H.R. 1419: Contaminated Wells Relocation Act

This bill, known as the Contaminated Wells Relocation Act, aims to address issues related to drinking water contamination in the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia. Here is a summary of what the bill entails:

Purpose

The main objective of this legislation is to authorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague for costs it incurs in the replacement of drinking water wells that are currently contaminated. The contaminated wells are situated on property that is administered by NASA.

Agreement for Reimbursement

The bill allows NASA to enter into an agreement with Chincoteague for a duration of up to five years. This agreement would provide reimbursement for:

• The development of a plan for the removal of the contaminated drinking water wells.
• The establishment of new, alternative drinking water wells on property controlled by the Town of Chincoteague, which could be through lease, ownership, or easement.

Agreement Elements

Any agreement made under this bill must include:

• A provision for the removal and relocation of the three remaining contaminated wells.
• A description of the new location where these wells are to be relocated.
• An estimated cost for the relocation, which would cover aspects such as purchasing or leasing additional property, as well as engineering, design, permitting, and construction expenses.

Reporting Requirements

After the enactment of this Act, NASA is required to submit any agreements made under this section to Congress within 18 months. This submission will involve coordination with relevant entities and must be provided to specific congressional committees.

Relevant Committees

The term "appropriate committees of Congress" refers to the following:

• The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
• The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.

Relevant Companies

None found.