HR 129

HR 129 IH

To authorize the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California.

January 6, 2009

Mr. GALLEGLY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources

To authorize the conveyance of certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres National Forest in California.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. LAND CONVEYANCE AUTHORITY, LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST, CALIFORNIA.

(a) Conveyance Authority- The Secretary of Agriculture may convey to the White Lotus Foundation all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the real property within the Los Padres National Forest in California described in subsection (b).

(b) Description of Property- The real property subject to conveyance under this Act is certain land located in Santa Barbara County, California consisting of approximately 5 acres within Section 22, Township 5 North, Range 28 West of the San Bernardino Base and Meridian.

(c) Survey- If necessary, the exact acreage and legal description of the real property to be conveyed under this Act shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. The cost of a survey shall be borne by the White Lotus Foundation.

(d) Valuation- Any appraisal of the real property to be conveyed under this Act shall conform to the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, and the appraisal shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary.

(e) Consideration- Consideration for conveyance of real property under this Act shall be in an amount not less than the appraised market value.

(f) Treatment of Proceeds-

(1) DEPOSIT- The gross proceeds from the conveyance of real property described under this Act shall be deposited in a special account in the Treasury of the United States for maintenance of the Los Padres National Forest.

(2) AVAILABILITY- Amounts deposited under paragraph (1) shall be available to the Secretary until expended, without further appropriation.

(g) Pre-Existing Rights- Entities which currently make legal use of any roadway that may be conveyed under this Act to the White Lotus Foundation retain access rights to the roadway.

(h) Brokers- The Secretary may utilize brokers or other third parties in the conveyance of the real property authorized by this Act and, from the proceeds of a conveyance, may pay reasonable commissions or fees.

(i) Additional Terms and Conditions- The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under this Act as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.