Sponsors
The bill transfers federal land to Gila County at minimal federal cost to support veterans' services and local control, but shifts compliance costs, liability, and restrictive use conditions to the county, potentially straining local finances and exposing it to cleanup and reversion risks.
Veterans in Gila County gain access to ~232.9 acres at no purchase cost, enabling development of local veterans' facilities or programs.
Gila County retains control to develop the property for veterans and rural residents, allowing tailored local services and potentially improved access to care.
Federal expenditures are reduced because the county bears conveyance costs, lowering the fiscal burden on taxpayers.
Gila County assumes potential liability for contamination because the conveyance is via quitclaim deed without federal warranty and excludes CERCLA covenants, exposing the county to cleanup costs.
Gila County must pay all survey, environmental, and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) compliance costs, which could strain local budgets and delay development.
If the county fails to meet the veterans-use restrictions, the Secretary may reclaim title, risking sunk local investments in improvements.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Transfers a specified ~232.9-acre parcel of Tonto National Forest land to Gila County at no cost if requested within 180 days, with use limited to serving and supporting veterans.
Conveys a specific ~232.9-acre parcel of Tonto National Forest land to Gila County, Arizona, if the county submits a written request within 180 days of enactment. The transfer is by quitclaim deed at no cost to the county, but the county must pay all conveyance-related costs and use the land only to serve and support veterans; inconsistent uses may allow the federal government to reclaim the land.
Introduced January 31, 2025 by Eli Crane · Last progress February 4, 2026