H.R.1829 - Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1829, the Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specific parcels of National Forest System land within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to Navajo County and Apache County in Arizona. The land is intended for use as cemeteries and for a townsite tract. The conveyances are subject to certain conditions, including the counties paying for associated costs like surveys and environmental analyses.
Expected Effects
This act will transfer ownership of approximately 5 acres to Navajo County and 10.62 acres to Apache County. These lands will be used for cemetery expansion and townsite development. If the counties fail to use the land as specified, the land reverts back to the United States.
Potential Benefits
- Provides land for cemetery expansion in both counties, addressing potential needs for burial space.
- Allows for townsite development in Apache County, potentially fostering community growth.
- Transfers land at no cost to the counties (though they bear conveyance costs).
- Specifies clear terms and conditions for the land transfer, reducing ambiguity.
- Addresses local needs by enabling the expansion of essential community services.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Removes land from the National Forest System, potentially impacting recreational use or resource management.
- Counties bear the costs of surveys and environmental analyses, which could strain local budgets.
- The reversion clause could create uncertainty if future needs change.
- The act's focus is very localized, with limited broader impact.
- Potential for environmental impact during construction of the cemetery/townsite.
Constitutional Alignment
This act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to dispose of property belonging to the United States. The act does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The specific purpose of the land conveyance—to support local community needs—falls within the broad scope of Congress's legislative authority.
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).