senator Baucus, Congressman Dennis Rehberg, and former Congressman Rick Hill. All remain very supportive of this effort and were instrumental in getting us here today.
And finally, I want to thank former Governor Marc Racicot for his commitment to the transfer of the Otter Creek Tracts.
This is an historic day in Montana, and I look forward to our state and its people reaping the many benefits the Otter Creek coal tracts will provide.
Thank you.
-end-
