Huffman Introduces Trinity County Land Exchange Bill
WASHINGTON—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) yesterday introduced H.R. 3326, a bill to help Trinity County’s economy by facilitating a land exchange between the Trinity Public Utilities District, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The bill would swap federal land adjacent to the Weaverville Airport for county land along the Trinity River.
Trinity County has very little land suitable for economic development—76% of its land is held by the federal government—and much of it is difficult to access due to terrain or location. This land exchange would grant Trinity County a much-needed parcel accessible by highway and uniquely suited for economic development, allow improved public access to a Wild and Scenic River, and provide a fair return for federal taxpayers.
“This land swap would help Trinity County’s economy and further our shared priorities of economic development and environmental protection in Northern California,” Congressman Huffman said. “Partnerships with land management agencies are critical for Trinity County’s economic development, and I’m glad Trinity County has been able to develop a win-win plan with the federal agencies that meets the needs of all parties.”
“Trinity Public Utilities District appreciates the support of Representative Huffman to facilitate this important federal land exchange. Acquiring the 100 acres of land near the Weaverville airport will provide valuable and much-needed opportunities for the development of new businesses, jobs and economic development for Trinity County and the region," said Richard “Dick” Morris, President of the Board of Directors for the Trinity Public Utilities District.
"After working with TPUD on this for the past few years it is good to see this kind of forward progress. We are fortunate that Representative Huffman understands the unique relationship we have with public lands, and adjustments like this provide much-needed economic opportunities for our communities," said Supervisor Judy Morris, Weaverville.
The bill would allow the Utilities District to acquire 100 acres of USFS land adjacent to the Weaverville Airport, roughly a mile outside Weaverville and easily accessible by Highway 3. In exchange, the Utilities District would transfer to the BLM the 47-acre “Sky Ranch” parcel, which would promote public access to the Trinity River for recreation. The bill would ensure that federal taxpayers receive fair compensation for the land.
Huffman serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources, and was recently named to its Public Lands subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over such legislation.
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