To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 837
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T10:23:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, H.R. 837, aims to transfer a specific parcel of federal land from the U.S. Forest Service to Gila County, Arizona, at no cost, to support services for military veterans. It facilitates the reuse of an administrative site for community purposes benefiting veterans.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "County" refers to Gila County, Arizona.
- "Map" is a specific document titled "Pleasant Valley Admin Site Proposal" dated September 23, 2021.
- "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
- Conveyance Requirement: If Gila County submits a written request within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must convey full U.S. ownership rights to approximately 232.9 acres of land in the Tonto National Forest, including all buildings and improvements. The exact boundaries will be confirmed by a survey approved by the Secretary, and minor map errors can be corrected.
- Terms of Transfer:
- The transfer respects any pre-existing legal rights (e.g., easements or leases).
- It occurs without payment (a "no-cost" transfer).
- The deed is a "quitclaim deed," which transfers ownership without guarantees about the property's condition or title.
- Additional conditions may be added to protect U.S. interests.
- Costs: Gila County must cover all expenses, including surveys, environmental assessments required by federal law, and reviews under the National Historic Preservation Act (a law protecting cultural and historical sites).
- Environmental Protections: The Secretary is not required to provide assurances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, a law addressing hazardous waste cleanup) that the land is free of contamination.
- Land Use Restriction: The land can only be used to serve and support Armed Forces veterans (e.g., for facilities like community centers or support programs).
- Reversion Clause: If the land is used for any other purpose, ownership automatically reverts to the United States at the Secretary's discretion, ensuring ongoing compliance.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill creates a targeted exception to standard federal land management rules under the National Forest System, mandating the transfer of this specific site without the usual sale or auction processes.
- It waives certain federal warranties under CERCLA for environmental liabilities, shifting potential risks to the county.
- The no-cost conveyance and veteran-specific use restriction introduce new limitations on how public lands can be repurposed, differing from broader land exchange or disposal laws.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Forest Service will lose control of an administrative site (about 233 acres), potentially requiring relocation of operations, but this streamlines management by removing surplus property. The Department of Agriculture gains flexibility in land disposal for public benefit.
- Citizens: Local residents, particularly veterans in Gila County, may gain access to dedicated facilities for support services, enhancing community resources in a rural area. Broader taxpayers benefit from reduced federal maintenance costs for the site.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic land transfer.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Gila County, Arizona: Primary beneficiary, gaining land for veteran services but responsible for costs and compliance.
- U.S. Forest Service (under Department of Agriculture): Loses the property and must execute the transfer, including surveys and reviews.
- Military Veterans and Supporters: Direct beneficiaries through restricted use for services like counseling or events.
- Local Taxpayers and Residents: Indirectly affected by potential new community infrastructure and any associated county costs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The quitclaim deed and CERCLA waiver limit federal liability, placing environmental and title risks on the county, which could lead to disputes if issues arise post-transfer. The reversion clause acts as an enforcement mechanism, allowing federal recapture without court intervention.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority over federal property (Article IV, Section 3), promoting public welfare through veteran support, but the no-cost transfer of public assets may raise questions about equitable use of taxpayer-funded lands.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in veteran affairs and rural development, potentially setting a precedent for similar no-cost conveyances of surplus federal properties to local governments for specific social purposes. It avoids broader land policy debates by focusing on a single site.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
- 2025-02-06: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-02-05: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-02-05: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H480)
- 2025-02-05: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H480)
- 2025-02-05: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 837.
- 2025-02-05: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H480-481)
- 2025-02-05: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-01-31: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- An Act To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona. — issued 2025-02-05 — PDF (6 pages)
- To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona. — issued 2025-01-31 — PDF (4 pages)
- An Act To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona. — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (5 pages)