Western States May Have to Return Federal Mining and Timber Money

As part of budget problems

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.