To provide a means of resolving claims regarding the continued existence of rights-of-way under former section 2477 of the Revised Statutes, which was repealed by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.
Declares that claimants shall have the burden to prove that the grant of a right-of-way was validly accepted and not abandoned. Presumes abandoned claims involving lands within a conservation system unit, an inventoried roadless area, or a wilderness study area or that are former Federal lands, unless use was open and notorious.
Directs an authorized Federal officer to review the evidence put forth by a claimant that: (1) a R.S. 2477 right-of-way contains sufficient evidence to prove prior construction and use of a highway over unreserved public lands; and (2) if there is evidence of such a highway, that the right-of-way was not abandoned.
Subjects the administrative record of a final decision of an authorized Federal officer to judicial review.
Allows the United States to retain exclusive possession or control of the lands traversed by a valid right-of-way or any part thereof, upon payment to the claimant of an amount set by the relevant district court.
Recognizes the prior adjudication of claimed right-of-ways by courts of competent jurisdiction. States that nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter provisions of: (1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 regarding right-of-ways with respect to public lands and National Forest System lands; or (2) the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act pertaining to Alaska's transportation and utility network.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E671-672)
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans.
Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
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