Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 are limited to legislative process metadata, specifically the attestation of the House Clerk and the addition of Senate referral information. There are no substantive policy changes in the bill text.
Dalles Watershed Development Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 655 facilitates the transfer of 150 acres of federal forest land to The Dalles, Oregon, for public water supply use, free of charge but with the city covering administrative costs and adhering to specific use restrictions.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey approximately 150 acres of National Forest System land in the Mount Hood National Forest to the City of The Dalles, Oregon. The conveyance is without monetary consideration, but the City must request the land within one year and cover all administrative costs, including surveying. The land must be used for public purposes, specifically municipal water supply and related infrastructure, with a reversion clause if these conditions are not met.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this conveyance is crucial for the City of The Dalles to secure and expand its municipal water supply and related infrastructure, addressing a vital public need. They contend that transferring this specific parcel, which is already within or adjacent to the city's watershed, allows for more efficient local management of a critical resource without significant federal burden, especially since the land is conveyed without monetary consideration to the federal government.
Opponents contend
Critics might express concerns about the precedent of conveying federal lands, particularly National Forest System lands, to local entities without monetary compensation. They could argue that such transfers reduce the overall federal land base and potentially impact broader conservation goals or public access, even if the stated purpose is a public good. Opponents might also question whether alternative solutions for the city's water needs were fully explored that would not involve divesting federal land.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 3(a) and (b)
Conveyance of Federal Land to The Dalles
This provision mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture transfer approximately 150 acres of National Forest System land, specifically 'parcel A' in the Mount Hood National Forest, to the City of The Dalles, Oregon. The transfer is contingent on the City submitting a written request within one year of the bill's enactment. The exact boundaries will be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this direct conveyance is the most efficient way to ensure the City of The Dalles can manage and secure its critical municipal water resources. They contend that local control over this specific parcel is essential for long-term planning and investment in water infrastructure, directly benefiting the city's residents.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that transferring federal land, even for a public purpose, sets a precedent that could lead to further fragmentation of National Forest System lands. They may suggest that federal agencies are better equipped to manage these lands for broader public good, including environmental protection and recreation, which could be compromised under local ownership.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the federal interest in maintaining its land base with the local need for critical infrastructure. It trades a small portion of federal land for enhanced local control over a vital public utility, potentially sacrificing broader federal land management objectives for specific community benefits.
Section 3(c), (d), and (e)
Terms, Conditions, and Use of Conveyed Land
This section outlines the specific terms for the land conveyance. The transfer will be without monetary consideration (free of charge) and made via a quitclaim deed, subject to existing rights and any additional terms the Secretary deems necessary. The City of The Dalles is responsible for all administrative costs, including the survey. Crucially, the land must be used exclusively for public purposes, including municipal water supply and related infrastructure. If the land is used inconsistently with this requirement, ownership will revert to the United States.