Agencies perform different functions

In response to the letter "Different name, but same functions," it should be noted that the bill introduced by State Rep. Theresa Ulmer, HB 2584, was voted down 4 to 3 by the Environment Committee of the House recently - on a nonpartisan basis, I might add.

It should be clarified, however, that the subject of the merger between the Department of Mines and Mineral Resources (DMMR) and the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) was studied in depth during the sunset review for DMMR held in the fall of 2005 and spring of 2006.

The bipartisan Reference Committee, which I chaired, and which was made up of members of both parties from both the House and Senate, reviewed the statutes of both agencies and got the views of the mining community from across the state.

They concluded, unanimously, that the agencies performed distinctly different functions which were complementary but not congruent. Both the Arizona House and Senate concurred with our finding and

overwhelmingly supported the renewal of the DMMR charter.

The primary duties of DMMR are "to promote the development of the mineral resources and industry of this state" and to "advocate the development of mineral resources and the production of minerals and mineral products."

On the other hand, the main objective of the AZGS is to "serve as a primary source of geologic information in this state to enhance public understanding of the state's geologic character, geologic hazards and limitations and mineral resources."

The Geological Survey is an academically inclined agency performing studies related to geologic hazards, water resources, mapping and those types of subjects. The DMMR deals with industry, small miners and junior exploration companies and has a more businesslike approach.

DMMR also operates the mining and minerals museum, which serves over 40,000 persons a year; over 22,000 of which are students. The museum conveys the importance of minerals in our society and our standard of living, and also emphasizes their aesthetic beauty. It serves the prospector and rockhound communities in their search for minerals and specimens. Improvements are being continuously made to attract more visitors.

RUSS JONES, Yuma

Past Chairman, Committee of Record, House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee