Star-Spangled Summit Act (H.R. 4684)

Summary

Makes the Secretary of Agriculture give a special 10-year permit to a person or group to put up and take care of a U.S. flagpole at Kyhv Peak in Utah.

What problem does this solve?

Displaying a U.S. flag at Kyhv Peak, a local tradition, faces challenges from federal permit rules, fees, and environmental reviews. This bill orders the government to issue a free, 10-year permit for the flagpole, skipping the usual reviews and fees to protect this practice.

What does this bill do?

Mandates special use permit for flagpole

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to issue a 10-year special use permit for installing and maintaining a U.S. flagpole at Kyhv Peak Lookout Point, Utah.

Waives land use and cost recovery fees

Exempts the permit holder from paying any land use fees or cost recovery fees that would normally be required for using National Forest land.

Exempts permit from environmental review

States that the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) does not apply to the issuance or renewal of the flagpole permit, avoiding environmental assessments.

Specifies who can receive the permit

Gives priority for the permit to individuals who have previously displayed the flag at the location, or otherwise to a qualified local person or nonprofit from Utah County.

Who does this affect?

Residents of Utah County, Utah
U.S. Forest Service

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures a patriotic tradition continues

Guarantees that a U.S. flag can be flown at a specific scenic overlook in Utah by creating a special, long-term permit. This supports a local community's longstanding practice of displaying the flag.

When does this start?

The special permit for the flagpole must be issued within 180 days after the bill becomes law, with specific timelines for renewal.

Initial permit issuance

The Secretary of Agriculture must issue the first 10-year special use permit within 180 days of the Act becoming law.

Permit renewal or reissuance

A new 10-year permit must be issued within 180 days after the previous 10-year permit expires, is given up by the holder, or is taken away.