TITLE 2: NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION 4: LAND RESOURCES
§ 4352. Designation of Homestead Compensation Areas. Within 60 days after January 26, 1984, the Department of Public Lands (DPL) shall designate public lands suitable for homestead compensation purposes, and which are not required for government use or reserved for other purposes by any other provision of law. A homestead may include an area of up to five hectares; provided, that the DPL may award an area in excess of five hectares if such an award is in the best interests of justice and consistent with the five factors set forth in 2 CMC § 4355(c) and the compensation provided to applicants who are similarly situated. Whenever possible lands, with public access, water, and electricity shall be designated as homestead compensation lands. Source: PL 3-103, § 3; global amendment by PL 15-2, § 4. Commission Comment: With respect to the references to the “Marianas Public Land Corporation” or “MPLC,” see Executive Order 94-3 (effective August 23, 1994), reorganizing the executive branch, changing agency names and official titles, and effecting other changes, set forth in the Commission comment to 1 CMC § 2001; see also the comment to 2 CMC § 4142. PL 15-2, which was enacted on February 22, 2006, abolished the Marianas Public Lands Authority and created a Department of Public Lands in its place. PL 15-2 contained short title, legislative findings and declaration of policy, repealer, global amendment, transition, severability, and savings clauses. See 1 CMC § 2801 for detailed information regarding PL 15-2.