MMS Disburses $10.68 Billion in FY 2009

DENVER, CO – The Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) today announced that it disbursed more than $10.68 billion in Fiscal Year 2009 from revenues collected from energy and mineral production on Federal and American Indian lands, including energy and mineral production on the Federal Outer Continental Shelf.

“In these tough economic conditions, these funds are a critical source of revenue for states, Indian nations, and local governments,” said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. “The billions of dollars being disbursed will support much needed projects such as land and water conservation efforts around the United States, power and water projects in the West, critical infrastructure improvements, and funding for education.”

Of the $10.68 billion, $1.99 billion was disbursed directly to states and eligible political subdivisions such as counties and parishes. Another $5.74 billion was disbursed to the U.S. Treasury; $449 million was disbursed to 34 American Indian Tribes and 30,000 individual American Indian mineral owners; $1.45 billion was contributed to the Reclamation Fund for water projects; and $899 million went to the Land & Water Conservation Fund, along with $150 million to the Historic Preservation Fund. A complete breakout of FY 2009 disbursements is available at www.mrm.mms.gov.

In all, 35 states received funding from Federal energy revenues during FY 2009. This week, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, and their eligible political subdivisions, will receive additional funds totaling $2.7 million under the 2006 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). A complete breakout of GOMESA funding and recipients is at www.mrm.mms.gov.

The GOMESA funds provide states and eligible coastal political subdivisions with much needed resources to fund coastal protection; Federally-approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plans; and the administrative costs of complying with the law.