Oct 31, 2008 8:41 am US/Central
Jump In Value Of BWCAW Means More Money From Feds
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) ―
-
-
The BWCAW stretches across northern Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties -- meaning each will get more so-called "payments in lieu of taxes," or PILT, from the federal agency. (File)
CBS
Three northeastern Minnesota counties will get extra money from the U.S. Forest Service this year thanks to a jump in the appraised value of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The BWCAW stretches across northern Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties -- meaning each will get more so-called "payments in lieu of taxes," or PILT, from the federal agency.
Federal law requires the BWCAW be re-appraised every 10 years. Counties get three-quarters of one percent of that valuation.
The 1998 appraisal of BWCAW lands was $280 million. The new appraisal pegs it at $820 million.
St. Louis County's payment will jump to about $1.6 million annually. Lake County will receive about $2.5 million and Cook County, about $2 million.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)