SHARING OF FOREST SERVICE TIMBER SALE RECEIPTS.

SEC. 13982. SHARING OF FOREST SERVICE TIMBER SALE RECEIPTS. (a) Definitions.— As used in this section: (1) Applicable percentage.— The term “applicable percentage” means— (A) for fiscal year 1994, 85 percent; and (B) for each of fiscal years 1995 through 2003, 3 percentage points less than the applicable percentage for the preceding fiscal year. (2) 25-percent payments to states.— The term “25-percent payments to States” means the 25 percent payments authorized by the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, chapter 192; 16 U.S.C. 500) for the States of Washington, Oregon, and California for the benefit of counties in which national forests are situated and that are affected by decisions related to the northern spotted owl. (3) Special payment amount.— The term “special payment amount” means the amount determined by multiplying— (A) the applicable percentage; by (B) the annual average of the 25-percent payments to States made to a county pursuant to such Acts during the 5-year period consisting of fiscal years 1986 through 1990. (b) Payments.— (1) In general.— In lieu of making the 25-percent payments to States, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make payments to States, for the benefit of counties, that are eligible to receive the 25-percent payments to States as of the date of enactment of this Act in accordance with paragraph (2). (2) Amount of payments.— (A) Fiscal years 1994 through 1998.— For each of fiscal years 1994 through 1998, the payment to each State for the benefit of each county in the State referred to in paragraph (1) shall be equal to the sum of the special payment amounts for each county in the State. (B) Fiscal years 1999 through 2003.— 107 STAT. 682 (i) In general.— For each of fiscal years 1999 through 2003, the payment to each State for the benefit of each county in the State referred to in paragraph (1) shall be equal to the sum of the payments for each county in the State as calculated under clause (ii). (ii) Payments for counties.— The payment for each county referred to in clause (i) shall be equal to the greater of— (I) the special payment amount for the county; or (II) the share of the 25-percent payments to States allocable to the county.