[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 21]
[House]
[Pages 29525-29532]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       NORTHERN ARIZONA NATIONAL FOREST LAND EXCHANGE ACT OF 2003

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 2907) to provide for a land exchange in the State of Arizona 
between

[[Page 29526]]

the Secretary of Agriculture and Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 2907

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Northern Arizona National 
     Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) certain parcels of private land in the approximately 
     170 square miles of land commonly known as the ``Yavapai 
     Ranch'' and located in Yavapai County, Arizona, are 
     intermingled with National Forest System land owned by the 
     United States and administered by the Secretary of 
     Agriculture as part of Prescott National Forest;
       (2) the private land is owned by the Yavapai Ranch Limited 
     Partnership and the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C., in an 
     intermingled checkerboard pattern, with the United States or 
     Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership and the Northern Yavapai, 
     L.L.C., owning alternate square mile sections of land or 
     fractions of square mile sections;
       (3) a significant portion of the private land within the 
     checkerboard area (including the land located in or near the 
     Pine Creek watershed, Juniper Mesa Wilderness Area, Haystack 
     Peak, and the Luis Maria Baca Float No. 5) is located in 
     environmentally valuable areas that possess attributes for 
     public management, use, and enjoyment, including--
       (A) outdoor recreation;
       (B) preservation of stands of old growth forest;
       (C) largely unfragmented habitat for antelope, deer, elk, 
     mountain lion, wild turkey, and other wildlife species;
       (D) scientific research;
       (E) rangeland;
       (F) cultural and archaeological resources; and
       (G) scenic vistas;
       (4) the checkerboard ownership pattern of private and 
     public land within Prescott National Forest impedes sound and 
     efficient management of the intermingled National Forest 
     System land;
       (5) if the private land in the checkerboard area is 
     subdivided or developed, the intermingled National Forest 
     System land will become highly fragmented and lose much of 
     the value of the land for wildlife habitat and future public 
     access, use, and enjoyment;
       (6) acquisition by the United States of certain parcels of 
     land that have been offered by Yavapai Ranch Limited 
     Partnership and the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C., for addition to 
     Prescott National Forest will serve important public 
     objectives, including--
       (A) acquiring private land that meets the criteria for 
     inclusion in the National Forest System in exchange for land 
     with lower public, environmental, and ecological values;
       (B) consolidating a large area of National Forest System 
     land to preserve--
       (i) permanent public access, use, and enjoyment of the 
     land; and
       (ii) efficient management of the land;
       (C) minimizing cash outlays by the United States to achieve 
     the objectives described in subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
       (D) reducing administrative costs to the United States 
     through--
       (i) consolidation of Federal land holdings for more 
     efficient land management and planning;
       (ii) elimination of approximately 350 miles of boundary 
     between private land and the Federal parcels; and
       (iii) reduction of right-of-way, special use, and other 
     permit processing and issuance for roads and other facilities 
     on National Forest System land;
       (7) parcels of National Forest System land have been 
     identified for conveyance to Yavapai Ranch Limited 
     Partnership or the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C., through a land 
     exchange because the parcels--
       (A) have significantly lower recreational, wildlife, 
     ecological, and other public purpose values than the land to 
     be acquired by the United States; and
       (B) are encumbered by special use permits and rights-of-way 
     for a variety of purposes (including summer youth camps, 
     municipal water treatment facilities, sewage treatment 
     facilities, city parks, and airport-related facilities) 
     that--
       (i) limit the usefulness of the parcels for general 
     National Forest System purposes; but
       (ii) are logical for pass-through conveyances from Yavapai 
     Ranch Limited Partnership and the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C., 
     to the permit or right-of-way holders; and
       (8) it is in the public interest of all water users in the 
     Verde Valley, Arizona, that water conservation easements be 
     established that limit future water use on the Federal land 
     that--
       (A) is located near the communities of Camp Verde, 
     Cottonwood, and Clarkdale; and
       (B) is to be conveyed by the United States to Yavapai Ranch 
     Limited Partnership or the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to authorize, 
     direct, and facilitate the exchange of Federal land and non-
     Federal land between the United States, Yavapai Ranch Limited 
     Partnership, and the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Camp.--The term ``camp'' means Camp Pearlstein, 
     Friendly Pines, Patterdale Pines, Pine Summit, Sky Y, and 
     YoungLife Lost Canyon camps in the State of Arizona.
       (2) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the land 
     described in section 4(a)(2).
       (3) Management plan.--The term ``Management Plan'' means 
     the land and resource management plan for Prescott National 
     Forest.
       (4) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means 
     the approximately 35,000 acres of non-Federal land located 
     within the boundaries of Prescott National Forest, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land 
     Exchange Non-Federal Lands'', dated April 2002.
       (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Agriculture.
       (6) Yavapai ranch.--The term ``Yavapai Ranch'' means--
       (A) the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership, an Arizona 
     Limited Partnership; and
       (B) the Northern Yavapai, L.L.C., an Arizona Limited 
     Liability Company.

     SEC. 4. LAND EXCHANGE.

       (a) Conveyance of Federal Land by the United States.--
       (1) In general.--On receipt of an offer from Yavapai Ranch 
     to convey the non-Federal land, the Secretary shall convey to 
     Yavapai Ranch by patent or quitclaim deed, subject to 
     easements, rights-of-way, utility lines, and any other valid 
     encumbrances on the Federal land in existence on the date of 
     enactment of this Act and any other reservations that may be 
     agreed to by the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch, all right, 
     title, and interest of the United States in and to the 
     Federal land described in paragraph (2).
       (2) Description of federal land.--The Federal land referred 
     to in paragraph (1) shall consist of the following:
       (A) Certain land comprising approximately 15,300 acres 
     located in Yavapai County, Arizona, as generally depicted on 
     the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange Yavapai Ranch 
     Area Federal Lands'', dated April 2002.
       (B) Certain land in the Coconino National Forest, Coconino 
     County Arizona--
       (i) comprising approximately 1,500 acres located in 
     Coconino National Forest, Coconino County, Arizona, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land 
     Exchange Flagstaff Federal Lands-Airport Parcel'', dated 
     April 2002; and
       (ii) comprising approximately 28.26 acres in 2 separate 
     parcels, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai 
     Ranch Land Exchange Flagstaff Federal Lands--Wetzel School 
     and Mt. Elden Parcels'', dated September 2002.
       (C) Certain land referred to as Williams Airport, Williams 
     golf course, Williams Sewer, Buckskinner Park, Williams 
     Railroad, and Well parcels numbers 2, 3, and 4, comprising 
     approximately 950 acres, located in Kaibab National Forest, 
     Coconino County, Arizona, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange Williams Federal 
     Lands'', dated April 2002.
       (D) Certain land comprising approximately 2,200 acres 
     located in Prescott National Forest, Yavapai County, Arizona, 
     as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch 
     Land Exchange Camp Verde Federal Land--General Crook 
     Parcel'', dated April 2002.
       (E) Certain land comprising approximately 820 acres located 
     in Prescott National Forest in Yavapai County, Arizona, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land 
     Exchange Camp Verde Federal Lands--Cottonwood/Clarkdale 
     Parcel'', dated April 2002.
       (F) Certain land comprising approximately 237.5 acres 
     located in Kaibab National Forest, Coconino County, Arizona, 
     as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch 
     Land Exchange Younglife/Lost Canyon'', dated April 2002.
       (G) Certain land comprising approximately 200 acres located 
     in Prescott National Forest, Yavapai County, Arizona, and 
     including Friendly Pines, Patterdale Pines, Camp Pearlstein, 
     Pine Summit, and Sky Y, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange Prescott Federal 
     Lands--Summer Youth Camp Parcels'', dated April 2002.
       (H) Perpetual and nonexclusive easements that--
       (i) run with and benefit land owned by or conveyed to 
     Yavapai Ranch across certain land of the United States;
       (ii) are for the purposes of--

       (I) operating, maintaining, repairing, improving, and 
     replacing electric power lines or water pipelines (including 
     related storage tanks, valves, pumps, and hardware); and
       (II) providing rights of reasonable ingress and egress 
     necessary for the activities described in subclause (I);

       (iii) are 20 feet in width; and
       (iv) are located 10 feet on either side of each line 
     depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange 
     YRLP Acquired Easements for Water Lines'', dated April 2002.

[[Page 29527]]

       (3) Conditions.--
       (A) Permits.--Permits or other legal occupancies of the 
     Federal land by third parties in existence on the date of 
     transfer of the Federal land to Yavapai Ranch shall be 
     addressed in accordance with--
       (i) part 254.15 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations 
     (or any successor regulation); and
       (ii) other applicable laws (including regulations).
       (B) Establishment of conservation easements on certain 
     parcels.--
       (i) In general.--To conserve water in the Verde Valley, 
     Arizona, and to minimize the adverse impacts from future 
     development of the parcels described in subparagraphs (D) and 
     (E) of paragraph (2) on current and future users of water and 
     holders of water rights in existence on the date of enactment 
     of this Act and the Verde River and National Forest System 
     land retained by the United States, the United States shall 
     limit in perpetuity the use of water on the parcels by 
     reserving conservation easements that--

       (I) prohibit golf course development on the parcels;
       (II) require that public parks and greenbelts on the 
     parcels be watered with treated effluent;
       (III)(aa) with respect to the parcel described in paragraph 
     (2)(D), limit total post-exchange water use to not more than 
     700 acre-feet of water per year; and
       (bb) with respect to the parcel described in paragraph 
     (2)(E), limit total post-exchange water use to not more than 
     150 acre-feet of water per year; and
       (IV) require that any water used for the parcels not be 
     withdrawn from wells perforated in the Holocene alluvium of 
     the Verde River unless supplied by municipalities or private 
     water companies; however any water supplied by municipalities 
     or private water companies shall count toward the water use 
     limitations set out in the preceding subclauses (III)(aa) and 
     (III)(bb).

       (ii) Recordation.--The conservation easements described in 
     clause (i) shall be recorded to encumber the title to parcels 
     described in subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (2) that 
     are conveyed by the Secretary to Yavapai Ranch.
       (iii) Subsequent conveyance.--

       (I) In general.--On acquisition of title to the parcels 
     described in subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (2), 
     Yavapai Ranch may convey all or a portion of the parcels to 1 
     or more successors-in-interest.

       (II) Water use apportionment.--A conveyance under subclause 
     (I) shall, in accordance with the terms described in clause 
     (i), include a recorded and binding agreement on the amount 
     of water available for use on the parcel or portion of the 
     parcel conveyed, as determined by the Yavapai Ranch.

       (iv) Enforcement.--The Secretary shall enter into one or 
     more assignments with a political subdivision of the State of 
     Arizona authorizing the political subdivision to enforce the 
     terms described in clause (i) in any manner provided by law. 
     Until such time as the Secretary executes the assignments, 
     the Secretary shall hold and enforce the conservation 
     easements.
       (v) Liability.--

       (I) In general.--Any action for a breach of the terms of 
     the conservation easements described in clause (i) shall be 
     against the owner or owners of the parcel or portion of the 
     parcel, at the time of the breach, whose action or failure to 
     act has resulted in the breach.
       (II) Hold harmless.--To the extent that the United States 
     or a successor-in-interest to the United States no longer 
     holds title to the parcels or any portion of the parcels 
     described in subparagraph (D) or (E) of paragraph (2), the 
     United States or such successor-in-interest shall be held 
     harmless from damages or injuries attributable to any breach 
     of the terms of the conservation easements described in 
     clause (i) by a subsequent successor-in-interest.

       (b) Conveyance of Non-Federal Land by Yavapai Ranch.--
       (1) In general.--On receipt of title to the Federal land, 
     Yavapai Ranch shall simultaneously convey to the United 
     States, by deed acceptable to Secretary and subject to any 
     encumbrances acceptable to the Secretary, all right, title, 
     and interest of Yavapai Ranch in and to the non-Federal land.
       (2) Easements.--
       (A) In general.--The conveyance of non-Federal land to the 
     United States under paragraph (1) shall be subject to the 
     reservation of--
       (i) perpetual easements and water rights 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 points of use; and

       (ii) easements for reasonable ingress and egress to 
     accomplish the purposes of the easements described in clause 
     (i).
       (B) Existing wells.--
       (i) In general.--Each easement for an existing well shall 
     be--

       (I) 40 acres in area; and
       (II) to the maximum extent practicable--

       (aa) centered on the existing well; and
       (bb) located in the same square mile section of land.
       (ii) Limitation.--Within a 40-acre easement described in 
     clause (i), the United States and any permitees or licensees 
     of the United States shall be prohibited from undertaking any 
     activity that materially interferes with the use of the wells 
     by Yavapai Ranch, without the written consent of Yavapai 
     Ranch.
       (iii) Reservation of water for the united states.--The 
     United States shall be entitled to \1/2\ the production of 
     each existing or replacement well, not to exceed a total of 
     3,100,000 gallons of water annually, for watering wildlife 
     and stock and for other National Forest System purposes from 
     the 3 wells.
       (C) Reasonable access.--Each easement for ingress and 
     egress shall be at least 20 feet in width.
       (D) Location.--The locations of the easements and wells 
     shall be the locations generally depicted on a map entitled 
     ``Yavapai Ranch Land Exchange YRLP Reserved Easements for 
     Waterlines and Wells'', dated April 2002.
       (c) Land Transfer Problems.--
       (1) Federal land.--If a parcel of Federal land (or a 
     portion of the parcel) cannot be conveyed to Yavapai Ranch 
     because of the presence of hazardous materials or if the 
     proposed title to a parcel of Federal land (or a portion of 
     the parcel) is unacceptable to Yavapai Ranch because of the 
     presence of threatened or endangered species, cultural or 
     historic resources, unpatented mining claims, or other third 
     party rights under public land laws--
       (A) the parcel of Federal land or portion of the parcel 
     shall be excluded from the exchange; and
       (B) the non-Federal land shall be adjusted in accordance 
     with section 5(c).
       (2) Non-federal land.--If 1 or more of the parcels of non-
     Federal land or a portion of such a parcel cannot be conveyed 
     to the United States because of the presence of hazardous 
     materials or if the proposed title to a parcel or a portion 
     of the parcel is unacceptable to the Secretary--
       (A) the parcel of non-Federal land or portion of the parcel 
     shall be excluded from the exchange; and
       (B) the Federal land shall be adjusted in accordance with 
     section 5(c).
       (d) Conveyance of Federal Land to Cities and Camps.--
       (1) In general.--Following the acquisition of the Federal 
     land, Yavapai Ranch shall convey to the cities of Flagstaff, 
     Williams, and Camp Verde and the camps the parcels of Federal 
     land or portions of parcels located in or near the cities or 
     camps under any terms agreed to by Yavapai Ranch, the cities, 
     and camps before the date on which the exchange is completed.
       (2) Deletion from exchange.--If Yavapai Ranch and the 
     cities or camps referred to in paragraph (1) have not agreed 
     to the terms and conditions of a subsequent conveyance of a 
     parcel or portion of a parcel of Federal land before the 
     completion of the exchange, the Secretary, on notification by 
     Yavapai Ranch, the cities, or camps, shall delete the parcel 
     or any portion of the parcel from the exchange. Any parcel or 
     portion of a parcel to be deleted may be configured by the 
     Secretary to leave the United States with manageable post-
     exchange land and boundaries.
       (3) Easements.--In accordance with section 120(h) of the 
     Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
     Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)), the United States 
     shall reserve easements in any land transferred to Yavapai 
     Ranch.

     SEC. 5. EXCHANGE VALUATION, APPRAISALS, AND EQUALIZATION.

       (a) Equal Value Exchange.--The values of the non-Federal 
     and Federal land to be exchanged under this Act--
       (1) shall be equal, as determined by the Secretary; or
       (2) if the values are not equal, shall be equalized in 
     accordance with subsection (c).
       (b) Appraisals.--
       (1) In general.--The values of the Federal land and non-
     Federal land shall be determined by appraisals using the 
     appraisal standards in--
       (A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land 
     Acquisitions, fifth edition (December 20, 2000); and
       (B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
     Practice.
       (2) Approval.--In accordance with part 254.9(a)(1) of title 
     36, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulation), the appraiser shall be--
       (A) acceptable to the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch; and
       (B) a contractor, the clients of which shall be the 
     Secretary and Yavapai Ranch.
       (3) Requirements.--During the appraisal process the 
     appraiser shall--
       (A) consider the effect on value of the Federal land or 
     non-Federal land because of the existence of encumbrances on 
     each parcel, including--
       (i) permitted uses on Federal land that cannot be 
     reasonably terminated before the appraisal; and
       (ii) facilities on Federal land that cannot be reasonably 
     removed before the appraisal; and
       (B) determine the value of each parcel of Federal land and 
     non-Federal land (including the value of each individual 
     section of the

[[Page 29528]]

     intermingled Federal and non-Federal land of the Yavapai 
     Ranch) as an assembled transaction consistent with the 
     applicable provisions of parts 254.5 and 254.9(b)(1)(v) of 
     title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulation).
       (4) Dispute resolution.--A dispute relating to the 
     appraised values of the Federal land or non-Federal land 
     following completion of the appraisal shall be processed in 
     accordance with--
       (A) section 206(d) of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(d)); and
       (B) part 254.10 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations 
     (or any successor regulation).
       (5) Appraisal period.--After the final appraised values of 
     the Federal land and non-Federal land have been reviewed and 
     approved by the Secretary or otherwise determined in 
     accordance with the requirements of paragraph (4), the final 
     appraised values--
       (A) shall not be reappraised or updated by the Secretary 
     before the completion of the land exchange; and
       (B) shall be considered to be the values of the Federal 
     land and non-Federal land on the date of the transfer of 
     title.
       (6) Availability.--In accordance with the policy of the 
     Forest Service, and to ensure the timely and full disclosure 
     of the appraisals to the public, the appraisals approved by 
     the Secretary shall be made available for public inspection 
     in the Offices of the Supervisors for Prescott, Coconino, and 
     Kaibab National Forests.
       (c) Equalization of Values.--
       (1) Surplus of non-federal land.--
       (A) In general.--If, after any adjustments are made to the 
     non-Federal land or Federal land under subsection (c) or (d) 
     of section 4, the final appraised value of the non-Federal 
     land exceeds the final appraised value of the Federal land, 
     the Federal land and non-Federal land shall be adjusted in 
     accordance with subparagraph (B) until the values are 
     approximately equal.
       (B) Adjustments.--An adjustment referred to in subparagraph 
     (A) shall be accomplished by beginning at the east boundary 
     of section 30, T. 20 N., R. 6 W., Gila and Salt River Base 
     and Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona, and adding to the 
     Federal land in \1/8\ section increments (N-S 64th line) and 
     lot lines across the section, while deleting in the same 
     increments portions of sections 19 and 31, T. 20 N., R. 6 W., 
     Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Yavapai County, 
     Arizona, to establish a linear and continuous boundary that 
     runs north to south across the sections.
       (2) Surplus of federal land.--
       (A) In general.--If, after any adjustments are made to the 
     non-Federal land or Federal land under subsection (c) or (d) 
     of section 4, the final appraised value of the Federal land 
     exceeds the final appraised value of the non-Federal land, 
     the Federal land and non-Federal land shall be adjusted in 
     accordance with subparagraph (B) until the values are 
     approximately equal.
       (B) Adjustments.--Adjustments under subparagraph (A) shall 
     be made in the following order:
       (i) Beginning at the south boundary of section 31, T. 20 
     N., R. 5 W., Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Yavapai 
     County, Arizona, and sections 33 and 35, T. 20 N., R. 6 W., 
     Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Yavapai County, 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, T. 20 N., R. 5 
     W., Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Yavapai County, 
     Arizona, and sections 32, 34, and 36, in T. 20 N., R. 6 W., 
     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.
       (ii) By deleting the following parcels:

       (I) The Wetzel School parcel identified on the map 
     described in section 4(a)(2)(B)(ii).
       (II) The Williams Sewer parcel identified on the map 
     described in section 4(a)(2)(C).
       (III) That part of the Williams Railroad parcel identified 
     on the map described in section 4(a)(2)(C) that lies south of 
     Business I-40.
       (IV) A portion of the Cottonwood/Clarkdale Federal Lands 
     identified on the map described in Section 4(a)(2)(E) and 
     further described as the S\1/2\S\1/2\ of Section 8, Township 
     15 North, Range 3 East, Gila and Salt River Base and 
     Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona.
       (V) The Buckskinner Park parcel identified on the map 
     described in section 4(a)(2)(C).
       (VI) Approximately 316 acres of the Camp Verde Federal 
     Land-General Crook Parcel identified on the map described in 
     Section 4(a)(2)(D) and further described as Lots 1, 5, and 6 
     and the NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ of Section 26, and the N\1/2\N\1/2\ of 
     Section 27, Township 14 North, Range 4 East, Gila and Salt 
     River Base and Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona.
       (VII) A portion of the Cottonwood/Clarkdale Federal Lands 
     identified on the map described in section 4(a)(2)(E) and 
     further described as the N\1/2\S\1/2\ of Section 8, Township 
     15 North, Range 3 East, Gila and Salt River Base and 
     Meridian, Yavapai County, Arizona.
       (VIII) Approximately 314 acres of the Camp Verde Federal 
     Land-General Crook Parcel identified on the map described in 
     section 4(a)(2)(D) and further described as Lots 2, 7, 8 and 
     9 and the SE\1/4\NE\1/4\ 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.
       (IX) The Mt. Elden parcel identified on the map described 
     in section 4(a)(2)(B)(ii).

       (C) Modifications.--By mutual agreement by the Secretary 
     and the Yavapai Ranch, the land and acreage in subclauses (I) 
     through (IX) may be modified to conform with a survey 
     approved by the Bureau of Land Management or to leave the 
     United States with manageable post-exchange land and 
     boundaries.
       (3) Additional equalization of values.--If, after the 
     values are adjusted in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2), 
     the values of the Federal land and non-Federal land are not 
     equal, then the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch may by agreement 
     adjust the acreage of the Federal land and non-Federal land 
     until the values of that land are equal.
       (d) Cash Equalization.--
       (1) In general.--After the values of the non-Federal and 
     Federal land are equalized to the maximum extent practicable 
     under subsection (c), any balance due the Secretary or 
     Yavapai Ranch shall be paid--
       (A) through cash equalization payments under section 206(b) 
     of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 
     U.S.C. 1716(b)); or
       (B) in accordance with standards established by the 
     Secretary and Yavapai Ranch.
       (2) Limitation.--
       (A) Adjustments.--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 agreement, delete 
     additional Federal land from the exchange until the values of 
     the Federal land and non-Federal land are equal.
       (B) Deposit.--Any amounts received by the United States 
     under this Act--
       (i) shall be deposited in a fund established under Public 
     Law 90-171 (16 U.S.C. 484a) (commonly known as the ``Sisk 
     Act''); and
       (ii) shall be available, without further appropriation, for 
     the acquisition of land or interests in land for National 
     Forest System purposes in the State of Arizona.

     SEC. 6. 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.--The Federal land is 
     withdrawn from all forms of entry and appropriation under the 
     public land laws, including the mining and mineral leasing 
     laws and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et 
     seq.), until the date on which the exchange of Federal land 
     and non-Federal land is completed.
       (c) Surveys, Inventories, and Clearances.--Before 
     completing the exchange of Federal land and non-Federal land 
     under this Act, the Secretary shall carry out land surveys 
     and preexchange inventories, clearances, reviews, and 
     approvals relating to hazardous materials, threatened and 
     endangered species, cultural and historic resources, and 
     wetlands and floodplains.
       (d) Costs of Implementing the Exchange.--
       (1) In general.--
       (A) The United States shall bear the costs or other 
     responsibilities or requirements associated with land 
     surveys, title searches, archeological and cultural surveys 
     and salvage, removal of encumbrances and curing title 
     deficiencies necessary to bring the Federal land into a 
     condition where it is acceptable for exchange purposes.
       (B) Yavapai Ranch shall bear the costs or other 
     responsibilities or requirements associated with land 
     surveys, title searches, archeological and cultural surveys 
     and salvage, removal of encumbrances and curing title 
     deficiencies necessary to bring the non-Federal land into a 
     condition where it is acceptable for exchange purposes.
       (2) Ineligible reimbursements.--No amount paid by Yavapai 
     Ranch under this subsection shall be eligible for 
     reimbursement under section 206(f) of the Federal Land Policy 
     and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(f)).
       (e) Timing.--It is the intent of Congress that the exchange 
     of Federal land and non-Federal land directed by this Act be 
     completed not later than 18 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (f) Contractors.--
       (1) In general.--If the Secretary lacks adequate staff or 
     resources to complete the exchange by the date specified in 
     subsection (e), the Yavapai Ranch may contract with 
     independent third-party contractors to carry out any work 
     necessary to complete the exchange by that date, subject to 
     the mutual agreement of the Secretary and the Yavapai Ranch 
     on the contractor or contractors, scope of work, estimated 
     cost of work, and approval of any such work by the Secretary.
       (2) Reimbursement.--In the event that Yavapai Ranch 
     contracts with independent third party contractors to carry 
     out or complete any responsibilities or requirements that 
     would be performed by the Secretary but for the lack of 
     adequate staff or resources, then the Secretary shall 
     reimburse

[[Page 29529]]

     Yavapai Ranch for Yavapai Ranch's costs or expenses for such 
     contractors in accordance with section 206(f) of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(f)).

     SEC. 7. STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND AFTER EXCHANGE.

       (a) In General.--Non-Federal land acquired by the United 
     States under this Act--
       (1) shall become part of the Prescott National Forest; and
       (2) shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance 
     with--
       (A) this Act;
       (B) the laws (including regulations) applicable to the 
     National Forest System; and
       (C) other authorized uses of the National Forest System.
       (b) Management Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Acquisition of the non-Federal land under 
     this Act shall not require a revision or amendment to the 
     Management Plan.
       (2) Amendment or revision.--If the Management Plan is 
     amended or revised after the date of acquisition of non-
     Federal land under this Act, the Management Plan shall be 
     amended to reflect the acquisition of the non-Federal land.
       (c) Post-Exchange Management of Certain Land.--
       (1) In general.--On acquisition by the United States, the 
     non-Federal land acquired by the United States and any 
     National Forest System land outside the Juniper Mesa 
     Wilderness Area but formerly intermingled with the acquired 
     non-Federal land shall be managed in accordance with--
       (A) paragraphs (2) through (6); and
       (B) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable 
     to National Forest System land.
       (2) Protection of natural resources.--The non-Federal land 
     shall be managed in a manner that maintains the species, 
     character, and natural values of the land, including--
       (A) deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkey, mountain lion, 
     and other resident wildlife and native plant species;
       (B) suitability for livestock grazing; and
       (C) aesthetic values.
       (3) Grazing.--Each area located in the Yavapai Ranch 
     grazing allotment as of the date of enactment of this Act 
     shall--
       (A) remain in the Yavapai Ranch grazing allotment; and
       (B) continue to be subject to grazing in accordance with 
     the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to 
     domestic livestock grazing on National Forest System land.
       (4) Roads.--
       (A) Improvement and maintenance.--The Secretary shall 
     maintain or improve a system of roads and trails on the non-
     Federal land to provide opportunities for hunting, motorized 
     and nonmotorized recreation, and other uses of the land by 
     the public.
       (B) Public access road.--
       (i) Construction.--The Secretary shall improve or construct 
     a public access road linking Forest Road 7 (Pine Creek Road) 
     to Forest Road 1 (Turkey Canyon Road) through portions of 
     sections 33, 32, 31, and 30, T. 19 N., R. 6 W., Gila and Salt 
     River Base and Meridian.
       (ii) Existing road.--The existing road linking Pine Creek 
     and Gobbler Knob shall--

       (I) until the date on which the new public access road is 
     completed, remain open; and
       (II) after the date on which the new public access road is 
     completed, be obliterated.

       (C) Easements.--
       (i) In general.--On completion of the land exchange under 
     this Act, the Secretary and Yavapai Ranch shall grant each 
     other at no charge reciprocal easements for ingress, egress, 
     and utilities across, over, and through--

       (I)(aa) the routes depicted on the map entitled ``Yavapai 
     Ranch Land Exchange Road and Trail Easements--Yavapai Ranch 
     Area'' dated April 2002; and
       (bb) any other inholdings retained by the United States or 
     Yavapai Ranch; or
       (II) any relocated routes that are agreed to by the 
     Secretary and Yavapai Ranch.

       (ii) Requirements.--An easement described in clause (i)--

       (I) shall be unlimited, perpetual, and nonexclusive in 
     nature; and
       (II) shall run with and benefit the land of the grantee.

       (iii) Rights of grantee.--The rights of the grantee shall 
     extend to--

       (I) any successors-in-interest, assigns, and transferees of 
     Yavapai Ranch; and
       (II) in the case of the Secretary, members of the general 
     public, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.

       (5) Timber harvesting.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     timber harvesting for commodity production shall be 
     prohibited on the non-Federal land.
       (B) Exceptions.--Timber harvesting may be conducted on the 
     non-Federal land if the Secretary determines that timber 
     harvesting is necessary--
       (i) to prevent or control fires, insects, and disease 
     through forest thinning or other forest management 
     techniques;
       (ii) to protect or enhance grassland habitat, watershed 
     values, native plants, trees, and wildlife species; or
       (iii) to improve forest health.
       (6) Water improvements.--Nothing in this Act prohibits the 
     Secretary from authorizing or constructing new water 
     improvements in accordance with the laws (including 
     regulations) applicable to water improvements on National 
     Forest System land for--
       (A) the benefit of domestic livestock or wildlife 
     management;
       (B) the improvement of forest health or forest restoration; 
     or
       (C) other National Forest purposes.
       (d) Maps.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary and Yavapai Ranch may 
     correct any minor errors in the maps of, legal descriptions 
     of, or encumbrances on the Federal land or non-Federal land.
       (2) Discrepancy.--In the event of any discrepancy between a 
     map and legal description, the map shall prevail unless the 
     Secretary and Yavapai Ranch agree otherwise.
       (3) Availability.--All maps referred to in this Act shall 
     be on file and available for inspection in the Office of the 
     Supervisor, Prescott National Forest, Prescott, Arizona.
       (e) Effect.--Nothing in this Act precludes, prohibits, or 
     otherwise restricts Yavapai Ranch from subsequently granting, 
     conveying, or otherwise transferring title to the Federal 
     land after its acquisition of the Federal land.

     SEC. 8. CONVEYANCE OF ADDITIONAL LAND.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall convey to an 
     individual or entity 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 individual or entity 
     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) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary receives a power of attorney executed by 
     the individual or entity acquiring the land, the Secretary 
     shall convey to the individual or entity the land described 
     in subsection (b).
       (2) Limitation.--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 subsection shall 
     terminate; and
       (B) any conveyance of the land shall be made under Public 
     Law 97-465 (16 U.S.C. 521c et seq.).

     SEC. 9. COMPENSATION FOR PERSONS HOLDING GRAZING PERMITS.

       Persons holding grazing permits for land transferred into 
     private ownership under this Act shall be compensated in 
     accordance with section 402(g) of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1752(g)).

     SEC. 10. CONVEYANCE OF LEASED LAND.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall convey to an 
     individual or entity that represents the majority of 
     landowners with a lease 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 approximately 4.87 acres located in section 
     27, T. 22 N., R. 2 E., Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, 
     Coconino County, Arizona.
       (c) Maps.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary may make minor modifications 
     to the descriptions or reconfigure the descriptions of the 
     properties referenced in subsection (b) in order to 
     facilitate a conveyance, to address management, or boundary 
     considerations or correct errors. If any land adjacent to the 
     4.87 acre parcel described in subsection (b) is conveyed to 
     the Yavapai Ranch, any such minor modifications shall be by 
     mutual agreement between the Secretary and the Yavapai Ranch.
       (2) Discrepancy.--In the event of any discrepancy between a 
     map and legal description, the map shall prevail.
       (3) Availability.--All maps referred to in this Act shall 
     be on file and available for inspection in the Office of the 
     Supervisor, Kaibab National Forest, Williams, Arizona.
       (d) Amount of Consideration.--In exchange for the land 
     described in subsection (b), the individual or entity 
     acquiring the land shall pay to the Secretary consideration 
     in the amount of--
       (1) market value; plus
       (2) any costs of re-monumenting the boundary of land.
       (e) Appraisal.--
       (1) In general.--The values of the Federal land shall be 
     determined by appraisal using the appraisal standards in--
       (A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land 
     Acquisitions, fifth edition (December 20, 2000); and
       (B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal 
     Practice.
       (2) Approval.--In accordance with part 254.9(a)(1) of title 
     36, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
     regulation), the appraiser shall be--
       (A) acceptable to the Secretary
       (B) a third party contractor.

[[Page 29530]]

       (f) Timing.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
     which the Secretary receives a power of attorney executed by 
     the individual or entity acquiring the land, the Secretary 
     shall convey to the individual or entity the land described 
     in subsection (b).
       (2) Limitation.--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 subsection shall 
     terminate; and
       (B) any conveyance of the land shall be made under Public 
     Law 97-465 (16 U.S.C. 521c et seq).

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Souder) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. 
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which 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 
gentleman from Indiana?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  H.R. 2907, introduced by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), 
provides for a land exchange in the State of Arizona between the 
Secretary of Agriculture and the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership. The 
bill would consolidate the largest remaining checkerboard ownership in 
Arizona. The Forest Service will receive 35,000 acres of land adjacent 
to an existing wilderness area which includes old growth ponderosa 
pine, oak, and alligator juniper forest lands and grasslands known to 
be a prime antelope habitat. The Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership 
would receive approximately 21,000 acres of land.
  H.R. 2907 is supported by a wide variety of vested interests 
including the administration, many of the local city councils, local 
chapters of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Grand Canyon Trust 
and the Central Arizona Land Trust. I urge adoption of the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, again on a bipartisan basis, I want to commend the 
gentleman from Arizona for his sponsorship of this proposed bill.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2907 would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to 
consummate a complicated land exchange in northern Arizona. The United 
States would receive approximately 35,000 acres of inholdings on the 
Prescott National Forest. In exchange, the United States would transfer 
title to the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership various parcels on the 
Coconino, Prescott, and the Kaibab National Forests. All lands would be 
appraised in accordance with Federal appraisal standards. Their values 
would be equalized as required in the Federal Land Policy and 
Management Act. This bill was also passed in the House last year, and 
we certainly have no objection to this.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), our committee's colleague and the 
author of the bill.
  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time and also my colleague from American Samoa for his kind remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2907, the Northern Arizona 
National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003. H.R. 2907 facilitates a land 
exchange in northern Arizona of private land within the Yavapai Ranch 
for the Forest Service land in the northern portion of the State.
  H.R. 2907 accomplishes several goals in northern Arizona. First, it 
will preserve the pristine areas within Yavapai Ranch for the wildlife 
and recreation by consolidating more than 40,000 acres of Forest 
Service land. This area is adjacent to the Juniper Mesa Wilderness 
Area, preserving precious habitat for ponderosa pine, alligator 
juniper, and pronghorn antelope.
  Second, H.R. 2907 provides the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, with the 
opportunity to acquire land to expand and improve Pulliam Airport. H.R. 
2907 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, 
providing economic development and affordable housing.
  The Northern Arizona National Forest 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 almost dry and currently stand at a minimal 
8 percent of capacity. H.R. 2907 will assist Williams in meeting their 
water challenges in the future by providing new land for well drilling 
sites.
  In the Verde Valley, this bill provides the town of Camp Verde with 
unique opportunities to acquire land for open space to protect their 
view shed. The Camp Verde Fire District will be provided with land 
adjacent to Interstate 17 for an emergency response and urgent care 
facility for faster response and care. A planned development along 
Interstate 17 will provide Camp Verde with additional tax base and job 
opportunities.

                              {time}  1930

  A residential development in Clarkdale and Cottonwood will diversify 
the housing market and provide new lands and an additional tax base for 
those communities.
  Working with members of the Arizona delegation, including the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), we have ensured that the 
language in H.R. 2907 establishes water conservation and water use 
restrictions for any future development. In addition, any development 
would also comply with the State of Arizona surface and ground water 
laws, as well as local community planning standards.
  Finally, this legislation assures that six summer youth camps serving 
10,000 to 12,000 children from all over the region have the opportunity 
to acquire the land and benefit from full ownership. These camps 
include Young Life Lost Canyon Camp, Friendly Pines Camp, the YMCA 
camps, and a host of other camps. Young Life Lost Canyon alone serves 
approximately 4,500 children. Approximately 450 of these children have 
special needs.
  In the past year, I have received many letters and phone calls 
providing input on the exchange. One such letter came from the chairman 
of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, Mr. Jamie Fullmer, the tribe that is most 
affected by this land exchange. Chairman Fullmer makes a statement of 
endorsement of this land exchange when he says in his letter, ``We also 
recognize that exchanging these already impacted lands for the 
unspoiled lands at the headwaters of the Verde River offers permanent 
protection for wildlife, the forest and the watershed that protects the 
Yavapai-Apache Nation's water rights.''
  Mr. Speaker, I have held several town halls and town meetings on this 
issue. We have discussed these many complex issues with the surrounding 
communities, with individuals, and have public input on this exchange. 
I have visited and toured the Yavapai Ranch on three occasions. I have 
witnessed firsthand the great value of this land exchange. Bringing the 
Yavapai Ranch into Federal ownership is in the best interests of the 
greater good and of the general public. I urge my colleagues to support 
the Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), another colleague from the 
committee and another advocate of Arizona.
  Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time.

[[Page 29531]]

  I would be remiss if I did not take time to commend my colleague from 
the First Congressional District of Arizona (Mr. Renzi) for his hard 
work in shepherding this legislation through the committee process and 
for working tirelessly with the Forest Service and all affected parties 
to achieve consensus on this very important piece of legislation. I 
would likewise be remiss if I did not recognize my good friend and 
colleague from the other side of the aisle, the gentleman from American 
Samoa, who was nice enough to come and visit us in Arizona on many 
different issues and maintains a great interest in public lands 
throughout our country and beyond its immediate shores to the place 
where he calls home.
  The Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003 
provides for a Federal land exchange that places roughly 35,000 acres 
of pristine ponderosa pine forestland and biologically diverse land, 
much of which borders an existing wilderness area, into the hands of 
the United States Forest Service. This bill has been carefully crafted 
to ensure that the environment, ecosystems, watershed, and forestlands 
of northern Arizona are protected and preserved.
  Mr. Speaker, harbor no delusions. This was an incredibly ambitious 
piece of work to get done. That is why kudos go to my friend from the 
first district for working so hard, because the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Renzi), with this legislation, really refined a concept very 
similar to what I was pleased and honored to sponsor in the last 
Congress, together with our late friend, Bob Stump. The concept of this 
type of land exchange to consolidate the Yavapai Ranch lands just makes 
sense. Through this land exchange, our Federal Government will receive 
pristine forestlands that truly belong under the stewardship of the 
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 forest area from future 
development. Watershed management, wildlife habitat, and outdoor 
recreation in the consolidated land parcel will be preserved through 
this action.
  Additionally, many of the land parcels the Forest Service will trade 
to accomplish these goals are eagerly sought by the local communities 
for a variety of worthwhile civic purposes, including expansion of 
airports, parks, and other municipal facilities. And, as my colleague 
from the first district mentioned, six summer camps that currently 
lease lands from the Forest Service will acquire their leased areas. So 
there will be no uncertainty about this. We will be moving proactively, 
positively to preserve these youth camps that are so vital for so many 
children in the West and especially in our great State of Arizona.
  Importantly, the land exchange embodied in this bill follows all 
Federal regulations, especially as they relate to land appraisal 
methods, public input and involvement, compensation for individuals 
holding grazing permits, and a requirement for an equal value exchange 
to ensure that the public is not short-changed in any way, shape, 
fashion, or form.
  As an involved cosponsor of this bill, I can attest to the fact that 
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, Mr. Speaker, has been invaluable, and I am 
confident that the bill now put forth by my colleague addresses every 
major concern that has been brought to light.
  Mr. Speaker, as a result of the efforts of the gentleman from Arizona 
(Mr. Renzi), this bill has been endorsed by the city councils of 
Flagstaff, Williams, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, as well as the 
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, the Salt River Project, the 
Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, 
the Greater Flagstaff Economic Council, the Williams Chamber of 
Commerce, the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce, the Cottonwood Chamber of 
Commerce, the Grand Canyon Trust, the Sedona-Verde Valley Realtors, the 
Wildlife Conservation Council, the Arizona Antelope Foundation, the 
Arizona Mule Deer Association, the Central Arizona Land Trust, and the 
Arizona Republic newspaper; and that is just a partial listing of folks 
supporting this legislation.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, this legislation makes good common sense for our 
forests and for the 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.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, let me take time to commend my friend and 
colleague, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi), for his hard work on 
this important legislation. I am grateful for the opportunity to 
partner with him on this bill. I am pleased to see my good friend, 
again, from American Samoa playing a vital role on the other side of 
the aisle, and I would urge passage of this important piece of 
legislation.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my good friend, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), for his kind words. It is true it was my 
privilege very recently, in fact, about a week and a half ago, that I 
had the privilege of visiting the great State of Arizona, finding out 
that several thousand of my people live in Arizona. I guess they missed 
the 200 inches of rainfall that we have every year, and they thought 
maybe by going to Arizona would give them tremendous experience in 
learning how to live with 3 inches of rainfall every year in that great 
State.
  I do want to commend him for his words and, as the cochairman of the 
Native American Caucus, I do commend him also for the tremendous work 
that he does with our Native American community. Again, I thank the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), my good friend, for his leadership 
in managing this proposed bill; and I urge my colleagues to support 
this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to again thank my colleagues 
from Arizona. For those in the Chamber and those who watch our 
proceedings here in Congress, this has been very instructive, because 
what we see most of the time is us debating, very heatedly, very few 
bills. Most bills, in fact, that move through Congress move this way. 
The discussions work out between the two sides.
  This bill that we have discussed here for Arizona are huge in the 
number of the heritage areas, and there are very big tourist questions 
there. We have revamped the Fish and Wildlife Service, we have 
protected animals that are endangered from around the world, and we 
have done it in a bipartisan way. That is the way most legislation 
moves, and tonight we are seeing how the system works when we can 
compromise. But most of what people see on TV are the few times it 
breaks down. Those are big issues. They are important. But it is 
important to know that we do both things here in Washington. We do not 
just do the arguing; we also do the working together.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pearce). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2907, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page 29532]]



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