S. 152

Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2009

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II

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 152

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January 6, 2009

Mr. McCain (for himself and Mr. Kyl) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to jointly conduct a study of certain land adjacent to the Walnut Canyon National Monument in the State of Arizona.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2009.

2.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Map

The term map means the map entitled Walnut Canyon Proposed Study Area and dated July 17, 2007.

(2)

Secretaries

The term Secretaries means the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting jointly.

(3)

Study area

The term study area means the area identified on the map as the Walnut Canyon Proposed Study Area.

3.

Study

(a)

In general

The Secretaries shall conduct a study of the study area to assess—

(1)

the suitability and feasibility of designating all or part of the study area as an addition to Walnut Canyon National Monument, in accordance with section 8(c) of Public Law 91–383 (16 U.S.C. 1a–5(c));

(2)

continued management of the study area by the Forest Service; or

(3)

any other designation or management option that would provide for—

(A)

protection of resources within the study area; and

(B)

continued access to, and use of, the study area by the public.

(b)

Consultation

The Secretaries shall provide for public comment in the preparation of the study, including consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local governmental entities.

(c)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, the Secretaries shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes—

(1)

the results of the study; and

(2)

any recommendations of the Secretaries.

(d)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.