2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Feb 18, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The v2 version of the bill includes updated legislative status information, indicating it was reported by committee without amendment. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.

S. 606119th CongressIntroduced Feb 18, 2025

Contaminated Wells Relocation Act

Reported To SenateScience, Technology, CommunicationsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Sep 8, 2025

Bottom line

This bill enables federal reimbursement for Chincoteague, VA, to relocate its drinking water wells away from NASA property, addressing potential local drinking water security concerns.

What it actually does

This bill authorizes the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to enter into a five-year agreement with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia. The agreement would allow NASA to reimburse the town for costs directly associated with removing existing drinking water wells from NASA-administered property and establishing new, alternative wells on property controlled by the Town of Chincoteague. The agreement must include details on the relocation plan, site, and estimated costs, and be submitted to Congress.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that this bill provides a necessary and practical solution to a specific local public health and infrastructure challenge. They contend that it ensures the Town of Chincoteague has a secure and safe drinking water supply, especially if existing wells are on federal land or potentially impacted by federal operations. This targeted approach addresses a critical community need.

Opponents contend

Opponents, if any, might argue that this bill sets a precedent for federal agencies like NASA to fund local infrastructure projects, potentially diverting resources from their core missions. They might also question the extent of federal responsibility for local water infrastructure, suggesting that such costs should primarily be borne by local or state governments.

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for a reader to understand its provisions and implications quickly.

Section 2(a)

Authorization for NASA Reimbursement to Chincoteague

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision grants the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the authority to create an agreement, lasting up to five years, with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia. Under this agreement, NASA can reimburse the town for expenses directly related to planning the removal of current drinking water wells located on NASA property and establishing new drinking water wells on land owned, leased, or controlled by the Town of Chincoteague.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupTown of Chincoteague, VirginiaImpactPositive financial impactMechanismReceives federal reimbursement for critical infrastructure costs.ScaleSpecific to the town's water infrastructure.

GroupResidents of Chincoteague, VirginiaImpactPositive impact on public health and safetyMechanismEnsures continued access to a safe and secure drinking water supply.ScaleDirectly affects all residents relying on the municipal water system.

GroupNational Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)ImpactPotential financial cost and administrative burdenMechanismAuthorized to use agency funds for reimbursement and manage the agreement.ScaleSpecific allocation from NASA's budget.

GroupFederal TaxpayersImpactIndirect financial costMechanismUltimately bear the cost of federal reimbursement through NASA's budget.ScaleDistributed across the tax base.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this provision is essential for addressing a unique situation where a local community's vital infrastructure is situated on federal property, potentially necessitating relocation due to operational or environmental concerns. It provides a direct and efficient mechanism for the federal government to assist a local partner in securing its public health needs.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that while the need is localized, authorizing a space agency like NASA to fund municipal water infrastructure could set an unusual precedent. They might argue that such an expenditure could be seen as outside NASA's primary mission and that alternative funding mechanisms or agencies might be more appropriate for local infrastructure support.

Tradeoffs

This provision balances the immediate need to support a local community's critical infrastructure with broader questions about the appropriate scope of federal agency responsibilities and the potential for setting precedents for similar requests from other communities.

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.