Wabeno Economic Development Act
Floor Speech
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3937, legislation introduced by my colleague from Wisconsin (Mr. Tiffany).
This bill would authorize the conveyance of 14 acres of National Forest System land to Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC, a concrete company based in northern Wisconsin.
The land is located in a national forest, and the Forest Service determined that the land is suitable for conveyance to private ownership. The costs associated with the conveyance will be covered by the company, and the property will be conveyed at market value as determined by Federal appraisal.
In addition to the conveyance, the bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct and publish a comprehensive review of the Federal permitting process for the development of stone, sand, and gravel on Federal lands.
This review will include descriptions of the Federal permitting process for stone, sand, and gravel development. It will also include an analysis of potential inefficiencies and recommendations for administrative or legislative action, as well as a summary of economic impacts associated with the current permitting process.
Although the Committee on Natural Resources has not held a hearing on this bill in the 119th Congress, a hearing was held last year, providing the Forest Service with an opportunity to comment on and evaluate the proposal.
This is a critical component of the legislative process that ensures decisions about the administration of our national forests and public lands are made out in the open. These shared resources belong to all Americans, and regular order ensures transparency, something which all of our constituents deserve.
I know that as chair of the Federal Lands Subcommittee, Representative Tiffany understands and embraces this sentiment. I thank and congratulate him on continuing to move this bill forward in an open and objective manner.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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