H.R.3584 - Stratton Ridge Air Force Memorial Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3584, the Stratton Ridge Air Force Memorial Act, authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to relocate a memorial honoring 9 Air Force crew members who died in a 1982 plane crash. The memorial would be moved to the Stratton Ridge rest area in Graham County, North Carolina, within the Nantahala National Forest.
The relocation is contingent on the consent of the adjacent private landowner and approval from the North Carolina Department of Transportation and, if applicable, the Federal Highway Administration. The bill specifies that no federal funds will be used for the relocation, installation, or maintenance of the memorial.
All costs associated with the relocation, including application processing, special use authorization, environmental analysis, and the physical relocation itself, are the responsibility of the individual or entity requesting the installation.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would allow for the relocation of the Air Force memorial to a more accessible and appropriate site.
This would provide a dedicated space for remembrance and honor the lives lost in the 1982 training mission. The local community and visitors would have an improved location to pay their respects.
However, the relocation is dependent on private landowner consent and non-federal funding, which could present challenges.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a more accessible and appropriate location for the memorial.
- Honors the lives of the 9 Air Force crew members.
- Enhances the Stratton Ridge rest area as a place of remembrance.
- Could increase tourism to the area, benefiting local businesses.
- Demonstrates respect for military service and sacrifice.
Potential Disadvantages
- Relocation is contingent on private landowner consent, which may not be granted.
- The project relies on non-federal funding, potentially delaying or preventing the relocation if funds are not secured.
- The bill does not address long-term maintenance responsibilities, which could become an issue in the future.
- The relocation process could involve bureaucratic delays and complexities.
- Limited direct economic benefits to the broader American population.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution. It does not infringe upon any specific rights or powers reserved to the states. The authorization granted to the Secretary of Agriculture falls within the powers delegated to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to regulate federal lands.
Furthermore, the bill does not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, as it does not promote or endorse any particular religion. The memorial serves a secular purpose of honoring military personnel.
No specific constitutional conflicts are apparent.
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).