Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

To transfer administrative jurisdiction over certain parcels of Federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and for other purposes.

Summary

Senate Bill 2280 proposes to transfer administrative jurisdiction over specific parcels of Federal land in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It involves transferring approximately 25 acres from the Department of the Interior to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for its Advanced Training Center. Simultaneously, about 71.51 acres would be transferred from CBP to the Department of the Interior for inclusion in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to optimize land usage between federal agencies in Harpers Ferry. CBP would gain land for training purposes, while the National Park would expand its boundaries. If CBP no longer requires the land, it reverts to the Department of Interior for park inclusion.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved training facilities for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
  • Expansion of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
  • Potential for enhanced visitor experience at the park.
  • Efficient use of federal land resources.
  • Restoration of land to the National Park if CBP no longer needs it.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential disruption during the transfer of land.
  • Possible initial costs associated with land surveys and modifications.
  • Potential impact on existing ecosystems during land development for the training center.
  • Risk of conflicting interests between CBP's training activities and park preservation efforts.
  • Limited transparency regarding the specific plans for the land use by CBP.

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 and regulate federal territory and property. The transfers of administrative jurisdiction are subject to applicable law, suggesting adherence to established legal frameworks. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.

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).