Bolts Ditch Act
Summary
The Bolts Ditch Act amends the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. It expands the list of entities eligible to perform maintenance on Bolts Ditch and its headgate within the Holy Cross Wilderness in Colorado. The added entities include the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely result in more efficient maintenance of Bolts Ditch. This could lead to improved water resource management in the Holy Cross Wilderness area. The change ensures that local Colorado entities can contribute to the upkeep of this important infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Improved maintenance of Bolts Ditch and its headgate.
- Enhanced water resource management in the Holy Cross Wilderness.
- Increased involvement of local Colorado entities in infrastructure upkeep.
- Potential for reduced maintenance costs due to local expertise.
- Supports recreational activities dependent on water resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for conflicts of interest if the added entities prioritize their own water needs over broader ecological concerns.
- Possible negative environmental impacts if maintenance is not conducted with sufficient environmental safeguards.
- Risk of overuse or mismanagement of water resources.
- Limited impact beyond the specific geographic area of the Holy Cross Wilderness.
- May set a precedent for allowing local entities to manage federal wilderness areas.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to manage and regulate federal lands and property. By amending existing legislation to allow additional entities to maintain infrastructure within a wilderness area, Congress is exercising its authority over federal lands. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).