Bill > S277

This bill addresses a land issue involving a small parcel of State forest land (approximately 0.62 acres) in Chickasaw State Forest, Chester County, Tennessee, where Bethel Baptist Church is found to be encroaching on State-owned land. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release, without cost, the federal government's reversionary interest in the land, which was originally granted to the State in 1955. This reversionary interest would have previously allowed the federal government to reclaim the land if it ceased to be used for public purposes. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to convey, also without cost, the federal government's mineral rights in this land to the State of Tennessee. The bill specifically waives standard requirements for land transfers, such as appraisals, environmental reviews, and mineral deposit assessments. The State of Tennessee will be responsible for paying any administrative costs associated with these transfers. The primary purpose appears to be resolving a minor boundary encroachment issue and clarifying land ownership between the federal government and the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/277/all-info