At its core, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture issue a special use permit for the maintenance of a flagpole bearing the U.S. flag at this site. Kyhv Peak, located within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offers sweeping views of Utah Valley and is deemed an ideal location for such a display.
Here’s how the process will unfold according to the bill. Within 180 days of the enactment of this act, the Secretary of Agriculture must issue a 10-year special use permit to an individual named Robert S. Collins of Provo, Utah, for the flagpole’s placement and upkeep. Should Mr. Collins decline the permit, it will then be available to another qualified person or entity. This is where it gets a bit meticulous.
The bill outlines a prioritized selection process for issuing the permit. If Mr. Collins is unavailable or uninterested, the permit could go to, first and foremost, anyone who held a special use permit for the flagpole in the preceding decade. If no such individual exists, the next priority would be a person identified by the previous permit holder. Failing that, any qualified person who applies will be considered.
So, what constitutes a “qualified person”? According to the bill, this encompasses individuals or nonprofit entities that reside or operate in Utah County with experience in maintaining flagpoles—and potentially other criteria deemed relevant by the Secretary.
The Secretary also has the discretion to impose terms and conditions on the permit to ensure the flagpole is properly cared for. Additionally, notices of permit availability must be posted both on the Forest Service’s website and in a local Utah County newspaper to ensure transparency and community involvement.
Should there be any issues with the permit holder, such as non-compliance with stipulated terms and conditions, the Secretary has the authority to terminate the special use permit early. Upon the expiration or early termination of a permit, a new 10-year permit must be issued within a 180-day timeframe.
One notable clause within the legislation strictly forbids any permit holder from accepting valuables in exchange for identifying another person as a successor for the permit. This safeguards the integrity of the process and ensures that the motivation remains purely about the maintenance and respect for the symbol of the flag.
From a broader perspective, this legislation fosters a blend of patriotism and community stewardship. It supports the notion that maintaining symbols of national pride can indeed be a collaborative effort involving local residents and organizations. The act covers both administrative precision and broader symbolic significance, reflecting a desire to sustain long-standing traditions through civic involvement.
In terms of funding, the bill doesn’t directly broach the subject, implying that the financial responsibility for the flagpole’s maintenance will fall on the permit holder. It sidesteps complex budget allocations or federal funding issues, instead placing the onus locally.
Moving forward, this bill will now be considered by the House Committee on Natural Resources. From there, if it progresses, it will go to the broader House and Senate floors for debate and votes. Upon approval from Congress, it will require the President’s signature to become law.
By touching on a sense of local pride and national patriotism, this bill will likely resonate with many citizens. It tries to solve the simple yet meaningful problem of ensuring that an American flag can wave proudly at Kyhv Peak for the foreseeable future, becoming a part of the landscape’s identity and community heritage. The process outlined in this legislation indicates careful thought about legacy, continuity, and the democratic involvement of local citizens, while also accommodating practical considerations about maintenance and eligibility.
In essence, H.R. 9095 is a bill that intertwines administrative detail with symbolic importance, offering a model of legislative simplicity that serves a purpose both functional and deeply emblematic.
