As part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Acquisition, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) purchased 5 acres of land in Alviso, California. The land acquired was being used as a boat works, and FWS determined that 99 tenants on the land would be eligible for relocation. Estimating that it would cost from $25 to $200 for each boat move, FWS believed that relocation would total about $132,000 to assist the tenants in moving their personal property. Unfortunately, FWS found it necessary to hire commercial moving firms, with the result that the relocation cost FWS $565,624.

GAO found no evidence of excessive payments to boatowners to relocate their boats. Relocating tenants and moving the boats from the boatyard, however, was much more costly and difficult than FWS had anticipated. The extra costs were not considered by FWS in its decision to acquire the boatyard.

Status Legend:

Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.

Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.

Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.

• Review Pending
• Open
• Closed - implemented
• Closed - not implemented

Recommendation for Executive Action

Recommendation: The Secretary of the Interior should direct the Director, FWS, to determine in the future whether there are complicating circumstances which could cause relocation problems and increase relocation costs before acquiring lands with tenants. Any unusual relocating problems and extra costs should then be considered in deciding whether the land should be acquired.

Agency Affected:

Status: Closed

Comments: Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.