Bill Summary
The proposed legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer ownership of the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. This transfer must occur within 90 days of the enactment of the bill and will be done without any financial compensation. The covered infrastructure includes various facilities and components such as ponds, springs, dams, a fish ladder, an incubation room, and several wells, as well as associated utilities and access roads. The Secretary is tasked with finalizing maps and legal descriptions of the infrastructure to be conveyed, ensuring they are publicly accessible. The conveyance is subject to existing rights, meaning it will not interfere with pre-existing claims or uses of the property.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the legislation regarding the conveyance of the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe could affect people:
1. **Economic Empowerment for the Nisqually Indian Tribe**: The transfer of the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure could enable the Nisqually Indian Tribe to engage in fish hatchery operations, which may enhance their economic development. By having direct control over these resources, the Tribe could create jobs, promote sustainable fishing practices, and potentially generate income through the sale of fish or related products. This economic empowerment could improve the overall quality of life for Tribe members.
2. **Cultural Preservation and Environmental Stewardship**: The legislation allows the Nisqually Indian Tribe to manage the hatchery in a way that aligns with their cultural practices and environmental values. By controlling the infrastructure, the Tribe can implement traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices that reflect their heritage. This could lead to improved fish populations and healthier ecosystems, benefiting not only the Tribe but also the local community and wildlife.
3. **Impact on Local Ecosystems and Community Resources**: The transfer of the hatchery infrastructure could have broader ecological implications. If managed effectively, the hatchery could contribute to the restoration of fish populations in the area, which may benefit local fishermen and recreational fishers. Conversely, if the hatchery is not managed sustainably, it could lead to negative impacts on local ecosystems, potentially affecting water quality and fish health, which could concern the surrounding community that relies on these natural resources.
In summary, the legislation has the potential to empower the Nisqually Indian Tribe economically and culturally, while also impacting local ecosystems and community resources, with both positive and negative implications.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4014 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4014
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually
Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 5, 2026
Ms. Cantwell (for herself and Mrs. Murray) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment
and Public Works
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the Nisqually
Indian Tribe the Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE TO NISQUALLY INDIAN TRIBE OF CLEAR CREEK HATCHERY
INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Clear creek hatchery.--The term ``Clear Creek
Hatchery'' means the area generally depicted as ``Clear Creek
Hatchery'' on each covered map.
(2) Covered infrastructure.--
(A) In general.--The term ``covered
infrastructure'' means each of the following items
generally depicted on a covered map:
(i) Asphalt Pond #11.
(ii) Asphalt Pond #13.
(iii) Asphalt Pond #14.
(iv) Asphalt Pond #15.
(v) Asphalt Pond #16.
(vi) Clear Creek Spring.
(vii) Dam 1.
(viii) Dam 2.
(ix) Fish Ladder.
(x) Hillside Spring.
(xi) Incubation Room.
(xii) Lower Forebay.
(xiii) Lower Site Discharge.
(xiv) Pollution Abatement Ponds.
(xv) Raceways.
(xvi) Spring 1.
(xvii) Spring 2.
(xviii) Spring 3.
(xix) Upper Forebay.
(xx) Upper Site Re-Use Flow.
(xxi) Water Tower.
(xxii) Well 1.
(xxiii) Well 2.
(xxiv) Well 3.
(xxv) Well 4.
(xxvi) Well 5.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``covered
infrastructure'' includes--
(i) each pipe, electrical and communication
conduit, and other infrastructure within a
Clear Creek Hatchery associated with each item
described in subparagraph (A); and
(ii) each security fence and road within a
Clear Creek Hatchery.
(3) Covered map.--The term ``covered map'' means each of
the following maps:
(A) The map entitled ``Nisqually Indian Tribe Clear
Creek Hatchery Lower Site'' and dated December 3, 2024.
(B) The map entitled ``Nisqually Indian Tribe Clear
Creek Hatchery Upper Site'' and dated December 3, 2024.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(b) Conveyance Required.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the Nisqually
Indian Tribe all right, title, and interest of the United States in and
to the covered infrastructure.
(c) Requirements.--The conveyance required under subsection (b)
shall be--
(1) subject to valid existing rights; and
(2) for no consideration.
(d) Map and Legal Description.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize a map and a
legal description of each item to be conveyed under subsection
(b).
(2) Controlling document.--In the case of a discrepancy
between the map and legal description finalized under paragraph
(1), the map shall control.
(3) Corrections.--The Secretary and the Nisqually Indian
Tribe, by mutual agreement, may correct any minor errors in the
map or legal description finalized under paragraph (1).
(4) Availability.--The map and legal description finalized
under paragraph (1) shall be kept on file and available for
public inspection in each appropriate office of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service.
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