Dalles Watershed Development Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 655
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Dalles Watershed Development Act (H.R. 655) aims to transfer a specific parcel of federal land in Oregon from the U.S. Forest Service to the City of The Dalles for public use, primarily to support the city's municipal water supply and related infrastructure.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "City" refers to the City of The Dalles, Oregon.
- "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
- Land Conveyance:
- If the City submits a written request within one year of the Act's enactment, the Secretary must convey approximately 150 acres of National Forest System land (known as "Parcel A") in the Mount Hood National Forest.
- The parcel is depicted on a map titled "The Dalles Conveyance Parcel A" (dated November 4, 2024), available at Forest Service offices; minor map errors can be corrected, and a survey will determine the exact boundaries and legal description.
- Conveyance Terms:
- The transfer is free (no payment required), via quitclaim deed (a legal document that transfers ownership without guarantees about the title).
- It is subject to valid existing rights (e.g., prior leases or easements) and any additional conditions the Secretary deems necessary to protect U.S. interests.
- The City must cover all administrative costs, including the survey.
- Land Use Restrictions:
- The land must be used for public purposes, such as municipal water supply, infrastructure, or expansions.
- If the City uses the land inconsistently with these purposes, ownership automatically reverts (returns) to the United States.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This Act introduces a targeted exception to federal land management policies under the National Forest System by authorizing the free conveyance of a specific parcel from public federal ownership to local municipal control. It does not broadly alter laws like the Federal Land Policy and Management Act but creates a one-time transfer mechanism with built-in reversion protections to ensure the land serves its intended public purpose.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Forest Service will lose control over ~150 acres, potentially affecting local forest management or recreation, though the small scale limits broader operational changes.
- Citizens: Residents of The Dalles may benefit from improved water security and infrastructure, supporting community growth without taxpayer-funded land acquisition.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic land transfer with no foreign elements.
- Environment/Local Area: The conveyance could enable water-related development, which might influence local watersheds, but restrictions aim to limit non-public uses.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- City of The Dalles, Oregon: Primary beneficiary, gaining land for essential services like water supply.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service: Responsible for executing the transfer and retaining reversion rights if conditions are violated.
- Local Residents and Businesses: Indirectly affected through potential enhancements to municipal water and infrastructure.
- Environmental Groups or Forest Users: May have interests in the land's prior federal status for conservation or recreation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The quitclaim deed and reversion clause provide safeguards for the U.S., ensuring the transfer aligns with public interest; the City's cost obligation promotes fiscal responsibility in federal land disposals.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to dispose of federal lands, balancing national forest preservation with local needs.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan effort to support rural municipal development, potentially setting a precedent for similar targeted conveyances in other areas, though it may spark debates on federal land reduction versus local autonomy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-12-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-12-09: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5075)
- 2025-12-09: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5075)
- 2025-12-09: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 655.
- 2025-12-09: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5075-5076)
- 2025-12-09: Mr. Hurd (CO) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 233.
- 2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-277.
- 2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-277.
- 2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-06-25: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- 2025-04-29: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2025-04-23: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Bill Versions
- Dalles Watershed Development Act — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (6 pages)
- The Dalles Watershed Development Act — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (3 pages)
- Dalles Watershed Development Act — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (4 pages)
- Dalles Watershed Development Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (6 pages)