Jon L. Christensen: “H.R. 3958 would provide the framework for a quitclaim settlement between the Federal Government and the State of Utah…”

“H.R. 3958 would provide the framework for a quitclaim settlement between the Federal Government and the State of Utah concerning lands and other interests at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. This legislation is necessary to enable the Secretary of the Interior to sign the final agreement negotiated between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State regarding a 75-year-old dispute concerning ownership to the beds and waters of the Great Salt Lake within the refuge. This legislation would not codify the agreement. Rather, H.R. 3958 would simply specify the required terms of the settlement. Additionally, H.R. 3958 would authorize $15 million subject to the availability of appropriations as reimbursement to the State to quiet title to the lands, oil, gas and mineral rights within the refuge. In exchange, the State will drop its claim to the 18,000 acres within the refuge that are subject to the dispute and receive valuable funding to support habitat conservation and outdoor recreation activities benefiting both the refuge and the State lands and waters. Mr. Speaker, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is one of the oldest and most popular refuges within the entire National Wildlife Refuge System. This legislation should enhance future Federal management authority at the refuge. I commend Chairman Hansen for bringing this bill before the House today. We are pleased to support it.”