Policy

Western States May Have to Return Federal Mining and Timber Money

As part of budget problems

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Colorado is among Western states that could be forced to repay millions of dollars in federal funds locked up in the national budget debate.

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, a Republican from Colorado, said the Obama administration has advised the state that money from timber sales and mineral royalties are subject to the budget debate and the state could receive a bill for repayment of funds already distributed to counties.

Colorado stands to lose $8.4 million from the federal mineral royalties paid to states, and $720,000 from timber sales, Tipton's office said Friday.