Best Best & Krieger LLP Director of Governmental Affairs John Freshman and Assistant Director of Governmental Affairs Ana D. Schwab successfully advocated for federal legislation that will allow a land purchase by a resource conservation agency.
 
During what can only be described as difficult, partisan times in the U.S. Congress, the passage of this legislation marks not only a great outcome for the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District, but serves as an example of how committed and knowledgeable advocacy can lead to success on Capitol Hill. The legislation, formerly H.R. 3567 by Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-42), became section 8628 of H.R. 2 — the Farm Bill passed this week by both houses of Congress. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) was instrumental in passage of an identical provision in the Senate. Pres. Donald Trump is expected to sign the legislation in the immediate future.
 
The legislation allows the transfer of about nine acres of land at a U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory in Riverside, owned by the Natural Resources Conservation Services, to the RCRCD. Currently, the property is managed under a cooperative agreement between the NRCS and RCRCD. It is used for research and conservation purposes.

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