Trading California National Park Land With Trinity County Land (H.R. 3326)

What is H.R. 3326?

(Updated November 2, 2018)

H.R. 3326 — the Trinity County Land Exchange Act — aims to grant Trinity County more land for economic development. The bill would require the U.S. Forest Service to give up 100 acres of federal land to Trinity County in exchange for 47 acres of land owned by  Trinity Public Utilities District.

The bill delineates the terms of appraisal as well as the exact boundaries of the land being exchanged. If passed, the bill would turn over 100 acres of Shasta-Trinity National Forest to Trinity County for development purposes. And in return, 47 acres would be given to US Forest Service for recreational use.

Argument in favor

A land swap between the U.S. Forest Service and Trinity County would allow locals to develop their land which would in turn boost the local economy and create more jobs.

Argument opposed

The US government should protect federal forests from development. 100 acres of Federal Land for 50 acres of land owned by the Trinity Public Utilities District isn’t exactly a fair trade.

Impact

People living in Trinity County, access to Shasta-Trinity National Forest, the Trinity Public Utilities District, Trinity County, California, The Bureau of Land Management, and The Forest Industry.

Cost of H.R. 3326

Implementing H.R. 3326 would increase funds for the U.S. treasury. If passed, the CBO estimates that the Utilities District would pay the Forest Service about $150,000 in 2015.

Additional Info

Of Note:

A swath of land in Trinity County is owned by the federal government which, according to Sponsoring Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), thwarts economic development:

“Trinity County has very little land suitable for economic development—76% of its land is held by the federal government—and much of it is difficult to access due to terrain or location. This land exchange would grant Trinity County a much-needed parcel accessible by highway and uniquely suited for economic development, allow improved public access to a Wild and Scenic River, and provide a fair return for federal taxpayers.”

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons spent over $490,118 lobbying on the bill, Trinity Public Utilities spent an undisclosed amount lobbying on the bill, PG&E spent $540,000 lobbying on a package of bills that included H.R. 3326

Media:

Sponsoring Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) Press Release

CBO Cost Estimate