The House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Mia Love’s ‘Confirming State Land Grants for Education Act’ (H.R. 2582). It now heads to the Senate for approval.
The bill will ultimately raise revenue for the benefit of Utah students.
More than 120 years ago, the Utah Enabling Act gave Utah the right to select a specified amount of federal acreage for the support of public institutions. Today, several thousand acres of these selection rights remain outstanding. The Confirming State Land Grants for Education Act represents what the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) called “a creative solution to a complex issue.” It allows the State of Utah to acquire certain BLM land, which has already been identified as available for disposal, within limited portions of the Pony Express Resource Management Plan area for the benefit of Utah’s public education institutions.
“I am excited that this important, nonpartisan legislation passed the House,” Rep. Love said. “Passage of my bill not only helps the federal government keep the promises made to the State of Utah, but also helps provide funding for that will benefit Utah’s future university students. I am proud to help Utah secure a win in the House today.”
Specifically, the bill will facilitate Utah’s School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) selection of about 500 acres of land within Utah’s 4th District. Future revenues from the acquired land will be dedicated to and benefit Utah State University.
“We thank the Congresswoman for her work and efforts to help fix a situation that has prevented SITLA from fully supporting its USU beneficiary,” SITLA Director David Ure said. “These lands will provide millions in revenue to the University in the coming years.”
