Contaminated Wells Relocation Act

Summary#

This bill lets the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) enter into an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague, Virginia, for up to five years to reimburse the town for costs directly tied to removing and replacing drinking water wells that are on property administered by NASA. The agreement must, to the extent practicable, provide for the removal and relocation of the three remaining wells described in the bill, describe the planned relocation site, and include a current estimated cost for the relocation. The cost estimate must cover purchase, lease, or use of any additional property and costs for engineering, design, permitting, and construction. NASA must submit any such agreement to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology within 18 months after enactment.

What it means for you#

• If you live in Chincoteague, the bill would allow NASA to reimburse the town for planning and carrying out removal and replacement of certain drinking water wells on NASA-administered land.
• The bill sets requirements for a relocation plan and a cost estimate to be included in the agreement.
• No publicly available information on specific timelines, household-level impacts, or service interruptions beyond the 18-month reporting requirement.

Expenses#

• The bill allows NASA to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague for costs directly associated with developing a removal plan and establishing alternative wells.
• The agreement must include a current estimated cost covering purchase/lease/use of property and engineering, design, permitting, and construction.
• No publicly available information on total federal cost, a funding source, or whether new appropriations are required.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.