Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.365 - Bolts Ditch Act (119th Congress)

Summary

The Bolts Ditch Act (S.365) aims to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. The amendment would expand the list of entities eligible to perform maintenance on Bolts Ditch and its headgate within the Holy Cross Wilderness in Colorado. Specifically, it seeks to include the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority as eligible entities.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill would be to allow additional organizations to participate in the maintenance of Bolts Ditch. This could lead to more efficient and timely upkeep of the ditch and headgate. Ultimately, this aims to ensure continued water availability for users dependent on the ditch.

Potential Benefits

  • Ensures proper maintenance of a critical water resource in Colorado.
  • Potentially reduces the burden on existing maintenance entities.
  • May lead to cost savings through increased competition or resource availability.
  • Supports local water management and conservation efforts.
  • Clarifies legal framework for maintenance responsibilities.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased bureaucratic complexity with more entities involved.
  • Possible conflicts of interest or overlapping responsibilities among maintenance entities.
  • Risk of environmental damage if maintenance is not properly managed.
  • Limited impact beyond the specific geographic area of Bolts Ditch.
  • May create a precedent for similar amendments, potentially impacting wilderness areas.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce and manage federal lands. The bill addresses the management of resources within a specific area, which falls under the purview of congressional authority. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties as defined by the Bill of Rights.

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).