Fruit Heights Land Conveyance Act of 2025
Summary
The Fruit Heights Land Conveyance Act of 2025 proposes to transfer approximately 295.89 acres of National Forest System land in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest to Fruit Heights, Utah. The conveyance is to occur within 30 days of the Act's enactment. The land must be used for public purposes, and the United States retains an easement for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
Expected Effects
The city of Fruit Heights will gain ownership of the specified land for public use. If the land is not used for public purposes, ownership reverts to the Secretary of Agriculture. The transfer is without monetary consideration, but the city must cover survey costs.
Potential Benefits
- Provides land for public use in Fruit Heights, potentially enhancing recreational or community facilities.
- Transfers land without cost to the city, saving local taxpayer money.
- Specifies continued access to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, preserving recreational access.
- Allows the city to better manage and develop the land for its specific needs.
- The act promotes local control and responsiveness to community needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Removes land from the National Forest System, potentially impacting conservation efforts.
- Limits the land's use to 'public purposes,' which may restrict future options.
- Requires the city to bear survey and administrative costs.
- The reversionary clause could create uncertainty for long-term planning if the definition of 'public purposes' is contested.
- Potential loss of federal oversight and management of the land.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Property Clause of Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the US Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate territory or other property belonging to the United States. The transfer of land to Fruit Heights, Utah, falls under this power, provided it serves a public purpose. The act does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).