Land Use Measures Face Hurdles Before Ballot

Lawmakers in Arizona are hoping to get two land-use measures on the ballot that would allow the state to sell off trust land to conservationists, and make right-of-way lands available for road construction.

1 minute read

May 18, 2007, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"A measure that would allow for the sale of undeveloped state-owned lands for conservation purposes and the easier disposition of right-of-way lands for road and highway construction is running into some roadblocks."

"The idea behind the Nelson plan is to get something that conservation and real estate advocates can agree upon and approved by voters. Sales of State Trust Land go towards public education and conservation programs."

"The measure would specify more than 2,300 acres of state lands that could be sold to local governments and conservation groups who would then preserve them as natural reserves and open spaces. Those sales would be for appraised value and would not occur via auction."

"The proposed ballot measure would also allow the state to convey right-of-way land with or without compensation for roadway, flood control and utility construction."

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 in The Business Journal of Phoenix

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