House · HR 3937 · 119th Congress
Wabeno Economic Development Act
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Summary
This bill requires the Forest Service to sell about 14 acres of national forest land in Wisconsin to a concrete company called Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix. The company must pay full market value plus all related costs. The bill also orders a federal review of permits for mining stone, sand, and gravel on public lands.
In Favor
Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix can expand its concrete business on land it already operates near, bringing jobs and growth to a rural Wisconsin community. The company must pay full market value plus all survey and appraisal costs, so taxpayers lose nothing in the deal. This targeted sale turns underused federal acreage into a working local asset.
Against
This bill removes 14 acres of national forest from public ownership for the benefit of one private company. Once sold, that land and its mineral rights are gone from public hands permanently. Congress is also bypassing the normal land-sale process by directing the agency to sell to a specific buyer.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill directs the Forest Service to sell about 14 acres of national forest land in Wisconsin to Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC, at market value. It also requires a federal review of permitting steps for stone, sand, and gravel development on federal lands.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill's main focus is the land sale to one named company in Wisconsin. Section 3 adds a separate, broader review of federal permits for stone, sand, and gravel development across all federal lands nationwide.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Tony's Wabeno Redi-Mix, LLC gains the option to buy the named parcel, including mineral rights. The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior take on new duties to complete an appraisal, a survey, and a permitting review.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The buyer must pay the full market value of the land, set by a formal appraisal. The buyer also covers all related costs, including the appraisal, any survey, and required environmental reviews. No federal funds are authorized by the bill.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The Forest Service must finish the appraisal within 300 days and complete the sale within 180 days after receiving an offer. The Department of the Interior must deliver the permitting review report within 180 days of the bill becoming law. Both deadlines depend on agency capacity to complete required steps on time.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026