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MANTUA, Box Elder — A patch of land on the south of end of this picturesque Box Elder Community was deeded to the U.S. Forest Service more than 60 years ago for a mere buck.
Now, the town wants it back, and a U.S. senator and congressmen aim to help.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, introduced the Box Elder Land Conveyance Act on Thursday, which would facilitate the transfer of three parcels of land to the town numbering less than 800 people.
There is absolutely no valid reason why the federal government should maintain ownership of this land.
–Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah
The 32-acres of land were part of larger tract owned by an early settler of Mantua. His family deeded the land to the Forest Service in 1941 for $1. Last year, when Mantua town officials expressed an interest in getting the land returned so they could put in a new town hall, cemetery or elementary school, the Obama administration said sure, if it could cough up the money to pay full-market value.
The demand backed the town into a corner and has prompted three consecutive years of legislation to help Mantua get the land for free.
"There is absolutely no valid reason why the federal government should maintain ownership of this land," said Bishop, stressing that land has sat vacant and "virtually" unused for decades.
Under the measure, Mantua would not have to pay for the land, but would assume all costs associated with surveying and development.
"It is a testament to the growth of our state and cities like Mantua that this bill is necessary," Lee said. "The city can use the land productively and the federal government has no pressing need for it."
Email:aodonoghue@ksl.com
