Bill would shift 3,400 acres of Arizona federal land to La Paz County

What does this do?

The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer roughly 3,400 acres of BLM-managed land in La Paz County, Arizona, to the county government upon its formal request, opening the land for uses like solar energy development. The county must pay full fair market value plus transfer costs, and land with important cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources is excluded, as is mining and mineral leasing. Protections require good-faith efforts to avoid disturbing tribal artifacts and coordination with the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Who does it affect?

La Paz County, Arizona residents and officials would gain control of the land; the Bureau of Land Management currently manages it, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes have a formal cultural-protection role.

Why does it matter?

The transfer could enable local solar energy projects and jobs, while removing federal oversight of the land and shifting mineral and development rights to the county, subject to cultural and environmental exclusions.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• County pays fair market value
• Plus survey and admin costs
• Proceeds go to federal fund