Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) recently proposed a bill that would direct the U.S. Forest Service to convey roughly 23 acres of the former Wind River Nursery to Skamania County, Wash., where 80 percent of the land is owned by the federal government.
Skamania County — where more than 97 percent of the property is restricted from any type of commercial use that could generate local revenues to fund roads, schools, police, and fire protection — currently owns 187 acres adjacent to the nursery and plans to develop the conveyed land for recreational, historical and business opportunities that would draw in tourism and additional revenues.
“In 2016, Skamania County, the Forest Service, and community stakeholders came to an agreement to ensure that the federal government wasn’t further permanently undercutting Skamania County’s ability to generate revenue by taking away more of its land,” Rep. Herrera Beutler said. “That collaborative agreement also allowed an important Pacific Crest Trail improvement project to move forward.
“The legislation I’m introducing…makes sure Skamania County and its desperate need for revenue to fund schools and police services aren’t a forgotten piece of that 2016 agreement,” she added. “Conveying federal land — even a few dozen acres — requires an act of Congress.”
The congresswoman on Aug. 24 sponsored the Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act, H.R. 5093, which calls for the conveyance to be made by quitclaim deed; subject to a right-of-way and restrictive easement reservation for the protection of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail; and completed in accordance with certain Forest Service conveyance requirements, except that certain market value requirements shall not apply, according to the congressional record bill summary.
If enacted, H.R. 5093 also would require that the lands and related infrastructure conveyed be maintained by Skamania County pursuant to standards established by the U.S. Department of the Interior regarding the preservation of historic property, the summary says.
“Skamania County and its economically distressed communities grapple with the same challenges as King County and other larger communities — homelessness, hunger, barriers to education access — but is often a forgotten corner of the state by our leaders,” Rep. Herrera Beutler said. “I’m hopeful Senators Cantwell and Murray will step up to the plate and assist me with moving this legislation through Congress to help Skamania County support its citizens’ most basic needs.”
Both Skamania County and the Forest Service support H.R. 5093, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.