John Hansen: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 960, introduced by the gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas] will give the Tulare Redevelopment…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 960, introduced by the gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas] will give the Tulare Redevelopment Agency the ability to purchase lands within the railroad right-of-way that bisects their city. This bill would validate the city's title to one parcel of land that they bought from the railroad before learning the title was clouded by the Federal Government's reversionary interest. It would also allow the railroad to pass clear title to parcels of land shown on the referenced map. This legislation is a reasonable solution to a difficult problem. The BLM has studied the issue and concluded that the lands in question are best suited for local development as planned by the redevelopment agency. The gentleman from California has worked very hard with the BLM to craft a bill that would be satisfactory to all concerned. The bill has been amended to clarify language that gives the railroad the right to pass clear title to only the redevelopment agency. Language has also been removed from the bill that the administration felt could be construed as a waiver of environmental laws. The current bill would also preserve the Federal interest in mineral rights to the lands, while at the same time disclaiming any right the Government may have to surface entry to the mineral estate. This gives the city the ability to go forward with planning, financing and development.”