Stratton Ridge Air Force Memorial Act | ChamberLight
Bills · S 1876
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1876Monuments and memorialsForests, forestry, trees
Stratton Ridge Air Force Memorial Act
INTRO MAY 22· LAST ACTION OCT 27
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it provides a pathway to honor fallen service members in a more permanent and accessible way. By moving the memorial from private land to a public national forest site, it ensures that more people can visit and reflect on the sacrifice of the Air Force crew members. It addresses a specific community need to commemorate a past tragedy.
If this bill passes, the memorial would have an official, publicly accessible home, funded privately, ensuring its upkeep and visibility for years to come. If it doesn't pass, the memorial would remain on private land, potentially limiting public access and leaving its long-term future uncertain without explicit government permission for relocation.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to allow the relocation of the C-141B crash memorial from private land to the Stratton Ridge rest area within the Nantahala National Forest.
This is the core action, moving a memorial to a public, more accessible location.
PROVISION 02
Requires the consent of the current private landowner for the memorial to be moved from their property.
This protects private property rights and ensures a smooth transition.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits the use of any Federal funds for the relocation, installation, or ongoing maintenance of the memorial.
This ensures taxpayers are not responsible for the costs, placing the financial burden on private entities.
PROVISION 04
Requires the individual or entity requesting the relocation to cover all associated costs, including application processing, special use authorization, environmental analysis, relocation, installation, and maintenance.
Clearly defines who is financially responsible for the project.
PROVISION 05
Stipulates that the new site must be approved by the Secretary of Agriculture, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and potentially the Federal Highway Administration.
Ensures proper oversight and coordination with relevant transportation and land management authorities.
This bill matters because it provides a pathway to honor fallen service members in a more permanent and accessible way. By moving the memorial from private land to a public national forest site, it ensures that more people can visit and reflect on the sacrifice of the Air Force crew members. It addresses a specific community need to commemorate a past tragedy.
If this bill passes, the memorial would have an official, publicly accessible home, funded privately, ensuring its upkeep and visibility for years to come. If it doesn't pass, the memorial would remain on private land, potentially limiting public access and leaving its long-term future uncertain without explicit government permission for relocation.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to allow the relocation of the C-141B crash memorial from private land to the Stratton Ridge rest area within the Nantahala National Forest.
This is the core action, moving a memorial to a public, more accessible location.
med
Requires the consent of the current private landowner for the memorial to be moved from their property.
This protects private property rights and ensures a smooth transition.
high
Prohibits the use of any Federal funds for the relocation, installation, or ongoing maintenance of the memorial.
This ensures taxpayers are not responsible for the costs, placing the financial burden on private entities.
high
Requires the individual or entity requesting the relocation to cover all associated costs, including application processing, special use authorization, environmental analysis, relocation, installation, and maintenance.
Clearly defines who is financially responsible for the project.
med
Stipulates that the new site must be approved by the Secretary of Agriculture, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and potentially the Federal Highway Administration.
Ensures proper oversight and coordination with relevant transportation and land management authorities.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Secretary of Agriculture
The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible for farming, food, and national forest policies.
Cherohala Skyway
A scenic highway in North Carolina and Tennessee that runs through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests.
Nantahala National Forest
A large area of protected forest land in the mountains of western North Carolina, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Special use authorization
A permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service that allows individuals or groups to use National Forest System land for specific purposes, like a memorial, under certain conditions.
National Forest System land
Public lands owned by the U.S. government and managed by the U.S. Forest Service for various purposes, including conservation, recreation, and timber.
C-141B transport plane
A large, long-range military cargo aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force, specifically the type involved in the 1982 crash mentioned in the bill.
ACTION TIMELINE
5 EVENTS
OCT 27, 25
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported by Senator Boozman without amendment. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
OCT 27, 25
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 215.
CALENDARS
OCT 21, 25
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.