
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 2, 2001]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 2, 2001 and January 28, 2002]
[CITE: 16USC478a]

 
                         TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
 
                       CHAPTER 2--NATIONAL FORESTS
 
             SUBCHAPTER I--ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
 
Sec. 478a. Townsites

    When the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a tract of 
National Forest System land in Alaska or in the eleven contiguous 
Western States is located adjacent to or contiguous to an established 
community, and that transfer of such land would serve indigenous 
community objectives that outweigh the public objectives and values 
which would be served by maintaining such tract in Federal ownership, he 
may, upon application, set aside and designate as a townsite an area of 
not to exceed six hundred and forty acres of National Forest System land 
for any one application. After public notice, and satisfactory showing 
of need therefor by any county, city, or other local governmental 
subdivision, the Secretary may offer such area for sale to a 
governmental subdivision at a price not less than the fair market value 
thereof: Provided, however, That the Secretary may condition conveyances 
of townsites upon the enactment, maintenance, and enforcement of a valid 
ordinance which assures any land so conveyed will be controlled by the 
governmental subdivision so that use of the area will not interfere with 
the protection, management, and development of adjacent or contiguous 
National Forest System lands.

(Pub. L. 85-569, July 31, 1958, 72 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 94-579, title II, 
Sec. 213, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2760.)

                          Codification

    Section is also set out as section 1012a of Title 7, Agriculture.


                               Amendments

    1976--Pub. L. 94-579 substituted provisions setting forth the 
procedures applicable to designation of townsites of tracts of National 
Forest System lands in Alaska or the eleven contiguous Western States 
for provisions setting forth the procedures applicable to designation of 
townsites from any national forest lands or lands administered by the 
Secretary of Agriculture under the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act.


                            Savings Provision

    Amendment by Pub. L. 94-579 not to be construed as terminating any 
valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976, see note 
set out under section 1701 of Title 43, Public Lands.
