Laserfiche WebLink
Land Entity White Paper November 30, 1999 <br />condition of land, the rights sold, and the strings attached) will be somewhat different. <br />Working with government money means that values will have to be determined by <br />independent appraisal processes that attempt to take into account the nuances of <br />transactions structured to the different needs and requirements of landowners. Ensuring <br />fairness in dealings with landowners is a critical element of how transactions should <br />occur, and determining fair market value for each transaction will be essential to funding. <br />These are implementation issues that will apply to any land entity selected. <br />Potential to increase federal or state presence in now private matters - Local <br />stakeholders are concerned that the actions of the Land Entity not lead to more state or <br />federal involvement in local issues, particularly ones that are currently private, than is <br />absolutely justified. <br />Distribution of Assets in the event of Program failure - If the Program were to fall apart <br />prior to completion, both parties and stakeholders are concerned that there be an agreed - <br />upon, balanced decision - making process for the disposition of the assets. <br />VI. Land Entity Options <br />Choosing an effective organizational structure to carry out the Program's land <br />component appears to involve three key decisions: <br />1. Relationship to the Governing Committee What will be the delegation of <br />authority from the Governing Committee to the Land Entity? The options <br />range from strong oversight and control by the Governing Committee to a <br />broad delegation of power to a strong, semi - autonomous Land Entity. y <br />2. Entity Structure. There is a need to match the land protection, management <br />and restoration functions of the Land Entity with the appropriate <br />governmental, quasi - governmental, non - profit, or hybrid structure best <br />capable of meeting Program objectives. <br />3. Local Representation Options. How and to what degree will the governance <br />structure and Land Entity be responsive to local interests in decision - making <br />and management? While the Land Entity must be responsive and accountable <br />to the federal and state signatories, to what degree will the interests of local <br />communities and landowners where projects will be taking place be taken into <br />account? <br />The sections below look at a range of options to address these three key variables. Part A <br />considers the potential options for how a Land Entity will fit into the overall Program — <br />options for how to divide land component functions between a Land Entity and other <br />Program governance structures. Part B looks at the options available for the structure of <br />the Land Entity. Part C examines the options for representing local interests. In <br />17 <br />