John Hansen: “H.R. 3958 provides a mechanism for the settlement of claims between the U.S. Department of Interior and the State of…”

“H.R. 3958 provides a mechanism for the settlement of claims between the U.S. Department of Interior and the State of Utah regarding portions of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge located on the north shore of the Great Salt Lake and authorizes a reimbursement to the State of $15 million for the lands, oil, gas and mineral rights within the refuge. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge was created in 1928 by Congress. Today, the refuge consists of 74,000 acres. Of these acres, the State of Utah claims 18,000 acres below the meander line of the Great Salt Lake as State sovereign lands. For nearly 75 years, the State and Federal governments have disputed the ownership of these lands. A 1976 Supreme Court decision, Utah v. United States, quieted title to the bed of the Great Salt Lake up to and including the surveyed meander line, excepting the refuge from the decision. On September 28, 2001, negotiations between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the State resulted in a settlement agreement to be signed by the Secretary and by the Governor of the State. The settlement agreement is conditional upon congressional authorization and appropriation of required funds as well as State legislative approval. The 2002 Utah legislature approved the necessary measures. H.R. 3958 fulfills congressional action necessary for the Secretary of Interior to sign the final agreement.”