Sponsor
David Kustoff
Representative · R-TN
The bill directs a federal study that could deliver lasting conservation and recreational benefits and greater local input for the Hatchie River, but it risks imposing land-use constraints on nearby property owners and requires federal spending with no guarantee of designation or funding benefits for participants.
Residents and local/state governments near the Hatchie River gain a federally funded study that could lead to Wild and Scenic River designation, bringing federal protection, long-term conservation, and preserved recreation and ecosystem services.
Local, state, regional, and community stakeholders are formally included in the study through required partnership identification, increasing local input into river management decisions.
Homeowners and developers near the river could face new land-use restrictions or limits on development if federal protections are pursued.
Taxpayers will fund the study, requiring federal spending that could divert resources from other priorities.
Local governments and communities that participate may incur planning or opportunity costs if Congress ultimately declines to designate the river and no federal protections or funding follow.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Representative · R-TN
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the Hatchie River for potential Wild and Scenic designation and report to Congress within three years after funds are provided.
Adds the Hatchie River in Tennessee to the list of rivers to be studied under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a study and report to Congress within three years after funds are made available. The study must evaluate the approximately 163-mile segment from the Mississippi–Tennessee line to the Mississippi River confluence and identify opportunities to administer the segment in partnership with State, regional, local, and community stakeholders.
Official title: To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of the Hatchie River in the State of Tennessee for study for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Introduced February 4, 2025 by David Kustoff · Last progress February 4, 2025