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Wyoming Sells Grand Teton Land
Wyoming approves the sale of a pristine piece of land within Grand Teton National Park to the federal government for \$100 million, ending years of debate.
English
United States
PoliticsUs PoliticsGovernmentConservationSaleLand
Wyoming Board Of Land CommissionersGrand Teton National ParkU.s. Bureau Of Land Management
Mark GordonOgden DriskillMegan DegenfelderCurt MeierChip Jenkins
- Why is this land considered so valuable to Wyoming?
- The land, which has generated only minimal revenue from grazing leases, is considered Wyoming's most valuable property. Selling it to the federal government will provide significant funding for public education in the state.
- How will the \$100 million purchase of the land be funded?
- The sale will be funded by a federal grant of \$62 million and \$38 million in privately raised funds. The Wyoming Legislature approved the purchase, with a provision allowing the governor to cancel the deal if oil and gas drilling restrictions in the region become too strict.
- What concerns were raised by those who voted against the sale?
- Concerns were raised by two officials who voted against the sale, hoping for a better deal or a land swap with the incoming administration. They believed that the state could potentially obtain a higher price or more favorable terms.
- What condition is attached to the sale of the land, and what is the timeline for the transaction?
- The deal is dependent on the U.S. Bureau of Land Management approving a plan that is not too restrictive on oil and gas development in southwestern Wyoming, which is expected by the end of the month. The sale is anticipated to be finalized by the end of the year.
- What decision did Wyoming officials make regarding a piece of state land within Grand Teton National Park?
- Wyoming officials voted 3-2 to sell a square-mile of state-owned land inside Grand Teton National Park to the federal government for \$100 million. This ends decades of threats to sell it to private developers and secures the land's conservation.