H.R.655 - The Dalles Watershed Development Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 655, the Dalles Watershed Development Act, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey approximately 150 acres of National Forest System land in the Mount Hood National Forest to the City of The Dalles, Oregon. The conveyance is subject to a written request from the City within one year of the Act's enactment. The city is responsible for all costs associated with the land transfer, including a survey.
Expected Effects
The City of The Dalles will gain ownership of the specified land, potentially enabling local development projects. The federal government will relinquish control of the land. This could lead to economic development opportunities for The Dalles.
Potential Benefits
- Potential for economic development in The Dalles through new projects on the conveyed land.
- Increased local control over land use decisions.
- Streamlined process for land conveyance, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
- No cost for the land itself, reducing the financial burden on the city.
- Addresses a specific local need, demonstrating responsiveness from the federal government.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of federal control over 150 acres of National Forest System land.
- Potential environmental impact depending on the City's development plans.
- Costs associated with the survey and other administrative tasks fall on the City.
- Limited scope; the bill only benefits a specific locality, not the nation as a whole.
- Potential for unsustainable development practices if not properly managed by the City.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of federal property. The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. The transfer of land is a specific action authorized by Congress.
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).