Wabeno Economic Development Act

The Wabeno Economic Development Act has two main parts. First, it would convey a roughly 14-acre parcel of National Forest System land in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (Wisconsin) to Tony’s Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC, contingent on the company submitting an offer within 180 days after the Federal appraisal is approved. If the offer is made, the Secretary of Agriculture (through the Forest Service) must convey the land within 180 days, using a quitclaim deed and ensuring existing rights are respected. The buyer would pay the land’s market value (as determined by the appraisal) plus all related costs (survey, appraisal, environmental analyses, etc.). The appraisal must be completed within 300 days of enactment, using standard federal appraisal practices. The second part directs a comprehensive review by the Department of the Interior (in coordination with other agencies, industry stakeholders, and state permitting authorities) of the federal permitting processes for stone, sand, and gravel development on federal lands. A report detailing current processes, timelines, inefficiencies, recommended improvements, and the economic impacts on stone, sand, and gravel sectors must be submitted within 180 days of enactment and made publicly available.