Bill would sell 310 acres of Homochitto National Forest land near Okhissa Lake

What does this do?

The bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to sell about 310 acres of Homochitto National Forest land in Franklin County, Mississippi, to the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, a Mississippi state agency. The land sits near Okhissa Lake. The sale money would go into a Forest Service fund that can only be used to buy other land for the National Forest System.

Who does it affect?

The Alliance would gain the land and take on the Okhissa Lake Dam's upkeep and legal responsibilities. The Forest Service would give up the land but receive cash, and people who fish, hunt, or recreate around the lake could be affected by how the land is managed.

Why does it matter?

The federal government would keep an easement for Forest Service Road 149A and other needed roads and trails, plus underground mineral, oil, and gas rights. The land could not be divided into residential lots, and the government could take it back if it were sold to a private party or used for something other than public recreation and fish and wildlife habitat. The Forest Service would not have to follow the National Environmental Policy Act or other environmental laws for this sale, but it must still disclose any known hazardous substances.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Full appraised value paid in cash
• Buyer pays appraisal, survey, closing
• Buyer takes on dam upkeep