US Federal House Bill HB655

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Refer: 4/23/25
• Report Pass: 6/25/25
• Engrossed: 12/10/25

Caption

Dalles Watershed Development Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 655 will transfer federal land ownership to the local government, allowing the City of The Dalles to utilize this land for essential public services, such as water supply management. This transfer of land is designed to enhance the city's capacity to develop and maintain its municipal resources, which could positively impact the local community by improving water infrastructure and supply reliability. However, the bill also includes provisions that the transfer is subject to existing rights and conditions to protect the interests of the United States.

Summary

House Bill 655, known as the Dalles Watershed Development Act, seeks to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain federal land to the City of The Dalles, Oregon. The bill outlines a process through which the City can request the conveyance of approximately 150 acres of National Forest System land located in the Mount Hood National Forest. The bill stipulates that this land be used for public purposes, particularly for municipal water supply and related infrastructure needs.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 655 appears to be supportive, particularly from the perspective of local government and community stakeholders in The Dalles. Proponents view the bill as a critical step towards improving local infrastructure and addressing water resource challenges. However, any potential dissent may arise from concerns over federal land use policies and the implications of transferring land management authority to municipal authorities.

Contention

A notable point of contention includes the terms under which the land is being conveyed. The bill mandates that the conveyance be done without consideration, which raises questions about the value of federal lands and the potential long-term consequences of such transfers. Furthermore, the requirement for the City to bear all associated conveyance costs, including surveys, could also lead to debates on the financial implications for local governance.