Summary
Allows the U.S. government to sell certain lands around two Nebraska reservoirs to the local counties where the lands are located.
What problem does this solve?
The federal government currently manages small plots of recreational and cabin land around two Nebraska reservoirs, which can be inefficient. This law allows the government to sell these lands to the local counties, giving them direct control over management and future use.
Who does this affect?
- Residents of Hitchcock and Frontier Counties, Nebraska
- Recreational users of Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
What does this law do?
Authorizes sale of federal land to counties
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to negotiate and sell specific federal lands around the Swanson and Hugh Butler Reservoirs to Hitchcock and Frontier counties in Nebraska.
Requires payment of fair market value
Mandates that the counties pay the fair market value for the land. The price will be set by an appraiser and will not include the value of any improvements made by current permit holders.
Restricts future use of the land
Requires the counties to manage the land for recreation, public access, and wildlife habitat. The land parcels cannot be subdivided after they are sold.
Shifts liability from the U.S. government
Releases the United States from liability for flood damage or other incidents on the land after the sale. The counties must agree to protect the U.S. from future legal claims.
Sets a three-year deadline for agreements
Gives the Secretary and the counties three years to negotiate and enter into a title transfer agreement. If no agreement is reached, the land remains under federal control.
Limits future sales by counties
Prevents the counties from re-selling the land, unless it is transferred at no cost to another public government organization within Nebraska, such as a state agency or natural resource district.
What is the real world impact?
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Reduces the federal government's management duties
Transfers the responsibility of managing small, specific plots of land from the Bureau of Reclamation to local county governments. This simplifies federal oversight and allows for more localized control.
When does this start?
The process for land transfer begins on December 23, 2024, with a key deadline over the next three years.
Deadline for transfer agreements
The Secretary of the Interior must make good faith efforts to enter into title transfer agreements with the counties within 3 years of the law's enactment on December 23, 2024.