Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center Access Improvement Act

Jul 29, 2022
Jul 29, 2022

Summary

Allows the government to buy private land to build and maintain a paved road, making it easier to get to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center in California.

What problem does this solve?

Access to a key health center for Native American youth is difficult because it relies on a dirt road located on private property. This law solves the problem by allowing the government to purchase the land and build a safe, paved road.

What does this law do?

Authorizes purchase of private land
Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to buy land from willing sellers for a new access road to the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center.
Requires construction of a paved road
Directs the Secretary to build a paved road on the newly acquired land, replacing the dirt road known as 'Best Road' to improve access to the wellness center.
Provides for road maintenance
Requires the Secretary to either maintain the new road or make an agreement with Riverside County, California, to own and maintain it.
Ensures fair payment for land
Requires the government to pay fair market value for the land, determined by federal standards and an appraiser agreed upon by both the seller and the government.

Who does this affect?

  • Native American youth
  • Staff of the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center
  • Landowners in Hemet, California

What is the real world impact?

Improves access to a youth health center
Provides a safe and reliable paved road for Native American youth and staff to reach the Desert Sage Youth Wellness Center, which is currently accessed by a dirt road on private land.

When does this start?

The actions authorized by this law could begin after it was signed on July 29, 2022.