16 U.S.C. § 698a : US Code - Section 698A: Acquisition of property for Big Thicket Preserve

Search 16 U.S.C. § 698a : US Code - Section 698A: Acquisition of property for Big Thicket Preserve

(a) Mineral rights; easements; improved properties
The Secretary shall, immediately after the publication of the
boundaries of the preserve, commence negotiations for the
acquisition of the lands located therein: Provided, That he shall
not acquire the mineral estate in any property or existing
easements for public utilities, pipelines or railroads without the
consent of the owner unless, in his judgment, he first determines
that such property or estate is subject to, or threatened with,
uses which are, or would be, detrimental to the purposes and
objectives of sections 698 to 698e of this title: Provided further,
That the Secretary, insofar as is reasonably possible, may avoid
the acquisition of improved properties, as defined in sections 698
to 698e of this title, and shall make every effort to minimize the
acquisition of land where he finds it necessary to acquire
properties containing improvements.
(b) Plan to Congressional committees; time; contents
Within one year after October 11, 1974, the Secretary shall
submit, in writing, to the Committee on Interior and Insular
Affairs and to the Committees on Appropriations of the United
States Congress a detailed plan which shall indicate:
(i) the lands and areas which he deems essential to the
protection and public enjoyment of this preserve,
(ii) the lands which he has previously acquired by purchase,
donation, exchange or transfer for administration for the purpose
of this preserve, and
(iii) the annual acquisition program (including the level of
funding) which he recommends for the ensuing five fiscal years.
(c) Completion of land acquisition program; time
It is the express intent of the Congress that the Secretary
should substantially complete the land acquisition program
contemplated by sections 698 to 698e of this title within six years
after October 11, 1974.