Wabeno Economic Development Act
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 494.
Official Summary
Wabeno Economic Development Act This bill requires the Forest Service to convey approximately 14 acres of federal land, including the mineral rights, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin, to Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC, upon receiving an offer to buy the land for market value. The Forest Service must complete an appraisal to determine the market value of the land, and the offer must be received within 180 days after federal approval of such appraisal. Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC, must pay an amount equal to the market value of the land and all associated costs as a condition of conveyance. Additionally, the Department of the Interior must publish a comprehensive review of the federal permitting processes for the development of stone, sand, and gravel on federal lands.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Wabeno Economic Development Act directs the U.S. Forest Service to sell approximately 14 acres of federal land, including mineral rights, located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin to Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC. The sale requires a market value appraisal and an offer to purchase within 180 days of appraisal approval. The buyer must pay the appraised market value plus all associated costs. Additionally, the Department of the Interior is mandated to publish a comprehensive review of federal permitting processes related to stone, sand, and gravel development on federal lands.
This bill facilitates the transfer of specific federal land to a private company contingent on market value payment and requires a federal review of permitting processes for mineral development on federal lands.
- Requires the Forest Service to convey about 14 acres of federal land and mineral rights in Wisconsin to Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC upon receipt of a market value offer.
- Mandates a market value appraisal by the Forest Service and sets a 180-day window for the offer after appraisal approval.
- Directs the Department of the Interior to publish a comprehensive review of federal permitting processes for stone, sand, and gravel development on federal lands.
["Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC as the prospective land purchaser", 'U.S. Forest Service by facilitating land conveyance', 'Department of the Interior through the mandated permitting process review', 'Potentially local economic development sectors related to mineral extraction and construction materials']
['Implementation depends on timely and accurate land appraisal and offer submission within the specified 180-day period.', 'Costs associated with appraisal and conveyance are borne by the purchaser, but administrative costs to the Forest Service and Department of the Interior are not detailed.', 'The bill does not specify oversight mechanisms for the permitting process review or how findings will be used.', 'Potential tradeoffs include the permanent transfer of federal land and mineral rights to private ownership, which may affect public land management.']
The bill is currently in process and has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. It addresses land conveyance from federal to private ownership and includes a directive for federal agencies to review permitting processes related to mineral development, reflecting ongoing legislative interest in public lands management and economic development.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['The transfer of federal land and mineral rights to a private company may encourage further private development activities in the region.', 'The mandated review of permitting processes could lead to future policy adjustments or reforms in how mineral extraction permits are issued on federal lands.', 'Local economic activity related to stone, sand, and gravel extraction may increase if the land transfer and permitting processes facilitate development.']
Transparency considerations include ensuring the appraisal process is conducted impartially and publicly accessible, monitoring the timely submission and acceptance of the purchase offer, and tracking the publication and impact of the Department of the Interior's permitting process review. Oversight mechanisms for the review and subsequent policy actions are not specified, which may limit public accountability.
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