Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to transfer ownership of certain federal infrastructure projects to non-federal entities.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Secretary of Interior to facilitate the title transfer of eligible facilities to qualified entities (Sec. 3).

• Defines “eligible facilities” as a reclamation project, including, but not limited to (Sec. 2):

• Dams or appurtenant works;

• Infrastructure;

• Recreational facilities or buildings;

• Distribution or drainage works; and

• Associated lands or water.

• Defines a “qualifying entity” as a state political subdivision, joint action or powers agency, water users association, or Indian tribe or tribal utility authority that holds any of the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 2):

• A water service contract;

• Repayment contract;

• Operation and maintenance contract;

• Water rights settlement contract; or

• An exchange contract.

• Authorizes a qualifying entity to continue managing a conveyed property if it is determined by the Secretary that the qualified entity is able to manage the property the same way as it was managed under reclamation law (Sec. 4).

• Defines “conveyed property” as an eligible facility that has been transferred out of federal ownership under this act (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Secretary of Interior to report to Congress in writing of the proposed title transfer at least 90 days prior to the actual final transfer date (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that 1 year after enactment of this act, the Secretary shall establish certain criteria for determining whether facilities were eligible for title transfer under this act, including, but not limited to (Sec. 4):

• Transfer will not have an unmitigated significant effect on the environment; or

• The qualified entity agrees to provide the US with the equivalent of present value.

• Prohibits any conveyance of title from adversely impacting power rates or repayment obligations (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text