Thursday, June 23, 2016

Federal In lieu of tax payments.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced Wednesday that four area counties will receive federal 2016 In Lieu of Taxes payments. They represent the largest amount ever allocated under the program to compensate counties and local governments for their support of national parks, wildlife refuges and other public lands and waters, as they forego property taxes due to non-taxable federal land in their jurisdictions. “Rural communities contribute significantly to our nation's economy, food and energy supply, and help define the character of our diverse and beautiful country,” said Secretary Jewell. “These investments often serve as a lifeline for local communities as they juggle planning and paying for basic services like public safety, housing, social services and transportation.” Program eligibility is reserved for local governments (mostly rural counties) that provide significant support for national conservation and recreation areas throughout the year. Property in the local area is a part of the national park system, as well as the Cherokee National Forest. Claiborne County has 3,805 acres and will be paid $9,872; Cocke County has 73,313 acres and will be paid $109,724 ; Greene County has 42,011 acres and is to be paid $58,883, while Sevier County with 124,146 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will receive $323,407.


Return to Today's News Stories - Front Page

Thursday, April 29, 2021

  • US 411 Project News
  • Mill Creek Wildfire Update
  • More Bad News For Smokies' Fans

    Wednesday, April 28, 2021

  • Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
  • Goodbye Smokies?
  • Keep Cocke County Beautiful
  • Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!

    Tuesday, April 27, 2021

  • The fireflies are coming!
  • Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
  • Gas prices drop
  • Tennessee keeps all US House seats

    Monday, April 26, 2021

  • Boat accident victim ID'd
  • Traffic stop yields drug arrest
  • Cocke County Wildfires

    Friday, April 23, 2021

  • Leaving WNPC
  • Mathis announces candidacy
  • Newport drug roundup
  • Cruise Against Cancer
  • Jobless numbers