Pennington County Land Conveyance Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 31, 2026
Bottom line
This bill facilitates a no-cost transfer of a small parcel of federal land to Pennington County, South Dakota, enabling the county to develop public works facilities and adjust federal land designations accordingly.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey approximately 8.97 acres of National Forest System land within the Black Hills National Forest to Pennington County, South Dakota. The transfer will occur without monetary consideration, allowing the county to use the land for a public works facility or other necessary public uses. Upon conveyance, the boundary of the Black Hills National Forest will be modified to reflect the change.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this conveyance will enable Pennington County to develop essential public works facilities, serving local community needs efficiently by utilizing federal land that may be better suited for local administration. They emphasize the benefit of local control over land for public services and the streamlined process for community development.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue against the precedent of conveying federal land without consideration, potentially diminishing the National Forest System's integrity or setting a precedent for similar requests. Concerns could also be raised about the specific future use of the land and potential environmental impacts, even if minor, given the broad discretion granted to the county.
The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions within minutes.
Section 2(b)
Conveyance of Federal Land to Pennington County
This provision mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer approximately 8.97 acres of land located within the Black Hills National Forest to Pennington County, South Dakota. The transfer will be made without any monetary cost to the county. The county is authorized to use this land for a public works facility or any other uses it deems necessary for public benefit. Following the transfer, the Secretary is required to officially modify the boundary of the Black Hills National Forest to exclude this conveyed parcel.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this conveyance is a practical solution to facilitate local public infrastructure development, allowing Pennington County to better serve its constituents by utilizing a small parcel of federal land for essential public works. They highlight the efficiency of transferring land that is more suitable for local management and public service provision.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that conveying federal land, even a small parcel, without consideration sets an undesirable precedent for the disposition of National Forest System lands. They could argue that such transfers should undergo more rigorous review or require fair market value to protect federal assets and public interest in national forests, questioning the long-term implications of such policies.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tradeoff between supporting local government needs for public infrastructure and maintaining the integrity and acreage of the National Forest System. It prioritizes a specific local public benefit over the federal government's continued ownership of a small, potentially isolated parcel of national forest land.