§2305 Federal Land Disposal Account

Summary

Money from the sale or exchange of public land must go into a special Treasury account called the Federal Land Disposal Account, unless another law specifically sets aside part of the money for a State trust fund. The Interior Department and the Agriculture Department can use the money without asking Congress again to carry out this land program. The money can be used to buy certain kinds of land or interests allowed by law, mainly inholdings, lands next to federally designated areas with exceptional resources, or lands next to remote public hunting, fishing, or recreational areas. At least 80% of the funds set aside to buy land in each State must go to inholdings identified by law. Up to 20% of the total account may pay administrative and program costs. Of the remaining funds, at least 80% must be spent in the State where the money came from; the rest can be spent elsewhere. Any funds not obligated by the end of the fourth full fiscal year after the sale may be used in any State. The Secretaries must set priorities for purchases using factors like date, public access, and management efficiency. Acquisitions must be from willing sellers, have acceptable title, be at or below fair market value under the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, and be managed as part of the unit. The account cannot buy contaminated land or land that would be hard or uneconomic to manage. These funds are extra to money already appropriated under chapter 2003 of title 54.