Forest Service would hand about 9 acres in Black Hills to Pennington County
In markupS. 5359Latest action
Sponsor: John Thune · Senator · SD
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Pennington County Land Conveyance Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
The bill would transfer about 9 acres of Black Hills National Forest land, with any buildings on it, to Pennington County, South Dakota at no cost.
50-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to transfer about 9 acres of federal land in the Black Hills National Forest to Pennington County, South Dakota. Any buildings or other improvements on the land would go with it. The Forest Service would then redraw the forest boundary so the parcel is no longer part of it.
Who does it affect?
Pennington County would gain ownership of the land and the freedom to manage it. County road crews and other public works staff would likely be the main users.
Why does it matter?
The county could use the parcel for a public works facility or any other use it decides is necessary. The change is small, covering less than 9 acres, so the Black Hills National Forest as a whole would stay largely the same.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- About 9 acres
- Land and improvements at no cost
- Transfer to Pennington County
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in Senate” text of Aug 7, 2026.
After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 30, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedAug 7, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Sep 30, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.