# Plain Language Summary: Wabeno Economic Development Act

This bill allows the federal government to sell about 14 acres of National Forest land in Wisconsin to a concrete company called Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC. The company would have to pay the fair market value of the land, which will be determined by an independent appraisal. The company also has to cover all the costs involved in the sale, including the appraisal itself, any surveys needed to determine exact boundaries, and any environmental studies required by law. The whole process is designed to happen relatively quickly—the government has about 10 months to complete the appraisal, and then the company has six months to make an offer if they're interested.

The sale comes with some important protections for the public. The government will only have to disclose any hazardous materials on the property but won't be responsible for cleaning them up—that becomes the company's responsibility. The land will be transferred with a quitclaim deed, meaning the government is essentially saying "we're giving you what we own, but we're not guaranteeing there are no problems." Any existing rights on the land, like utility easements or access rights, will remain in place. The Forest Service will also keep the right to add other conditions it thinks are necessary to protect the public interest.

For most people, this is a fairly routine real estate transaction between the government and a private business. The main practical effect is that this particular piece of National Forest land would shift from public ownership to private use by a concrete company. Whether this is good or bad depends on your perspective about public lands—some see it as reasonable economic development, while others may prefer keeping all forest land in public hands.

Wabeno Economic Development Act

Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7]

<html><body bgcolor="#FFFFFF">Wabeno Economic Development Act This bill requires the Forest Service to convey approximately 14 acres of federal land in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin, to Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC, upon receiving an offer to buy the land for market value. The Forest Service must complete an appraisal to determine the market value of the land, and the offer must be received no later than 180 days after approval for such appraisal. Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC, shall pay an amount equal to the market value of the land and all associated costs as a condition of conveyance. </body></html>