Owens Introduces the Utah National Guard Legacy Railroad Land Conveyance Act 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) today introduced legislation to convey three parcels of federal property within Camp Williams to the Utah National Guard. Currently, the federal government owns three strips of land that amount to around 15 acres within the footprint of Camp Williams. 

This land was originally designated for a rail project that never materialized. Now these narrow lands bisect the camp and are landlocked and orphaned by the federal government. They limit the access, operational efficiency, and long-term planning for the Guard. Formally transferring the deed to the state will repurpose this unused federal land into a functional asset for military training and readiness activities. 

“The men and women of the Utah National Guard are among the finest patriots this state has ever produced. They train hard, they serve with honor, and they deserve every resource we can give them. 

This bill simply makes the ownership on paper match the reality on the ground. It’s a common-sense fix that streamlines the management of this property and ensures the Utah National Guard can fully utilize their facilities for training and readiness.”

Rep. Burgess Owens

“Legislation is needed to clarify authorities and responsibilities for appropriate land use. The proposal to consolidate ownership is well-suited to allow more efficient and effective mission accomplishment. The Utah National Guard will continue to be accountable stewards of public lands that are entrusted to the Guard, while seeking to better use training areas and improve readiness for state and federal Guard missions.”

Utah National Guard

“The Utah Defense Alliance is pleased to endorse the Utah National Guard Legacy Railroad Land Conveyance Act, which directs the transfer of approximately 15 acres of federally owned, unused railway land to the Utah State Armory Board. Transfer of this land will benefit the Utah National Guard by improving access and operational use of Camp Williams. It also benefits the Department of Defense by reducing the burden of managing unused federal property and supports broader military readiness by ensuring the comprehensive training environments at Camp Williams remain fully accessible to the many military and civilian agencies that train there.” 

Utah Defense Alliance

“Too often, checkerboard land ownership and outdated boundaries result in unmet community needs and bureaucracy that doesn’t reflect the day-to-day work that happens on the land, and this is a prime example. I’m proud to work with Congressman Owens to introduce the Utah National Guard Legacy Railroad Land Conveyance Act to give full management of these parcels to the Utah National Guard. This will allow them to focus on expanding their mission set and continue supporting our national security.”

Rep. Blake Moore

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