Delegation Introduces Bill to Transfer Federal Land to Custer County, South Dakota

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today introduced Senate and House companion versions of the Custer County Airport Conveyance Act, legislation that would transfer approximately 66 acres of Black Hills National Forest System land to Custer County, South Dakota. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has agreed to sell this land to the Custer County Airport, giving it full ownership of all acres that the airport occupies. A portion of the Custer County Airport currently occupies USFS land under a longstanding USFS agreement. Both parties have agreed to the terms of the property sale and transfer that are specified in the legislation.

“After consulting with Custer County Commissioners, the airport, and the U.S. Forest Service, we concur with the Forest Service and Custer County that this legislation is the quickest and most efficient means to transfer this land,” said Rounds, Thune and Noem. “We are pleased that all of the parties negotiated in good faith and arrived at this agreement, which would give Custer County Airport full ownership of all land on which the airport operates.”

This land transfer is necessary so Custer County can make additional improvements to its airport. Custer County has agreed to pay the USFS the appraised value of the land and all costs associated with the conveyance.

Click here for legislative text.

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