Council hears state outreach on possible federal land conveyance above Bicknell; members seek written terms before deciding

The council discussed a state and federal effort to convey land above Bicknell to local ownership for potential flood‑prevention work. Brock, a staff member who has been coordinating with state offices, told the council the proposed parcel is roughly 79 acres and that state staff asked whether the town would want the land conveyed or whether the project should be placed on the back burner.

Council members said Bicknell does not have the funds to pay fair market value if that is required and emphasized that they were open to acquiring land if it could be conveyed at little or no cost or with state funding for flood mitigation. Brock reported two possible conveyance paths: (1) a more expensive “buy at fair market value” route, and (2) a harder but less costly path that would move the land through state channels to local ownership.

Council members repeatedly requested a written proposal. They asked state staff to clarify whether a low‑cost conveyance would include conditions obligating the town to accept liability or to perform mitigation work. Council members also raised practical issues: grazing rights associated with BLM land, who would pay to retire grazing allotments, ownership of the water tanks and whether acquiring only some of the land (for example, the tanks’ immediate surroundings) would be feasible.

Why it matters: Council members said owning upland parcels could create options for flood‑prevention design, including retention ponds and space for future infrastructure. Several council members warned that accepting land without funding for mitigation or with strings attached could create significant liability and cost for the town.

Next steps: Brock said he would seek written clarifications from state staff, including cost scenarios and any stipulations associated with conveyance, and report back at the next meeting and at the upcoming mayor/commissioners meeting.