§992 Sale of Erroneously Designated Water-covered Areas in Arkansas

Summary

The Secretary of the Interior can sell certain public lands in Arkansas that were wrongly shown as water on old maps, as long as no one has a lawful claim under the public land laws. A U.S. citizen who, in good faith before September 21, 1922, improved or farmed such land while claiming title or as a riparian owner (someone with land next to water) has the first chance to buy. That person must file an application at the U.S. land office within 90 days after September 21, 1922 if the land was already surveyed and platted; otherwise within 90 days after the plats are filed. The application must prove the right to preference and show no adverse claimant. After a proper application, the land will be appraised at current value, but not counting any value added by the applicant’s farming or improvements; the value of timber removed (stumpage) is included. The applicant must pay the appraised price within 30 days after being notified, to the land office officer the Secretary names, and then an official title (patent) will be issued for the land the Secretary approves. Sale money goes to the U.S. Treasury as required by law. The Secretary may make rules and decide conflicting claims.