To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System land located in Franklin County, Mississippi, and for other purposes.
Summary
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specific National Forest System land in Franklin County, Mississippi, to the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance. The conveyance involves approximately 137.7 acres and 173 acres of real property. The land will be conveyed via quitclaim deed after a written request from the Alliance and a determination by the Secretary that the conveyance is in the public interest.
Expected Effects
The Scenic Rivers Development Alliance will gain ownership of the specified land parcels. The federal government will receive compensation equal to the fair market value of the land. The proceeds from the sale will be deposited into the Sisk Act fund, which supports national forest system programs.
Potential Benefits
- Potential for economic development in the Okhissa Lake area through projects undertaken by the Alliance.
- Revenue generation for the federal government through the sale of the land.
- Funds directed to the Sisk Act fund, supporting national forest system programs.
- Local control and management of the land by a regional entity.
- Clarification of land ownership, potentially reducing disputes.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential loss of public access to the conveyed land, depending on the Alliance's future use.
- Possible environmental impacts if the Alliance's development activities are not environmentally sustainable.
- Foregone potential for the federal government to utilize the land for other public purposes in the future.
- Administrative costs associated with the land appraisal and conveyance process.
- Risk that the Alliance may not utilize the land in a way that benefits the broader public.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill 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 federal property. The bill specifies a process for determining fair market value and ensures that the proceeds are used for public purposes, further supporting its constitutionality. No specific constitutional conflicts are apparent.
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).