2 versions

SubstantiveWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Oct 14, 2025)

A substantive amendment. The short title of the Act was updated from "2025" to "2026". More significantly, v2 narrows the definition of "public purposes" for which the conveyed land can be used by the City of Price, Utah, specifying reservoir construction and related infrastructure. Additionally, a new reversion clause was added, allowing the land to revert to the United States if not used for authorized purposes.

S. 3004119th CongressIntroduced Oct 14, 2025

Upper Price River Watershed Project Act of 2026

Reported To SenatePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

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

Bottom line

This bill facilitates a federal land transfer to the City of Price, Utah, enabling local development of critical water and public infrastructure, with safeguards to ensure the land is used as intended.

What it actually does

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey approximately 124.23 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to the City of Price, Utah. The land is specifically designated for public purposes, including the construction of a reservoir and related infrastructure, as well as the development of infrastructure for public safety, transportation, and access to the reservoir. The bill includes a reversion clause, allowing the land to return to federal ownership if it is not used for the authorized public purposes, after a specified process of notification and opportunity to correct.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that this land conveyance is essential for the City of Price to address its critical water resource needs and develop necessary public infrastructure. They contend that transferring federal land to local control for specific public purposes like a reservoir allows communities to manage their own growth and ensure essential services, aligning federal land management with local priorities. The reversion clause is seen as a responsible measure to ensure accountability.

Opponents contend

Critics, if any, might raise concerns about the general principle of divesting federal land, even for public purposes, potentially setting precedents for other transfers. They might also question the adequacy of environmental reviews for the proposed reservoir construction or the long-term impacts on the surrounding ecosystem. Some might argue that federal lands should remain under federal stewardship for broader public benefit, rather than being transferred for localized development.

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)

Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management Land to City of Price, Utah

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision mandates that the Secretary of the Interior transfer ownership of approximately 124.23 acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the City of Price, Utah. This transfer is specifically for public purposes, which are defined to include the construction of a reservoir and its associated infrastructure, as well as infrastructure for public safety, transportation, and access related to the reservoir. The transfer is made 'notwithstanding' certain sections of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, indicating an override of standard land disposal procedures.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupCity of Price, UtahImpactReceives ownership of federal landMechanismDirect conveyance from the Secretary of the InteriorScaleLocal, enabling significant infrastructure development

GroupResidents of Price, UtahImpactPotential benefits from improved water resources and public infrastructureMechanismDevelopment of a reservoir and related facilities on the conveyed landScaleLocal community-wide

GroupBureau of Land Management (BLM)ImpactDivests federal landMechanismMandated conveyance by the Secretary of the InteriorScaleSpecific parcel of federal land

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this conveyance is crucial for the City of Price to secure its water future and develop essential public services. They contend that local control over this specific parcel is necessary for efficient planning and execution of projects vital to the community's health and safety, and that the federal government should facilitate such local needs.

Critics contend

Potential critics might argue against the permanent alienation of federal lands, asserting that such lands should remain under federal management for broader public and environmental benefits. They might also raise concerns about the specific environmental impacts of reservoir construction on this particular parcel, even if for a public purpose.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the federal interest in managing public lands with the specific, pressing infrastructure needs of a local community. It prioritizes local development and water security over continued federal stewardship of this particular parcel, while acknowledging the need for public purpose.

Section 3(c)

Reversion of Land for Non-Conforming Use

mentioned in summarymoderately complex

This provision establishes a condition for the land transfer: if the City of Price uses the conveyed land for purposes not explicitly authorized by the Act, the land may revert back to the United States. Before such a reversion, the Secretary of the Interior must consult with the State of Utah, notify the City of the non-conforming use, offer an opportunity for a hearing, provide public notice and comment, and give the City a reasonable chance to correct the unauthorized use. This ensures the land is used strictly for the intended public purposes.

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.