§459f–2 Compensation for Bridge Construction Costs; Acquisition of Land for Park Purposes

Summary

If Maryland runs the Sandy Point–Assateague Island bridge without tolls, the Secretary must pay Maryland two-thirds of the bridge construction cost, including approaches and engineering, but no more than $1,000,000. The Secretary can also make agreements with Maryland about how the bridge is used and managed. Maryland may buy or lease land on the island north of the current State park for park use. The Secretary must sell or lease those lands under terms that keep them open to the public and match the park’s purpose. If Maryland breaks the terms, the land or part of it can go back to the United States at the Secretary’s option. Leases must charge what the Secretary thinks is fair. If Maryland buys land, it must pay the United States the amounts the United States spent to buy the land and to pay for improvements. Reimbursement for beach protection work cannot exceed 30 percent of the United States’ total cost for that work.