[Request for Advance Decision on Requirements of P.L. 97-466]

An advance decision was requested concerning the requirements of the Cranberry Wilderness Act which provides for the acquisition of private mineral interests by the United States. In exchange for these interests, the owners are to receive monetary credits to offset payments due the Federal Government, or the mineral interests may be purchased. The act requires that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) determine the fair market value of coal deposits and mineral interests and rights within 1 year of the law's enactment. However, the appropriations needed to make these determinations will be available after October 1, 1983, which does not allow adequate time to comply with the required determinations. GAO was asked whether BLM could redirect existing funds for the purpose of meeting these requirements. In the opinion of GAO, unobligated funds in the fiscal year 1983 appropriation may be used for the costs of determining the fair market value of the coal deposits and mineral interests, as well as negotiation costs. The act does not impose a restriction on the use of funds presently available under current appropriations for such purposes.