2 versions

SubstantiveWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Mar 26, 2025)

A substantive change occurred in v2, shifting the responsibility for conducting the feasibility study of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Agriculture. This modification is explicitly stated within the bill's operative text and reflected in the updated bill title.

S. 1135119th CongressIntroduced Mar 26, 2025

A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Reported To SenatePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 23, 2026

Bottom line

S. 1135 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of adding the 280-mile Bonneville Shoreline Trail to the National Trails System.

What it actually does

This bill amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The trail system is described as extending approximately 280 miles from the Idaho-Utah border to Nephi, Utah, following the Bonneville bench created by historic Lake Bonneville. The key change from the introduced bill is shifting the responsibility for this feasibility study from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that a feasibility study is a crucial first step to evaluate the potential benefits of designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, which could preserve a unique natural and historical resource while enhancing recreational opportunities. They may also contend that assigning the study to the Department of Agriculture is appropriate given the potential land management jurisdictions along the trail.

Opponents contend

Opponents might raise concerns about the potential costs associated with conducting the study and the long-term implications of federal designation, including increased federal oversight, potential impacts on private property rights, or the diversion of resources from other priorities. Some may argue that existing state or local management is sufficient, making federal involvement unnecessary.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.

Section 1, amending Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c))

Bonneville Shoreline Trail Feasibility Study Directive

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision adds a new paragraph to the National Trails System Act, specifically directing the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study. The study will assess whether the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, a roughly 280-mile system of existing and potential trails in Utah and Idaho, should be designated as part of the National Trails System. This is a preliminary step to evaluate the trail's suitability for federal recognition and potential management.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupDepartment of AgricultureImpactAssigned responsibility for conducting a feasibility study.MechanismStatutory directive.ScaleSpecific task requiring resource allocation.

GroupTrail users and outdoor recreation enthusiastsImpactPotential for future federal designation and enhanced trail maintenance/development.MechanismFeasibility study could lead to designation, improving trail quality and access.ScaleLong-term positive impact on recreational opportunities.

GroupLocal communities along the trail routeImpactPotential for increased tourism and economic activity, but also concerns about federal land management.MechanismFederal designation can attract visitors and resources, but also impose regulations.ScaleVaries by community, potentially significant.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that initiating a formal feasibility study is essential for recognizing and potentially preserving the Bonneville Shoreline Trail's unique historical and recreational value. They believe the study will provide necessary data to make informed decisions about its future, and that the Department of Agriculture is well-equipped to conduct such an assessment.

Critics contend

Critics may contend that directing a federal study, even a feasibility one, represents an unnecessary expansion of federal involvement in local recreational areas. They might argue that the costs of such a study, and potential future designation, could be better spent on other priorities or that local entities are better suited to manage the trail.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the desire for federal recognition and potential resource allocation for a significant trail with concerns about federal overreach and the costs associated with such an undertaking. The shift in agency responsibility also highlights potential inter-agency jurisdictional considerations.

FOUND

The bill, as reported, changes the agency responsible for conducting the feasibility study from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Amendment to the title, and Section 1(B)

Why it matters:This is a standard legislative amendment process, reflecting changes made during committee consideration, rather than an attempt to obscure the information.

Case for: Proponents of this change likely argue that the Department of Agriculture, particularly the Forest Service, has more direct jurisdiction or relevant expertise over the lands that the Bonneville Shoreline Trail traverses, making them the more appropriate agency to conduct the study.

Case against: Critics might argue that the Department of the Interior, through agencies like the Bureau of Land Management or National Park Service, might have equally relevant expertise or that the change could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies or delays if the trail crosses multiple agency jurisdictions.

Estimated impact: This change shifts administrative responsibility and potentially the specific expertise and funding streams for the feasibility study, impacting which federal agency's budget and personnel will be utilized.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.