Overview
Title
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain lands within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to give land in a big forest to two counties in Arizona so they can make cemeteries. If they use the land for anything else, the land goes back to the government.
Summary AI
The bill, known as the "Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2024," mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer specific lands within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to Navajo County and Apache County, Arizona. For both counties, the lands are intended to be used as cemeteries. If the lands are used for anything other than cemeteries, they will revert back to the United States. The counties are also responsible for covering the costs associated with these land transfers.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The proposed legislation, titled the "Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2024," requires the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to transfer ownership of specified lands within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to Navajo County and Apache County in Arizona. The transfers are contingent upon these counties submitting formal requests within designated timeframes—180 days for Navajo County and 365 days for Apache County. The intended use for these lands is to expand existing cemeteries, which is a condition for avoiding reversion of the land back to federal ownership. The Counties will assume all costs associated with these conveyances.
Significant Issues
Several issues are present in the text of the bill, raising concerns for both the counties involved and potentially for broader taxpayer interests. One notable issue involves the term "minor errors" related to map corrections, which lacks precision and might lead to disputes over permissible amendments. Another significant concern is the financial burden placed on Navajo and Apache Counties, as they must cover all costs related to these land transfers, including surveys and environmental analyses. The use of a quitclaim deed poses a potential risk to the Counties due to possible title uncertainties. The future use restriction as cemeteries may prove inflexible over time. Additionally, the broad authority granted to the Secretary of Agriculture to impose "any other terms and conditions" could potentially lead to unforeseen complications.
Potential Public and Stakeholder Impact
From a public perspective, this bill could provide a tangible benefit by expanding cemetery space in a region that may need additional capacity due to population growth or historical site limitations. This could positively affect local communities by addressing needs for burial spaces and potentially preserving historical sites.
However, specific stakeholders, such as the Navajo and Apache County governments, may face challenges because they bear all associated costs of these conveyances. This requirement could strain their budgets if financial assistance is unavailable or if the costs of compliance are underestimated. Additionally, the inflexible requirement for the land to be used solely as cemeteries may not account for changing local needs or development priorities, potentially limiting urban planning capabilities.
The lack of consideration in these conveyances raises questions about fiscal responsibility for federal assets, potentially triggering broader policy debates. Furthermore, the possibility of these properties reverting to federal control if not used strictly as cemeteries could result in future legal challenges that might burden local governance structures.
Overall, while the bill facilitates a practical goal, ensuring thoughtful assessment of terms, conditions, and potential impacts is essential to protect the interests of all involved parties while achieving intended outcomes.
Issues
The reversion clauses in Sections 2(g) and 3(g) might lead to complications or legal disputes for Navajo and Apache Counties if the properties are not used as cemeteries as required. Clearer guidelines on what constitutes 'inconsistent' use should be provided to mitigate risks of automatic reversion to the United States.
The requirement in Sections 2(e) and 3(e) for the Counties to bear all costs associated with the conveyance, including surveys and environmental analyses, might impose financial burdens on both Navajo and Apache Counties. This aspect should be evaluated to ensure that the Counties can meet these obligations without financial strain.
The term 'minor errors' in Sections 2(c)(2)(A) and 3(c)(2)(A) regarding map corrections is ambiguous and might lead to interpretational issues or disputes over what constitutes a 'minor error'. A defined scope of what can be corrected should be added.
The provision in Sections 2(d)(3) and 3(d)(3) regarding the conveyance by quitclaim deed might expose the Counties to potential title risks. This should be clarified to ensure appropriate levels of protection and assurances concerning land titles are in place.
The provision in Sections 2(f) and 3(f) mandating the use of the conveyed properties as cemeteries does not account for future needs or changes, which may impose unreasonable restrictions on the growth and planning capabilities of Navajo and Apache Counties.
The bill's requirement for conveyance to be made without consideration in Sections 2(d)(2) and 3(d)(2) may result in a loss of potential revenue for the federal government, raising potential concerns for oversight and accountability of federal property assets.
The clause allowing the Secretary to apply 'any other terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate' in Sections 2(d)(5) and 3(d)(5) is too broad and might lead to arbitrary restrictions that could affect the Counties' autonomy over the land.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the Act establishes its short title as the “Apache County and Navajo County Conveyance Act of 2024”.
2. Conveyance of certain land within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to Navajo County, Arizona Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In this section, Congress requires the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer a specific piece of land in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to Navajo County, Arizona, for use as a cemetery if the county requests it within 180 days. The land transfer must meet several conditions, such as being cost-free and conducted by quitclaim deed, with the county covering associated costs, and the property must be used as a cemetery, or it will revert back to the United States.
3. Conveyance of certain land within the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to Apache County, Arizona Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Apache County, Arizona, can request certain land from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, which includes two parcels known as the "Existing Alpine Cemetery" and "Proposed Townsite Tract," by writing to the Secretary of Agriculture within a year of the act's passage. The county must cover all related costs, use the land as a cemetery, and if the land use changes, it will revert to the United States.