Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

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 bill specifically adds the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District and the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority to the list of eligible entities.

Expected Effects

The Act will likely result in more efficient maintenance of Bolts Ditch. This is achieved by allowing additional qualified entities to participate in the upkeep. The change aims to ensure the continued functionality of the ditch for its intended purposes.

Potential Benefits

  • Ensures proper maintenance of a critical water resource infrastructure.
  • Allows for local entities with expertise to contribute to maintenance efforts.
  • Potentially reduces the burden on existing responsible parties.
  • May lead to cost savings through competitive bidding or resource sharing.
  • Supports water availability for users dependent on Bolts Ditch.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased administrative oversight due to multiple entities being involved.
  • Possible conflicts of interest or disputes between the different maintenance entities.
  • Risk of environmental damage if maintenance is not performed according to best practices.
  • Limited impact beyond the specific geographic area of the Bolts Ditch.

Constitutional Alignment

The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution. This clause (Preamble) allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. Additionally, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate property belonging to the United States. The Holy Cross Wilderness is federal land, so this act falls under that purview.

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).