Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act

1/17/2025, 3:06 AM

Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act

This bill provides for the conveyance of certain federal lands located at the Swanson Reservoir and Hugh Butler Reservoir in Nebraska to Hitchcock County and Frontier County, respectively. The counties must manage the land for substantially the same purposes for which they are being used or for (1) certain public recreation purposes, (2) public access, (3) fish and wildlife habitat, or (4) the preservation of the natural character of the land.

Within three years, the Bureau of Reclamation must enter into negotiations to transfer (1) the Swanson Permitted Cabin Land, the Swanson Permitted Concession Land, and the Lakeview Lodge Permitted Concession Land to Hitchcock County; and (2) the Red Willow Permitted Cabin Land and the Red Willow Permitted Concession Land to Frontier County. Reclamation must offer to convey the land as soon as practicable after the title transfer agreement is made. The land must be conveyed in whole and not subdivided. Additionally, the bill subjects the conveyances to certain existing rights and requirements. Further, the bill limits future conveyances of the land.

Reclamation must enter into a memorandum of agreement with each county to establish and define the roles and responsibilities for actions required to convey the land.

The counties must provide compensation to the Reclamation Fund in an amount equal to the fair market value of the land. The counties must also pay the conveyance costs in advance of the conveyance.

Bill 118 hr 8413, also known as the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act, is a piece of legislation that focuses on the transfer of certain federal lands to local entities in Nebraska. The bill specifically pertains to lands surrounding the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs, which are managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation.

The purpose of this bill is to facilitate the transfer of these lands to the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District. These transfers would allow these local entities to better manage and utilize the lands for agricultural and recreational purposes.

The bill outlines the specific terms and conditions of the land conveyances, including requirements for the local entities to pay fair market value for the lands and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. It also includes provisions for the protection of natural resources and the preservation of public access to the reservoirs. Overall, the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act aims to streamline the management of federal lands in Nebraska, while also promoting local economic development and recreational opportunities.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 8413

Introduced on
2024-05-15

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/15/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President
Signed by President
Became Public Law

Purpose and Summary

Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act

This bill provides for the conveyance of certain federal lands located at the Swanson Reservoir and Hugh Butler Reservoir in Nebraska to Hitchcock County and Frontier County, respectively. The counties must manage the land for substantially the same purposes for which they are being used or for (1) certain public recreation purposes, (2) public access, (3) fish and wildlife habitat, or (4) the preservation of the natural character of the land.

Within three years, the Bureau of Reclamation must enter into negotiations to transfer (1) the Swanson Permitted Cabin Land, the Swanson Permitted Concession Land, and the Lakeview Lodge Permitted Concession Land to Hitchcock County; and (2) the Red Willow Permitted Cabin Land and the Red Willow Permitted Concession Land to Frontier County. Reclamation must offer to convey the land as soon as practicable after the title transfer agreement is made. The land must be conveyed in whole and not subdivided. Additionally, the bill subjects the conveyances to certain existing rights and requirements. Further, the bill limits future conveyances of the land.

Reclamation must enter into a memorandum of agreement with each county to establish and define the roles and responsibilities for actions required to convey the land.

The counties must provide compensation to the Reclamation Fund in an amount equal to the fair market value of the land. The counties must also pay the conveyance costs in advance of the conveyance.

Bill 118 hr 8413, also known as the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act, is a piece of legislation that focuses on the transfer of certain federal lands to local entities in Nebraska. The bill specifically pertains to lands surrounding the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs, which are managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation.

The purpose of this bill is to facilitate the transfer of these lands to the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District. These transfers would allow these local entities to better manage and utilize the lands for agricultural and recreational purposes.

The bill outlines the specific terms and conditions of the land conveyances, including requirements for the local entities to pay fair market value for the lands and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. It also includes provisions for the protection of natural resources and the preservation of public access to the reservoirs. Overall, the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act aims to streamline the management of federal lands in Nebraska, while also promoting local economic development and recreational opportunities.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo provide for the conveyance of certain Federal land at Swanson Reservoir and Hugh Butler Reservoir in the State of Nebraska, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Water Resources Development

Comments

APPROVED
EW
Elaine Wilkerson
@cress_savory_chili_pepper75029
Why this bill do this? What happen to my land? #confused

APPROVED
FO
Fiona O'Brien
@star_fruit_squash_banana21434
This bill is bad for us, we need to stop it now! #NoOnHR8413

APPROVED
MM
Messiah Maxwell
@redcurrant_tamarind_glenfarclas36073
I can't believe this bill is passing. It's gonna have a big impact on us here in WV. Why do you think this is happening? Who's benefiting from it?

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/4/2024

Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act

This bill provides for the conveyance of certain federal lands located at the Swanson Reservoir and Hugh Butler Reservoir in Nebraska to Hitchcock County and Frontier C...


Latest Action12/23/2024
Became Public Law No: 118-185.