Contaminated Wells Relocation Act
Summary
The Contaminated Wells Relocation Act authorizes NASA to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for costs associated with removing and replacing contaminated drinking water wells. This includes developing a plan for removing wells on NASA property and establishing alternative wells on property controlled by the town. The Act requires NASA to submit any agreement to Congress within 18 months of enactment.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to the relocation of contaminated wells and the establishment of new, safe drinking water sources for the residents of Chincoteague, Virginia. It also mandates congressional oversight through the submission of agreements by NASA. This ensures accountability and transparency in the allocation of funds.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures access to clean drinking water for the residents of Chincoteague, Virginia.
- Removes potentially harmful contaminated wells from NASA property.
- Provides financial assistance to the town for the necessary relocation and replacement efforts.
- Promotes collaboration between NASA and the local community.
- Enhances environmental safety and public health.
Potential Disadvantages
- The Act focuses solely on Chincoteague, Virginia, potentially neglecting similar issues in other areas.
- The reimbursement is subject to NASA's discretion and available funding.
- The agreement process may involve bureaucratic delays.
- The Act does not address the root cause of the well contamination.
- Potential for cost overruns during the relocation and replacement process.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it aims to provide for the health and safety of the residents of Chincoteague, Virginia. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare. The Act's focus on addressing a specific local issue through federal funding is consistent with this constitutional principle.
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).