The government makes a lot of money off of federal lands through mining rights, grazing rights, and the like. If they are going to lose revenue then why shouldn't they get something for it by having the state buy the land? Especially since the state will turn around and collect all the revenue going forward and not just the part of it they currently get. I'm sure we can come to a deal.
The federal government EXISTS to serve the States. It’s purpose is not to generate profit like a corporation. It can raise revenue in many ways, it doesn’t have to acquire land and lease it out like a mindless slumlord. Number 1- 90% of what the federal government does is extra-Constitutional, so it actually needs much less money, not more. And besides, the amount of money it raises leasing so-called federal lands is tiny compared to the total budget.