Dalles Watershed Development Act
Summary
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 land is designated as "parcel A" on a map dated November 4, 2024. The conveyance is contingent upon the City's written request within one year of the Act's enactment.
Expected Effects
The City of The Dalles will gain ownership of the specified land for public purposes, including municipal water supply and related infrastructure. If the land is used inconsistently with these purposes, it will revert to the United States. The city will be responsible for all costs associated with the conveyance, including a survey.
Potential Benefits
- Provides the City of The Dalles with land for municipal water supply and related infrastructure.
- Supports potential expansion of water infrastructure to meet future needs.
- Could improve the reliability and quality of the city's water supply.
- May facilitate economic development by ensuring adequate water resources.
- The land transfer is made without consideration, reducing costs for the city.
Potential Disadvantages
- The City must cover all administrative costs, including survey expenses.
- The land use is restricted to public purposes, limiting flexibility.
- Failure to adhere to the specified land use results in reversion to the United States.
- Potential impact on existing rights and interests within the National Forest System land.
- The Act does not specify environmental impact assessments, potentially overlooking ecological concerns.
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 dispose of and regulate federal property. The transfer of land to the City of The Dalles serves a public purpose, which is within the scope of congressional authority. The Act does not appear to infringe upon 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).