A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.
Summary
SB 700 would require the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, to convey approximately 232.9 acres of National Forest System land in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona to Gila County. The parcel is identified on a referenced map as the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site, and the county must request the conveyance within 180 days of enactment. The transfer would be made by quitclaim deed, without payment, subject to valid existing rights and any other terms the Secretary deems necessary to protect federal interests.
The bill limits the county’s use of the conveyed land to serving and supporting veterans of the Armed Forces. If the land is used for any inconsistent purpose, title may revert to the United States at the Secretary’s discretion. The county would be responsible for all conveyance-related costs, including surveying, environmental review, and any historic preservation compliance. The bill also relieves the federal government of any covenant or warranty obligation for the property under federal environmental law.
Impact
If enacted, SB 700 would transfer federal forest land out of the National Forest System and into county ownership, changing the legal status of the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site from federal to local control. It would amend the practical administration of the Tonto National Forest by removing this parcel from Forest Service management, while preserving federal protections through valid existing rights, survey requirements, environmental review, and a reversion clause tied to the land’s use. The bill would primarily affect Gila County, the Forest Service, and any veterans-serving entity that may use the site.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. It was introduced by Senators Kelly and Gallego and was ordered reported favorably with an amendment by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, indicating committee support rather than opposition. No recorded votes or hearing transcript excerpts are provided, so there is no evidence in the supplied materials of organized opposition or divided sentiment.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the transfer of federal land without consideration, the waiver of federal covenant or warranty protections, and the restriction that the property be used only to serve and support veterans. The bill also places all conveyance costs on Gila County, including environmental and historic preservation analyses, which could be a practical concern for the county. Because the land reverts to the United States if used inconsistently with the veterans-only purpose, any future use or redevelopment of the site could become a source of dispute.
An original bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes.
A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System land located in Franklin County, Mississippi, and for other purposes.
A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in certain land in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, and for other purposes.
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in certain land in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, and for other purposes.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)
A bill for an act providing for certain business entities acting under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state by providing for the removal of information from a filing based on a sworn affidavit and administrative dissolution based on the response to interrogatories.(See HF 2678.)