U.S. Representative Greg Walden of Oregon ushered two plans through the house that would transfer federal lands to local control in La Pine.  The “La Pine Land Conveyance Act" transfers 150 acres to the La Pine Park and Rec District to create a permanent home for the La Pine Rodeo, “The Greatest Little Rodeo in Oregon;” and also transfers about 750 acres to build a new wastewater treatment facility.  "Among other reasons, it's a job creator. Expanding out the rodeo grounds really will help them grow jobs in this remote rural community in Deschutes County. And in addition, of course, transferring the other lands will allow them to have a library on their own city ground and be able to take care of the water needs for the community."

He says the transfer will help the city fix some huge water problems.  "S270 will provide the city with 750 acres, so it can build a new wastewater treatment facility; which will allow the community to move off of septic systems and on to municipal sewer and water systems. They have a real problem in La Pine, with a fairly high water table and issues related to septic systems. So this will help solve that."

Walden says this transfer will bring a big economic boost to la pine and create more jobs.  He goes on to say 78% of the City of La Pine is surrounded by federal lands; and this transfer will give the city more control over it's own community.

Walden says he worked with Senator Ron Wyden and the citizens of La Pine on this proposal, and now it's headed to the President's desk to be signed into law.