Sponsors
The bill funds a federal study that could unlock federal protection and stronger local input for the Hatchie River—benefiting conservation and recreation—at the cost of potential land-use limits for nearby property owners, added federal spending, and possible local planning burdens if designation is not granted.
Local residents, state and local governments, and visitors along the Hatchie River may gain a formal federal study and potential federal protections (including possible National Wild and Scenic Rivers designation) that increase chances of long-term conservation and protect recreation and ecosystem services.
Local, state, regional, and community stakeholders will have greater formal input because the study must identify partnerships, increasing local involvement in river management decisions.
Homeowners, developers, and local governments near the river could face new land-use restrictions if the study leads to designation, limiting development and affecting property use and value.
Taxpayers may incur additional federal costs to prepare and conduct the study, which could increase federal spending or divert funds from other priorities.
Local communities and governments that participate in planning could incur time and opportunity costs if Congress ultimately declines to designate the river and those communities do not receive protections or funding.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs the Interior Secretary to study a 163-mile segment of the Hatchie River in Tennessee for possible Wild and Scenic designation and report to Congress within three years after funds are provided.
Directs the Interior Secretary to study a roughly 163-mile segment of the Hatchie River in Tennessee for possible addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and to report the study findings to Congress within three years after funds are made available. The measure adds the river to the list of rivers for study and calls for identifying opportunities to manage the river in partnership with state, regional, local, and community stakeholders.
Introduced February 4, 2025 by David Kustoff · Last progress February 4, 2025