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Dalles Watershed Development Act
12/13/2025, 3:08 AM
Summary of Bill HR 655
The land in question is currently managed by the US Forest Service and is located near the city's urban growth boundary. The City of The Dalles has expressed interest in acquiring this land for economic development and recreational purposes. The bill specifies that the land must be used for public purposes and prohibits its sale or transfer to private entities.
Supporters of the bill argue that transferring ownership of the land to the city will allow for more efficient and effective management of the area, as local officials are better equipped to address the needs and priorities of the community. Additionally, they believe that the transfer will promote economic growth and enhance recreational opportunities in the region. Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the potential impact on the environment and wildlife in the area. They argue that the land should remain under federal management to ensure its protection and conservation. Overall, Bill 119 HR 655 seeks to facilitate the transfer of federal land to the City of The Dalles, Oregon, with the goal of promoting economic development and enhancing recreational opportunities in the region. The bill is currently under consideration in the US Congress.
Congressional Summary of HR 655
The Dalles Watershed Development Act
This bill provides for the conveyance of approximately 150 acres of National Forest System land located in the Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon from the Forest Service to the City of The Dalles, Oregon. If the city requests Interior to convey the land within a year of this bill's enactment, then the Forest Service must convey the land to the city as soon as practicable.
The exact acreage and legal description of the National Forest System land to be conveyed must be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Forest Service.
The conveyance must be (1) subject to valid existing rights; (2) made without consideration (i.e., made without the transfer of value, such as money); (3) made by a quitclaim deed; and (4) subject to such additional terms and conditions as the Forest Service determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
As a condition of the conveyance, the city must pay the costs associated with the conveyance, including the cost of a survey.
