To remove the limitation imposed as a result of receiving funding under the Land and Water Conservation Fund on the conversion of Northeast Sedgwick County Park in Sedgwick County, Kansas, to a use other than public outdoor recreation.
Summary
H.R. 5036 aims to remove restrictions tied to Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funding concerning the conversion of Northeast Sedgwick County Park in Kansas. Specifically, it seeks to allow the park to be used for purposes other than public outdoor recreation, despite the original funding stipulations. The bill directly amends Section 200305(f)(3) of title 54, United States Code.
This legislative action would grant Sedgwick County greater flexibility in utilizing the park land. It essentially releases the county from the obligation to maintain the park solely for outdoor recreation purposes.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Estes and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
If passed, H.R. 5036 would allow Northeast Sedgwick County Park to be converted to uses other than public outdoor recreation. This could mean the land could be used for commercial development, infrastructure projects, or other purposes deemed beneficial by the county.
The change would give local authorities more control over land use decisions. It would also potentially open up new revenue streams or address other community needs that might outweigh the benefits of maintaining the park as strictly recreational space.
Potential Benefits
- Increased local control over land use decisions.
- Potential for economic development through alternative uses of the park land.
- Opportunity to address other community needs that may be more pressing than outdoor recreation.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing community priorities.
- Possible generation of revenue for Sedgwick County through alternative land uses.
Potential Disadvantages
- Loss of public outdoor recreation space for residents of Sedgwick County.
- Potential negative impact on environmental conservation and biodiversity.
- Possible reduction in property values for homes near the park.
- Concerns about transparency and public input in the decision-making process regarding the park's future use.
- Precedent for altering land use restrictions associated with LWCF funding, potentially impacting other parks nationwide.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate property belonging to the United States. By modifying the restrictions associated with the Land and Water Conservation Fund, Congress is exercising its authority over federal land use policies.
However, the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause could be relevant if the conversion of the park significantly diminishes the property values of nearby landowners. In such a case, the government might be required to provide just compensation.
Furthermore, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, or to the people. This bill could be seen as shifting some control over land use back to the local level, which aligns with the principles of federalism.
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).