HR4684-119

What This Bill Does

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service Chief, to issue a special use permit for a covered U.S. flagpole at Kyhv Peak Lookout Point in the Uinta National Forest overlooking Utah Valley. The permit runs for 10 years and is fee-free. Reported text covers installation, operation, maintenance, and removal if necessary; earlier text focused on placement and maintenance.

The bill defines qualified persons as Utah County residents, nonprofits, or volunteer organizations with experience caring for a covered flagpole. It prioritizes people who previously applied to display the flag seasonally on Kyhv Peak, people who have placed or displayed the flag as a longstanding seasonal practice, prior permit holders, and qualified Utah County applicants. It exempts permit issuance from NEPA, preserves public access subject to applicable law, and lets the Secretary terminate the permit for violations or safety concerns.

Who Benefits and How

Prior Kyhv Peak flagpole caretakers benefit because they receive priority for a 10-year permit. Robert S. Collins of Provo or other qualified Utah County residents benefit where earlier text named him or where reported text prioritizes longstanding seasonal flag caretakers. Utah County nonprofit and volunteer organizations benefit from a clear path to a fee-free special use permit. Visitors to Kyhv Peak Lookout Point benefit from continued public display of the U.S. flag. Local veterans and civic groups benefit from a protected commemorative use on National Forest land.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Forest Service permit administrators must issue the permit within 180 days, evaluate qualified applicants, maintain access and safety conditions, and handle renewals or termination. Uinta National Forest staff must manage site impacts at Kyhv Peak Lookout Point. Competing applicants bear the burden of the statutory priority order. Environmental review advocates bear a policy burden because the permit is exempted from NEPA review.

Key Provisions

• Requires a 10-year special use permit for a U.S. flagpole at Kyhv Peak Lookout Point.
• Provides the permit without a special use fee.
• Establishes priority for prior applicants, longstanding seasonal flag caretakers, prior permit holders, and qualified Utah County applicants.
• Exempts the permit from NEPA.
• Provides access, renewal, and termination rules for the Forest Service permit.