H.R. 8413: Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act

This bill, known as the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs Land Conveyances Act, is designed to facilitate the transfer of certain federal lands located at the Swanson Reservoir and Hugh Butler Reservoir in Nebraska to the local counties of Frontier and Hitchcock. Below are the key provisions of the bill:

Purpose and Title Transfer Agreements

The main goal of this bill is for the Secretary of the Interior to negotiate and enter into title transfer agreements to convey specified federal lands to both Frontier County and Hitchcock County. The agreement would detail the legal, institutional, and financial terms necessary for this transfer.

Types of Land Involved

The land to be conveyed includes:

• Lakeview Lodge Permitted Concession Land: Approximately 21.5 acres at Swanson Reservoir.
• Red Willow Permitted Cabin Land: Approximately 6.5 acres at Hugh Butler Reservoir containing 8 permitted cabin lots.
• Red Willow Permitted Concession Land: Approximately 23 acres at the Hugh Butler Reservoir.
• Swanson Permitted Cabin Land: Approximately 6.2 acres at Swanson Reservoir containing 11 permitted cabin lots.
• Swanson Permitted Concession Land: Approximately 20 acres at Swanson Reservoir.

Requirements for Conveyance

For the transfer to occur, both counties must:

• Demonstrate their capability to manage the land, including meeting financial obligations.
• Commit to using the land for similar purposes as currently utilized, such as for public recreation, public access, and wildlife habitat.

Fair Market Value Consideration

The counties must pay the fair market value for the land as determined by a third-party appraisal. Additionally, they will bear the costs associated with the transfer, including administrative and survey costs.

Management and Restrictions

Once the land is transferred, the counties must manage it according to the agreed terms, ensuring compliance with state health and safety codes. The bill also places restrictions on the subdivision of land and outlines the circumstances under which land may be reconveyed to other governmental entities.

Liability and Hold Harmless Clauses

The bill specifies that the U.S. government will not be liable for any damages related to flooding or other issues following the transfer of land. The counties must indemnify the U.S. against claims arising from the management of the land once it is conveyed.

Interim Provisions

During the negotiation period for these agreements, the existing management agreements for the land will remain in effect. If an agreement is not reached within three years, the Secretary will manage the land in accordance with applicable laws.

Implementation Timeline

The Secretary of the Interior is required to make good faith efforts to finalize these agreements within three years of the bill’s enactment.

Relevant Companies

None found