SE North Carolina News

Senators Ted Budd and Tim Kaine have introduced the Incentivizing REPI Sales Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at encouraging landowners to sell land for inclusion in a program designed to maintain military readiness and promote environmental conservation. The proposed legislation would provide financial incentives by excluding appreciated land value from federal capital gains tax for those who sell land or easements near military installations specifically for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program.

The REPI Program, run by the Department of Defense (DOD), supports cost-sharing agreements with various partners to prevent land use conflicts near military sites, address environmental restrictions affecting military activities, and enhance resilience against weather events. This initiative is essential for preserving natural areas that are critical for military training exercises, such as night operations and habitat protection.

The program has already seen success in protecting 27,000 acres around Fort Liberty, North Carolina. This effort provided a flight corridor for Grey Eagle drone training and facilitated Special Forces qualification exercises while aiding in the recovery of local wildlife populations.

Senator Budd emphasized the importance of maintaining military readiness amid growing global threats. "The REPI program has been used successfully to conserve land around military installations while promoting environmental protection," he stated. He expressed pride in partnering with Senator Kaine to expand REPI participation through financial incentives.

Senator Kaine highlighted the dual benefits of building resilient bases and conserving public lands. "I’ve long supported the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program," he said, noting its role in national security and habitat conservation.

Jennifer Morris, CEO of the Nature Conservancy, praised the program's effectiveness over decades. She remarked on how these projects support both national security and conservation efforts amidst increasing development pressures around military installations.