Conveyance of Replacement Housing to Displaced Homeowners

The Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, requested a decision on whether homeowners displaced by the Government can be given replacement housing in disregard of the maximum housing payment under Public Law 91-646. The act limits direct assistance to $15,000; agencies may not exceed this, but must foster continued home ownership where possible. However, rental housing may be considered for comparable replacement housing. Since agencies interpret the statutory language differently, congressional action is needed to clarify the disputed points.