S. 2440: To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain National Forest System land located in Franklin County, Mississippi, and for other purposes.

This bill, designated as S. 2440, aims to grant the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to transfer certain lands from the National Forest System located in Franklin County, Mississippi, to a specific organization known as the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance (referred to as the "Alliance"). Below is a summary of the key components of the bill:

Land Conveyance

The bill allows the Alliance to request the conveyance of two specific tracts of land totaling approximately 310.7 acres, if certain conditions are met:

• The Alliance must submit a written request within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
• The Secretary of Agriculture must evaluate the request and determine that the conveyance is in the public interest.

Description of the Land

The bill outlines the specifics of the National Forest System land to be conveyed:

• Approximately 137.7 acres located in specific sections of Franklin County.
• Approximately 173 acres located in different sections of the same county.
• The exact boundaries and legal description of these tracts will be confirmed through a survey that meets the Secretary's approval.

Consideration for the Conveyance

The bill specifies that the transfer of land will require fair market value compensation:

• The consideration must be provided in cash.
• The amount must equal the fair market value of the land as determined by an appraisal approved by the Secretary.

Terms and Conditions

Certain conditions will apply to the land conveyance, including:

• Respecting valid existing rights on the land.
• Additional terms deemed necessary by the Secretary to protect the interests of the United States.

Proceeds from Sale

The proceeds from the land conveyance will be deposited into a specific fund established under a federal law commonly referred to as the Sisk Act.

Costs Associated with the Conveyance

The bill mandates that the Alliance will be responsible for covering any costs associated with:

• Appraisal fees.
• Administrative or environmental analyses required by law.

Conclusion

The bill establishes a clear framework for the transfer of the specified National Forest System land, dictating how the land can be conveyed, the requirements that must be met, and the financial obligations tied to the conveyance.

Relevant Companies

None found