WHEREAS, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), through its member organizations (Councils of Governments, Planning Commissions, Economic Development Districts) and the United States Department of the Interior have a mutual interest in the wise stewardship and lawful use of the Nation’s public lands as they relate to gateway regions and communities; and
WHEREAS, NARC and the Department can facilitate the wise stewardship and lawful use of those public lands by encouraging dialogue and understanding of the respective roles of various levels of government; and
WHEREAS, actions taken by local, regional, Tribal, State and Federal officials regarding public lands can have a direct impact on the economy and the environment; and
WHEREAS, intergovernmental cooperation and coordination enhances economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, both NARC and the Department have an interest in working together to ensure that local, State and national public lands management goals are met and are enhanced through regional cooperation; and
WHEREAS, both NARC and the Department desire to foster mutual respect and partnership activities with regard to community and economic development and environmental issues where there are common interests among NARC, the Department and the regional communities involved.
NOW, THEREFORE, to encourage the same, the National Association of Regional Councils and the United States Department of the Interior agree:
To begin or continue dialogue, where appropriate, among Regional Councils/gateway communities and Federal land managers;
To suggest regional opportunities regarding efforts concerning gateway communities and other appropriate programs (e.g. wildlife habitat, transportation and public transit programs);
To solicit participation from all regions of the country through regional or national meetings and conferences, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law;
To extend the dialogue to the representatives of relevant State agencies, Regional Council Associations, interested cities and towns, and Tribal governments, either individually or through appropriate organizations representing those entities;
To establish efficient, “user-friendly” mechanisms for the delivery of technical assistance to gateway communities and local governments through cooperative efforts among NARC, its member Regional Councils, and the Department;
To explore development of a framework to provide advice and feedback to NARC and the Department consistent with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act regarding gateway community issues;
To cooperate, where feasible and legally permissible under anti-lobbying rules, in pursuing a legislative agenda regarding gateway communities;
That NARC may review and, where appropriate, suggest “community friendly” changes to agency regulations, with an emphasis on streamlining processes to allow for maximum interagency and intergovernmental cooperation, which the Department will evaluate for implementation within existing laws; and
To develop incentives to encourage Federal land managers to engage gateway regions and communities in regular dialogue.
Nothing in this Memorandum of Understanding should be taken as authorizing advice to be given to a Federal official from a group managed or controlled by the Department, unless the requirements of FACA have been satisfied.
Done this 17th day of March 2003, at Washington, D.C.
For the United States Department of the Interior:
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Gale A. Norton, Secretary of the Interior
For the National Association of Regional Councils:
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Richard E. Butler, President