[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 151 (Tuesday, November 15, 2005)]
[House]
[Pages H10172-H10176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NORTHERN ARIZONA LAND EXCHANGE AND VERDE RIVER BASIN PARTNERSHIP ACT OF 
                                  2005

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
Senate bill (S. 161) to provide for a land exchange in the State of 
Arizona between the Secretary of Agriculture and Yavapai Ranch Limited 
Partnership.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                 S. 161

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Northern 
     Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act 
     of 2005''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

                TITLE I--NORTHERN ARIZONA LAND EXCHANGE

Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Land exchange.
Sec. 103. Description of non-Federal land.
Sec. 104. Description of Federal land.
Sec. 105. Status and management of land after exchange.
Sec. 106. Miscellaneous provisions.
Sec. 107. Conveyance of additional land.

                TITLE II--VERDE RIVER BASIN PARTNERSHIP

Sec. 201. Purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Verde River Basin Partnership.
Sec. 204. Verde River Basin studies.
Sec. 205. Verde River Basin Partnership final report.
Sec. 206. Memorandum of understanding.
Sec. 207. Effect.

                TITLE I--NORTHERN ARIZONA LAND EXCHANGE

     SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Camp.--The term ``camp'' means Camp Pearlstein, 
     Friendly Pines, Patterdale Pines, Pine Summit, Sky Y, and 
     Young Life Lost Canyon camps in the State of Arizona.
       (2) Cities.--The term ``cities'' means the cities of 
     Flagstaff, Williams, and Camp Verde, Arizona.
       (3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the land 
     described in section 104.
       (4) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means 
     the land described in section 103.
       (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       (6) Yavapai ranch.--The term ``Yavapai Ranch'' means the 
     Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership, an Arizona Limited 
     Partnership, and the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C., an Arizona 
     Limited Liability Company.

     SEC. 102. LAND EXCHANGE.

       (a) In General.--(1) Upon the conveyance by Yavapai Ranch 
     of title to the non-Federal land identified in section 103, 
     the Secretary shall simultaneously convey to Yavapai Ranch 
     title to the Federal land identified in section 104.
       (2) Title to the lands to be exchanged shall be in a form 
     acceptable to the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch.
       (3) The Federal and non-Federal lands to be exchanged under 
     this title may be modified prior to the exchange as provided 
     in this title.
       (4)(A) By mutual agreement, the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch 
     may make minor and technical corrections to the maps and 
     legal descriptions of the lands and interests therein 
     exchanged or retained under this title, including changes, if 
     necessary to conform to surveys approved by the Bureau of 
     Land Management.
       (B) In the case of any discrepancy between a map and legal 
     description, the map shall prevail unless the Secretary and 
     Yavapai Ranch agree otherwise.
       (b) Exchange Process.--(1) Except as otherwise provided in 
     this title, the land exchange under subsection (a) shall be 
     undertaken in accordance with section 206 of the Federal Land 
     Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1716).
       (2) Before completing the land exchange under this title, 
     the Secretary shall perform any necessary land surveys and 
     pre-exchange inventories, clearances, reviews, and approvals, 
     including those relating to hazardous materials, threatened 
     and endangered species, cultural and historic resources, and 
     wetlands and flood plains.
       (c) Equal Value Exchange.--(1) The value of the Federal 
     land and the non-Federal land shall be equal, or equalized by 
     the Secretary by adjusting the acreage of the Federal land in 
     accordance with paragraph (2).
       (2) If the final appraised value of the Federal land 
     exceeds the final appraised value of the non-Federal land, 
     prior to making other adjustments, the Federal lands shall be 
     adjusted by deleting all or part of the parcels or portions 
     of the parcels in the following order:
       (A) A portion of the Camp Verde parcel described in section 
     104(a)(4), comprising approximately 316 acres, located in the 
     Prescott National Forest, and more particularly described as 
     lots 1, 5, and 6 of section 26, the NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ portion of 
     section 26 and the N\1/2\N\1/2\ portion of section 27, 
     Township 14

[[Page H10173]]

     North, Range 4 East, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, 
     Yavapai County, Arizona.
       (B) A portion of the Camp Verde parcel described in section 
     104(a)(4), comprising approximately 314 acres, located in the 
     Prescott National Forest, and more particularly described as 
     lots 2, 7, 8, and 9 of section 26, the SE\1/4\NE\1/4\ portion 
     of section 26, and the S\1/2\N\1/2\ of section 27, Township 
     14 North, Range 4 East, Gila and Salt River Base and 
     Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona.
       (C) Beginning at the south boundary of section 31, Township 
     20 North, Range 5 West, Gila and Salt River Base and 
     Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona, and sections 33 and 35, 
     Township 20 North, Range 6 West, Gila and Salt River Base and 
     Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona, by adding to the non-
     Federal land to be conveyed to the United States in \1/8\-
     section increments (E-W 64th line) while deleting from the 
     conveyance to Yavapai Ranch Federal land in the same 
     incremental portions of section 32, Township 20 North, Range 
     5 West, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Yavapai 
     County, Arizona, and sections 32, 34, and 36 in Township 20 
     North, Range 6 West, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, 
     Yavapai County, Arizona, to establish a linear and continuous 
     boundary that runs east-to-west across the sections.
       (D) Any other parcels, or portions thereof, agreed to by 
     the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch.
       (3) If any parcel of Federal land or non-Federal land is 
     not conveyed because of any reason, that parcel of land, or 
     portion thereof, shall be excluded from the exchange and the 
     remaining lands shall be adjusted as provided in this 
     subsection.
       (4) If the value of the Federal land exceeds the value of 
     the non-Federal land by more than $50,000, the Secretary and 
     Yavapai Ranch shall, by mutual agreement, delete additional 
     Federal land from the exchange until the value of the Federal 
     land and non-Federal land is, to the maximum extent 
     practicable, equal.
       (d) Appraisals.--(1) The value of the Federal land and non-
     Federal land shall be determined by appraisals prepared in 
     accordance with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal 
     Land Acquisitions and the Uniform Standards of Professional 
     Appraisal Practice.
       (2)(A) After the Secretary has reviewed and approved the 
     final appraised values of the Federal land and non-Federal 
     land to be exchanged, the Secretary shall not be required to 
     reappraise or update the final appraised values before the 
     completion of the land exchange.
       (B) This paragraph shall apply during the three-year period 
     following the approval by the Secretary of the final 
     appraised values of the Federal land and non-Federal land 
     unless the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch have entered into an 
     agreement to implement the exchange.
       (3) During the appraisal process, the appraiser shall 
     determine the value of each parcel of Federal land and non-
     Federal land (including the contributory value of each 
     individual section of the intermingled Federal and non-
     Federal land of the property described in sections 103(a) and 
     104(a)(1)) as an assembled transaction.
       (4)(A) To ensure the timely and full disclosure to the 
     public of the final appraised values of the Federal land and 
     non-Federal land, the Secretary shall provide public notice 
     of any appraisals approved by the Secretary and copies of 
     such appraisals shall be available for public inspection in 
     appropriate offices of the Prescott, Coconino, and Kaibab 
     National Forests.
       (B) The Secretary shall also provide copies of any approved 
     appraisals to the cities and the owners of the camps 
     described in section 101(1).
       (e) Contracting.--(1) If the Secretary lacks adequate staff 
     or resources to complete the exchange by the date specified 
     in section 106(c), Yavapai Ranch, subject to the agreement of 
     the Secretary, may contract with independent third-party 
     contractors to carry out any work necessary to complete the 
     exchange by that date.
       (2) If, in accordance with this subsection, Yavapai Ranch 
     contracts with an independent third-party contractor to carry 
     out any work that would otherwise be performed by the 
     Secretary, the Secretary shall reimburse Yavapai Ranch for 
     the costs for the third-party contractors.
       (f) Easements.--(1) The exchange of non-Federal and Federal 
     land under this title shall be subject to any easements, 
     rights-of-way, utility lines, and any other valid 
     encumbrances in existence on the date of enactment of this 
     Act, including acquired easements for water pipelines as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land 
     Exchange, YRLP Acquired Easements for Water Lines'' dated 
     August 2004, and any other reservations that may be agreed to 
     by the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch.
       (2) Upon completion of the land exchange under this title, 
     the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch shall grant each other at no 
     charge reciprocal easements for access and utilities across, 
     over, and through--
       (A) the routes depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch 
     Land Exchange, Road and Trail Easements, Yavapai Ranch Area'' 
     dated August 2004; and
       (B) any relocated routes that are agreed to by the 
     Secretary and Yavapai Ranch.
       (3) An easement described in paragraph (2) shall be 
     unrestricted and non-exclusive in nature and shall run with 
     and benefit the land.
       (g) Conveyance of Federal Land to Cities and Camps.--(1) 
     Prior to the completion of the land exchange between Yavapai 
     Ranch and the Secretary, the cities and the owners of the 
     camps may enter into agreements with Yavapai Ranch whereby 
     Yavapai Ranch, upon completion of the land exchange, will 
     convey to the cities or the owners of the camps the 
     applicable parcel of Federal land or portion thereof.
       (2) If Yavapai Ranch and the cities or camp owners have not 
     entered into agreements in accordance with paragraph (1), the 
     Secretary shall, on notification by the cities or owners of 
     the camps no later than 30 days after the date the relevant 
     approved appraisal is made publicly available, delete the 
     applicable parcel or portion thereof from the land exchange 
     between Yavapai Ranch and the United States as follows:
       (A) Upon request of the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, the 
     parcels, or portion thereof, described in section 104(a)(2).
       (B) Upon request of the City of Williams, Arizona, the 
     parcels, or portion thereof, described in section 104(a)(3).
       (C) Upon request of the City of Camp Verde, Arizona, a 
     portion of the parcel described in section 104(a)(4), 
     comprising approximately 514 acres located southeast of the 
     southeastern boundary of the I-17 right-of-way, and more 
     particularly described as the SE\1/4\ portion of the 
     southeast quarter of section 26, the E\1/2\ and the E\1/
     2\W\1/2\ portions of section 35, and lots 5 through 7 of 
     section 36, Township 14 North, Range 4 East, Gila and Salt 
     River Base and Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona.
       (D) Upon request of the owners of the Younglife Lost Canyon 
     camp, the parcel described in section 104(a)(5).
       (E) Upon request of the owner of Friendly Pines Camp, 
     Patterdale Pines Camp, Camp Pearlstein, Pine Summit, or Sky Y 
     Camp, as applicable, the corresponding parcel described in 
     section 104(a)(6).
       (3)(A) Upon request of the specific city or camp referenced 
     in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall convey to such city or 
     camp all right, title, and interest of the United States in 
     and to the applicable parcel of Federal land or portion 
     thereof, upon payment of the fair market value of the parcel 
     and subject to any terms and conditions the Secretary may 
     require.
       (B) A conveyance under this paragraph shall not require new 
     administrative or environmental analyses or appraisals beyond 
     those prepared for the land exchange.
       (4) A city or owner of a camp purchasing land under this 
     subsection shall reimburse Yavapai Ranch for any costs 
     incurred which are directly associated with surveys and 
     appraisals of the specific property conveyed.
       (5) A conveyance of land under this subsection shall not 
     affect the timing of the land exchange.
       (6) Nothing in this subsection limits the authority of the 
     Secretary or Yavapai Ranch to delete any of the parcels 
     referenced in this subsection from the land exchange.
       (7)(A) The Secretary shall deposit the proceeds of any sale 
     under paragraph (2) in a special account in the fund 
     established under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the 
     ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
       (B) Amounts deposited under subparagraph (A) shall be 
     available to the Secretary, without further appropriation, to 
     be used for the acquisition of land in the State of Arizona 
     for addition to the National Forest System, including the 
     land to be exchanged under this title.

     SEC. 103. DESCRIPTION OF NON-FEDERAL LAND.

       (a) In General.--The non-Federal land referred to in this 
     title consists of approximately 35,000 acres of privately-
     owned land within the boundaries of the Prescott National 
     Forest, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai 
     Ranch Land Exchange, Non-Federal Lands'', dated August 2004.
       (b) Easements.--(1) The conveyance of non-Federal land to 
     the United States under section 102 shall be subject to the 
     reservation of--
       (A) water rights and perpetual easements that run with and 
     benefit the land retained by Yavapai Ranch for--
       (i) the operation, maintenance, repair, improvement, 
     development, and replacement of not more than 3 wells in 
     existence on the date of enactment of this Act;
       (ii) related storage tanks, valves, pumps, and hardware; 
     and
       (iii) pipelines to point of use; and
       (B) easements for reasonable access to accomplish the 
     purposes of the easements described in subparagraph (A).
       (2) Each easement for an existing well referred to in 
     paragraph (1) shall be 40 acres in area, and to the maximum 
     extent practicable, centered on the existing well.
       (3) The United States shall be entitled to one-half the 
     production of each existing or replacement well, not to 
     exceed a total of 3,100,000 gallons of water annually for 
     National Forest System purposes.
       (4) The locations of the easements and wells shall be as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land 
     Exchange, Reserved Easements for Water Lines and Wells'', 
     dated August 2004.

     SEC. 104. DESCRIPTION OF FEDERAL LAND.

       (a) In General.--The Federal land referred to in this title 
     consists of the following:
       (1) Certain land comprising approximately 15,300 acres 
     located in the Prescott National Forest, as generally 
     depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange, 
     Yavapai Ranch Area Federal Lands'', dated August 2004.

[[Page H10174]]

       (2) Certain land located in the Coconino National Forest--
       (A) comprising approximately 1,500 acres as generally 
     depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange, 
     Flagstaff Federal Lands Airport Parcel'', dated August 2004; 
     and
       (B) comprising approximately 28.26 acres in two separate 
     parcels, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai 
     Ranch Land Exchange, Flagstaff Federal Lands Wetzel School 
     and Mt. Elden Parcels'', dated August 2004.
       (3) Certain land located in the Kaibab National Forest, and 
     referred to as the Williams Airport, Williams golf course, 
     Williams Sewer, Buckskinner Park, Williams Railroad, and Well 
     parcels number 2, 3, and 4, cumulatively comprising 
     approximately 950 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange, Williams Federal 
     Lands'', dated August 2004.
       (4) Certain land located in the Prescott National Forest, 
     comprising approximately 2,200 acres, as generally depicted 
     on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange, Camp Verde 
     Federal Land General Crook Parcel'', dated August 2004.
       (5) Certain land located in the Kaibab National Forest, 
     comprising approximately 237.5 acres, as generally depicted 
     on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange, Younglife 
     Lost Canyon'', dated August 2004.
       (6) Certain land located in the Prescott National Forest, 
     including the ``Friendly Pines'', ``Patterdale Pines'', 
     ``Camp Pearlstein'', ``Pine Summit'', and ``Sky Y'' camps, 
     cumulatively comprising approximately 200 acres, as generally 
     depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange, 
     Prescott Federal Lands, Summer Youth Camp Parcels'', dated 
     August 2004.
       (b) Condition of Conveyance of Camp Verde Parcel.--(1) To 
     conserve water in the Verde Valley, Arizona, and to minimize 
     the adverse impacts from future development of the Camp Verde 
     General Crook parcel described in subsection (a)(4) on 
     current and future holders of water rights in existence of 
     the date of enactment of this Act and the Verde River and 
     National Forest System lands retained by the United States, 
     the United States shall limit in perpetuity the use of water 
     on the parcel by reserving conservation easements that--
       (A) run with the land;
       (B) prohibit golf course development on the parcel;
       (C) require that any public park or greenbelt on the parcel 
     be watered with treated wastewater;
       (D) limit total post-exchange water use on the parcel to 
     not more than 300 acre-feet of water per year;
       (E) provide that any water supplied by municipalities or 
     private water companies shall count towards the post-exchange 
     water use limitation described in subparagraph (D); and
       (F) except for water supplied to the parcel by municipal 
     water service providers or private water companies, require 
     that any water used for the parcel not be withdrawn from 
     wells perforated in the saturated Holocene alluvium of the 
     Verde River.
       (2) If Yavapai Ranch conveys the Camp Verde parcel 
     described in subsection (a)(4), or any portion thereof, the 
     terms of conveyance shall include a recorded and binding 
     agreement of the quantity of water available for use on the 
     land conveyed, as determined by Yavapai Ranch, except that 
     total water use on the Camp Verde parcel may not exceed the 
     amount specified in paragraph (1)(D).
       (3) The Secretary may enter into a memorandum of 
     understanding with the State or political subdivision of the 
     State to enforce the terms of the conservation easement.

     SEC. 105. STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND AFTER EXCHANGE.

       (a) In General.--Land acquired by the United States under 
     this title shall become part of the Prescott National Forest 
     and shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with 
     this title and the laws applicable to the National Forest 
     System.
       (b) Grazing.--Where grazing on non-Federal land acquired by 
     the Secretary under this title occurs prior to the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary may manage the land to 
     allow for continued grazing use, in accordance with the laws 
     generally applicable to domestic livestock grazing on 
     National Forest System land.
       (c) Timber Harvesting.--(1) After completion of the land 
     exchange under this title, except as provided in paragraph 
     (2), commercial timber harvesting shall be prohibited on the 
     non-Federal land acquired by the United States.
       (2) Timber harvesting may be conducted on the non-Federal 
     land acquired under this title if the Secretary determines 
     that such harvesting is necessary--
       (A) to prevent or control fires, insects, and disease 
     through forest thinning or other forest management 
     techniques;
       (B) to protect or enhance grassland habitat, watershed 
     values, native plants and wildlife species; or
       (C) to improve forest health.

     SEC. 106. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

       (a) Revocation of Orders.--Any public orders withdrawing 
     any of the Federal land from appropriation or disposal under 
     the public land laws are revoked to the extent necessary to 
     permit disposal of the Federal land.
       (b) Withdrawal of Federal Land.--Subject to valid existing 
     rights, the Federal land is withdrawn from all forms of entry 
     and appropriation under the public land laws; location, 
     entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the 
     mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws, until the date 
     on which the land exchange is completed.
       (c) Completion of Exchange.--It is the intent of Congress 
     that the land exchange authorized and directed under this 
     title be completed not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 107. CONVEYANCE OF ADDITIONAL LAND.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall convey to a person 
     that represents the majority of landowners with encroachments 
     on the lot by quitclaim deed the parcel of land described in 
     subsection (b).
       (b) Description of Land.--The parcel of land referred to in 
     subsection (a) is lot 8 in section 11, T. 21 N., R. 7 E., 
     Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Coconino County, 
     Arizona.
       (c) Amount of Consideration.--In exchange for the land 
     described in subsection (b), the person acquiring the land 
     shall pay to the Secretary consideration in the amount of--
       (1) $2500; plus
       (2) any costs of re-monumenting the boundary of land.
       (d) Timing.--(1) Not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary receives a power of attorney executed by 
     the person acquiring the land, the Secretary shall convey to 
     the person the land described in subsection (b).
       (2) If, by the date that is 270 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary does not receive the 
     power of attorney described in paragraph (1)--
       (A) the authority provided under this section shall 
     terminate; and
       (B) any conveyance of the land shall be made under Public 
     Law 97-465 (16 U.S.C. 521c et seq.).

                TITLE II--VERDE RIVER BASIN PARTNERSHIP

     SEC. 201. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this title is to authorize assistance for a 
     collaborative and science-based water resource planning and 
     management partnership for the Verde River Basin in the State 
     of Arizona, consisting of members that represent--
       (1) Federal, State, and local agencies; and
       (2) economic, environmental, and community water interests 
     in the Verde River Basin.

     SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
     the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
       (2) Partnership.--The term ``Partnership'' means the Verde 
     River Basin Partnership.
       (3) Plan.--The term ``plan'' means the plan for the Verde 
     River Basin required by section 204(a)(1).
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       (5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Arizona.
       (6) Verde river basin.--The term ``Verde River Basin'' 
     means the land area designated by the Arizona Department of 
     Water Resources as encompassing surface water and groundwater 
     resources, including drainage and recharge areas with a 
     hydrologic connection to the Verde River.
       (7) Water budget.--The term ``water budget'' means the 
     accounting of--
       (A) the quantities of water leaving the Verde River Basin--
       (i) as discharge to the Verde River and tributaries;
       (ii) as subsurface outflow;
       (iii) as evapotranspiration by riparian vegetation;
       (iv) as surface evaporation;
       (v) for agricultural use; and
       (vi) for human consumption; and
       (B) the quantities of water replenishing the Verde River 
     Basin by precipitation, infiltration, and subsurface inflows.

     SEC. 203. VERDE RIVER BASIN PARTNERSHIP.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary may participate in the 
     establishment of a partnership, to be known as the ``Verde 
     River Basin Partnership'', made up of Federal, State, local 
     governments, and other entities with responsibilities and 
     expertise in water to coordinate and cooperate in the 
     identification and implementation of comprehensive science-
     based policies, projects, and management activities relating 
     to the Verde River Basin.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--On establishment of 
     the Partnership, there are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior such sums as 
     are necessary to carry out the activities of the Partnership 
     for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010.

     SEC. 204. VERDE RIVER BASIN STUDIES.

       (a) Studies.--
       (1) In general.--The Partnership shall prepare a plan for 
     conducting water resource studies in the Verde River Basin 
     that identifies--
       (A) the primary study objectives to fulfill water resource 
     planning and management needs for the Verde River Basin; and
       (B) the water resource studies, hydrologic models, surface 
     and groundwater monitoring networks, and other analytical 
     tools helpful in the identification of long-term water supply 
     management options within the Verde River Basin.
       (2) Requirements.--At a minimum, the plan shall--
       (A) include a list of specific studies and analyses that 
     are needed to support Partnership planning and management 
     decisions;

[[Page H10175]]

       (B) identify any ongoing or completed water resource or 
     riparian studies that are relevant to water resource planning 
     and management for the Verde River Basin;
       (C) describe the estimated cost and duration of the 
     proposed studies and analyses; and
       (D) designate as a study priority the compilation of a 
     water budget analysis for the Verde Valley.
       (b) Verde Valley Water Budget Analysis.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to the availability of 
     appropriations, not later than 14 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the U.S. Geological 
     Survey, in cooperation with the Director, shall prepare and 
     submit to the Partnership a report that provides a water 
     budget analysis of the portion of the Verde River Basin 
     within the Verde Valley.
       (2) Components.--The report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include--
       (A) a summary of the information available on the 
     hydrologic flow regime for the portion of the Middle Verde 
     River from the Clarkdale streamgauging station to the city of 
     Camp Verde at United States Geological Survey Stream Gauge 
     09506000;
       (B) with respect to the portion of the Middle Verde River 
     described in subparagraph (A), estimates of--
       (i) the inflow and outflow of surface water and 
     groundwater;
       (ii) annual consumptive water use; and
       (iii) changes in groundwater storage; and
       (C) an analysis of the potential long-term consequences of 
     various water use scenarios on groundwater levels and Verde 
     River flows.
       (c) Preliminary Report and Recommendations.--.
       (1) In general.--Not later than 16 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, using the information provided in the 
     report submitted under subsection (b) and any other relevant 
     information, the Partnership shall submit to the Secretary, 
     the Governor of Arizona, and representatives of the Verde 
     Valley communities, a preliminary report that sets forth the 
     findings and recommendations of the Partnership regarding the 
     long-term available water supply within the Verde Valley.
       (2) Consideration of recommendations.--The Secretary may 
     take into account the recommendations included in the report 
     submitted under paragraph (1) with respect to decisions 
     affecting land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, 
     including any future sales or exchanges of Federal land in 
     the Verde River Basin after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (3) Effect.--Any recommendations included in the report 
     submitted under paragraph (1) shall not affect the land 
     exchange process or the appraisals of the Federal land and 
     non-Federal land conducted under sections 103 and 104.

     SEC. 205. VERDE RIVER BASIN PARTNERSHIP FINAL REPORT.

       Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Partnership shall submit to the Secretary and the 
     Governor of Arizona a final report that--
       (1) includes a summary of the results of any water resource 
     assessments conducted under this title in the Verde River 
     Basin;
       (2) identifies any areas in the Verde River Basin that are 
     determined to have groundwater deficits or other current or 
     potential water supply problems;
       (3) identifies long-term water supply management options 
     for communities and water resources within the Verde River 
     Basin; and
       (4) identifies water resource analyses and monitoring 
     needed to support the implementation of management options.

     SEC. 206. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.

       The Secretary (acting through the Chief of the Forest 
     Service) and the Secretary of the Interior, shall enter into 
     a memorandum of understanding authorizing the United States 
     Geological Survey to access Forest Service land (including 
     stream gauges, weather stations, wells, or other points of 
     data collection on the Forest Service land) to carry out this 
     title.

     SEC. 207. EFFECT.

       Nothing in this title diminishes or expands State or local 
     jurisdiction, responsibilities, or rights with respect to 
     water resource management or control.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Colorado (Mrs. Musgrave) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands 
(Mrs. Christensen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Musgrave).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Colorado?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  S. 161, introduced by Senator McCain, provides for a land exchange in 
the State of Arizona between the Secretary of Agriculture and the 
Yavapai Ranch Limit Partnership.
  This bill would consolidate the largest remaining checkerboard 
ownership in Arizona. The Forest Service will receive 35,000 acres of 
land and the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership would receive 
approximately 21,000 acres of land.
  This legislation also creates the Verde River Basin Partnership to 
help resolve water issues. The goal of this collaborative group is to 
develop a water resource management plan and submit this plan to the 
Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Arizona.
  Nothing in this section would undermine State and local water laws. 
In fact, this legislation's partnership is simply a forum for planning 
and working together on the Verde Basin's pressing water issues. As 
such, there is a very serious expectation that the partnership will 
reach out to everyone in the basin's communities as it creates its 
plan. Holding town meetings, meeting with all levels of local 
government, and releasing draft documents for the general public's 
comment are just three items that the partnership is expected to 
perform.
  I am confident that the partnership will truly be accountable to the 
local community who lives in the backyard of the Verde River. These 
local citizens have asked for and deserve the very best in having their 
voices heard and this legislation will meet that need. I urge adoption 
of the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1430

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, S. 161 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide 
for a land exchange of various parcels between the United States Forest 
Service and the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership in Arizona.
  While S. 161 is not ideal, it is an improvement upon legislation 
considered by the House in the past.
  Specifically, efforts were made to address water use concerns with 
the Camp Verde parcel, lowering the watering use limitation from 700 
acre feet per year to 300 acre feet per year. Furthermore, a parcel in 
the city of Cottonwood was removed from this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, we, therefore, have no objections to S. 161.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth).
  Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Colorado for the 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, S. 161 provides for a Federal land exchange that places 
some 35,000 acres of pristine ponderosa pine forest land and 
biologically diverse land, much of which borders an existing wilderness 
area, in the hands of the Forest Service.
  This bill has been carefully crafted to ensure that the environment, 
ecosystem, watershed, and forest lands of northern Arizona are 
protected and preserved. I would particularly like to commend my 
colleague from Arizona, Congressman Rick Renzi of the first district, 
for his very hard work on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that we work here in a deliberative body, but it 
is not an overstatement to say that this bill has been a long time 
coming. Over half a decade ago, I originally introduced this bill in 
the House, working closely with my good friend, the late Bob Stump.
  For several years now, details of this bill have been negotiated and 
many compromises made on all sides in order to come up with this 
legislation entertained on the floor of the people's House today. I do 
not believe that it gives every party everything they wanted, but it 
shows that the overarching goal of preserving forest land and doing 
something good for small towns and communities in Arizona has been 
given the highest priority by all parties involved.
  The concept of a land exchange to consolidate the Yavapai Ranch lands 
just makes sense. Through this land exchange, the Federal Government 
will

[[Page H10176]]

receive environmentally sensitive, pristine forest lands that truly 
belong under the stewardship of the U.S. Forest Service to be preserved 
for future generations.
  This exchange was originally initiated by the Forest Service to 
consolidate the largest remaining checkerboard parcel of land in 
Arizona and to protect the Juniper Mountains forested area from future 
development. Watershed management, wildlife habitat, and outdoor 
recreation in the consolidated land parcel will be preserved through 
this action.
  Many of the land parcels the Forest Service will trade to accomplish 
these goals are eagerly sought by local communities for a variety of 
worthwhile civic purposes, including expansion of airports, parks, and 
other municipal facilities. Also, six summer camps that currently lease 
lands from the Forest Service will acquire those leased areas.
  There has been considerable participation of local elected officials, 
Forest Service personnel, private citizens, and various citizen groups 
from northern Arizona and Arizona's Verde Valley in drafting this 
legislation. Their input and perspectives have proven invaluable, and I 
am confident that the bill now put forth by my colleague from Arizona 
addresses every major concern that has been brought forward.
  This bill makes good common sense for our forests and for our people 
of Arizona. The cost savings for the Federal Government and, therefore, 
for American taxpayers associated with this land exchange are 
significant. The savings are accomplished through consolidation of 
Federal lands that allows for much greater ease in forest management.
  But much more important, this exchange will ensure that one of the 
last largest pristine forested parcels in Arizona will pass out of 
private hands and be protected from potentially harmful development 
indefinitely.
  It will prove good for this generation of Arizonans, future 
generations of Arizonans and for all Americans, and I join my 
colleagues from both Colorado and the Virgin Islands in urging passage 
of this legislation.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 161, the Northern 
Arizona Land Exchange and Verde River Basin Partnership Act. This 
legislation facilitates a land exchange in northern Arizona of private 
land within the Yavapai Ranch for Forest Service land in the northern 
portion of the state and establishes a water resource planning and 
management partnership in the Verde River Basin.
  This legislation accomplishes several goals in northern Arizona. 
First, it will preserve the pristine areas within Yavapai Ranch for 
wildlife and recreation, by consolidating a 110 square mile area in the 
Prescott National Forest. This area is adjacent to the Juniper Mesa 
Wilderness Area and will help preserve precious habitat for ponderosa 
pine, alligator juniper and pronghorn antelope.
  Second, the bill provides the City of Flagstaff with the opportunity 
to acquire land to expand and improve Pulliam Airport. This legislation 
will allow the City of Flagstaff to develop a new city park and 
recreational areas and obtain ownership of land near their water 
treatment plant. This is critical to the City of Flagstaff's future by 
providing economic development and affordable housing.
  The Northern Arizona Land Exchange Act will also allow the City of 
Williams to acquire land for its well sites, water storage tanks and 
wastewater facility and drinking water treatment plants. Until 
recently, the City of Williams relied completely on surface water 
supplies to service the community, however, surface water reservoirs in 
Williams are well below their needed capacity. This legislation will 
assist Williams in meeting their water challenges in the future by 
providing new land for well drilling sites.
  Finally, this legislation ensures that six summer youth camps, 
serving between 10 and 12 thousand children a year, have the 
opportunity to acquire the land and benefit from full ownership and 
management of this land.
  S. 161 ensures that stringent water conservation and water use 
restrictions must be met for any future development. In addition, any 
development must also comply with the State of Arizona's surface and 
ground water laws, as well as local community planning standards.
  This legislation also creates the Verde River Basin Partnership to 
help resolve water issues. The goal of this collaborative group is to 
develop a water resource management plan and submit this plan to the 
Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Arizona.
  Nothing in this section will undermine state and local water laws. In 
fact, this legislation's partnership is simply a forum for planning and 
working together on the Verde Basin's pressing water issues. As such, 
there is a very serious expectation that the Partnership will reach out 
to everyone in the Basin's communities as it creates its Plan. Holding 
town meetings, meeting with all levels of local government and 
releasing draft documents for the general public's comment are just 
three items that the Partnership is expected to perform.
  I am confident that the Partnership will truly be accountable to the 
local communities who live in the backyard of the Verde River. These 
local citizens have asked for and deserve the very best in having their 
voices heard and the legislation will meet that need.
  This legislation will benefit the public, the many communities and 
camps in northern Arizona that will receive opportunities for future 
economic development, and the natural beauty of the Yavapai Ranch. In 
addition, the science-based water resource planning and management 
partnership created by this legislation will provide much- needed 
research in this sensitive area. Bringing the Yavapai Ranch into 
federal ownership is in the best interest of the public, and the Forest 
Service has indicated that it would otherwise be unable to acquire 
these parcels.
  I urge my colleagues to support S. 161, the Northern Arizona Land 
Exchange Act and Verde River Basin Partnership Act.
  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bishop of Utah). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Musgrave) that 
the House suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill, S. 161.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________