Notwithstanding the provisions of any law to the contrary, the governor after consulting with the commissioner of natural resources and, in regard to lands forfeited to the state for nonpayment of taxes and held in trust by the state for taxing districts, the commissioner of revenue, may donate and convey to the United States of America the state's interest in the following lands lying within township 57 north, range 13 west, township 57 north, range 14 west, township 58 north, range 13 west, and township 58 north, range 14 west, all within St. Louis County: (a) lands forfeited to the state for nonpayment of taxes and held in trust by the state for taxing districts; and (b) other lands acquired or otherwise owned by the state. Each conveyance of these lands shall contain the following:

(1) a provision that the lands shall revert to the state of Minnesota if the lands so conveyed are not used for national forest or national park purposes;

(2) a reservation to the state of all minerals and water power rights;

(3) a provision that the conveyance is subject to the rights of any person having an interest in the land on the date of conveyance pursuant to state lease, license, or permit; and

(4) any other provisions required by the laws of the state of Minnesota or the United States of America. Lands shall be conveyed and donated under this section only to the extent necessary to maximize the amount of funds available to St. Louis County from the United States of America for the construction and maintenance of proposed Forest Highway Number 11 between Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota, and County State Aid Highway Number 16 near Lake Codette.

History: 1973 c 276 s 1; 1973 c 582 s 3