NACo statement on the confirmation of Interior Secretary Zinke

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The National Association of Counties congratulates U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana on his confirmation as secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. As a member of Congress, Zinke was a strong advocate for county priorities such as Payments in Lieu of Taxes, responsible and active management of our nation’s lands and resources and promoting sound federal policies developed with meaningful input from local governments and other on-the-ground stakeholders. NACo looks forward to working together with Secretary Zinke at the Interior Department.

“Secretary Zinke has long been a champion for counties, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in this new role," said Matthew Chase, NACo executive director. "Secretary Zinke's decisions will have major impacts on the health and productivity of our national landscapes and public lands counties across the nation." 

Sixty-two percent of counties, spanning 49 states, have federal land within their boundaries and federal lands play a significant role in the economies of many public lands counties.  Additionally, counties provide essential services for public lands visitors. Such services include road and bridge maintenance, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical, fire protection, solid waste disposal and environmental compliance.