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Bicknell seeks clarity on proposed conveyance of 79 acres of federal land for flood prevention
Summary
State and county discussions about conveying ~79 acres of BLM land above Bicknell for flood prevention prompted council members to request a written proposal clarifying cost, stipulations, grazing-right buyouts and any state funding for mitigation before the town commits.
Town staff told the council that state and federal contacts have identified roughly 79 acres of BLM-managed land above Bicknell as a potential parcel to support flood-prevention work. Staff reported conversations in which a county contact suggested the land might be available at a nominal cost; one county interlocutor reportedly told the town the parcel could move forward at "a dollar an acre," a characterization several council members disputed as inconsistent with fair-market assumptions.
Council members worried about hidden conditions tied to a low-cost conveyance, including the need to assume liability for flood-control works, buy out grazing rights, and secure design and financing for mitigation. Members repeatedly asked staff to obtain written confirmation of terms from state representatives (including the staffer referenced from Celeste's office and county contacts such as Reg/Reginald Johnson) so the town can understand whether the state or federal government would fund design or construction and what restrictions might attach to conveyed land.
Several council members said they would support owning land necessary to protect town infrastructure (noting water tanks as a strategic priority) if the town would not be left with unfunded liability. Others said Bicknell could not pay fair-market value if that were required. Staff said they would follow up with the state office and report back; council did not make a formal commitment that night.
