cal habitat for wildlife, a high-quality waterfowl
sanctuary, as well as numerous scenic, historic, and
recreational opportunities for the public.
(2) In 1996 Congress, through Public Law
104–333, prohibited damming, dredging, channeling,
or other such activities along the Hanford Reach in
order to help preserve and protect the unique envi-
ronmental benefits of the region.
(3) The lands surrounding the Hanford Reach
area of the Columbia River, Washington, should be
properly managed in order to protect plant, fish,
wildlife, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources,
while preserving access to these lands.
(4) Recognizing the unique and pristine values
of the area, local citizens in cooperation with Fed-
eral and State authorities have developed a com-
prehensive protection plan which has enhanced salm-
on habitat along the Hanford Reach. This plan,
known as the Vernita Bar Agreement, has preserved
the free flowing, riparian character of the Hanford
Reach, and serves as a blueprint for further success-
ful management along the Columbia River.
(5) Although dozens of local, State, and Federal
environmental protection and management laws and
regulations exist for the Hanford Reach, manage-
ment efforts can be better integrated and can lead
to more efficient use of public resources and im-
proved habitat and recreation management.
(6) Several of the areas adjacent to the Han-
ford Reach of the Columbia River, including lands
known as the Wahluke Slope, currently owned by the
United States, have been extensively studied and re-
viewed through environmental impact statements
and have been declared environmentally sound and
certified suitable for conveyance.
(7) Inasmuch as Federal financial resources are
constrained, joint partnerships among Federal,
State, and local entities can provide long-term habi-
tat and wildlife management, maintain recreational
opportunities, and develop a responsible and environ-
mentally sound local land use plan for the region.
(8) The people and the governments of Benton,
Franklin, Grant, and Adams Counties desire to
enter into such a partnership with the State of
Washington and the United States to ensure the
continued protection of plant, fish, wildlife, cultural,
recreational, and scenic resources on the lands sur-
rounding the Hanford Reach.
(9) Such a cooperative partnership will provide
a forum for public input from the entire region and
ensure the long-term protection of the river as wild,
scenic, and accessible.
(10) Congress recommends the formation of a
commission, of which a majority of the members of
such a commission represent the local entities, to en-
sure that the above goals are achieved and to main-
tain maximum involvement by the citizens of Ben-
ton, Franklin, Grant, and Adams Counties.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act—
(1) the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary
of Energy;
(2) the term ‘‘Hanford Works’’ means the prop-
erty represented as ‘‘Department of Energy’’ under
the Land Status Legend on the Bureau of Land
Management topographic map of Priest Rapids,
Washington, Edition-1991; and
(3) the term ‘‘Commission’’ means the Hanford
Reach Protection and Management Commission.
SEC. 4. GENERAL AUTHORITY; PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS.
(a) AUTHORITY.—As soon as practicable after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary for no
consideration shall convey to the governmental entities re-
ferred to in subsection (b) all right, title, and interest of
the United States in and to the properties described in
subsection (b).
(b) CONVEYANCES.—
(1) STATE
OF
WASHINGTON.—The Secretary
shall convey to the State of Washington the property
that consists of the portion of the Hanford Works
that runs along both banks of the Columbia River
and lies within the one quarter mile to the north of
the mean high water mark on the north bank of the
Columbia River, and that lies within the one quarter
mile to the south of the mean high water mark on
the south bank of the Columbia River.
(2) ADAMS COUNTY, WASHINGTON.—The Sec-
retary shall convey to Adams County, Washington,
the property that consists of the portion of the Han-
ford Works that lies within Adams County, Wash-
ington.
(3) GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON.—The Sec-
retary shall convey to Grant County, Washington,
the property that consists of the portion of the Han-
ford Works that lies within Grant County, Washing-
ton, to the north of the Columbia River and that is
not part of the conveyance made pursuant to para-
graph (1) of this subsection.
(4) FRANKLIN
COUNTY, WASHINGTON.—The
Secretary shall convey to Franklin County, Washing-
ton, the property that consists of the portion of
Hanford Works that lies within Franklin County,
Washington, to the north of the Columbia River and
that is not part of the conveyance made pursuant to
paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(5) ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES.—In addition to
properties described in paragraphs (1) through (4),
the Secretary may convey to a State or local govern-
ment referred to in paragraphs (1) through (4) such
property within the Hanford Works as the Secretary
and the State or local government agree is appro-
priate to carry out this Act.
SEC. 5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
(a) SPECIAL RULES FOR STATE OF WASHINGTON.—
(1) ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY.—The conveyance
made under section 4(b)(1) shall be made only after
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency certifies to the Secretary that—
(A) the properties described in section
4(b)(1) are clean of hazardous, toxic, or radio-
active materials or substances;
(B) all corrective, remedial, or response ac-
tions have been completed; and