B-188607: Jul 19, 1977

An authorized certifying officer for the Forest Service requested a decision on a citizen's claim for $10,000 damages resulting from alleged breach of oral agreement relating to claimant's granting right-of-way easement over private property. The claimant was entitled to receive $85, the difference between agency appraisal and $1 consideration for right-of-way. Additional orally promised compensat...

B-188607: Jul 19, 1977

CLAIMANT IS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE $85. THAT AGREEMENT WAS UNAUTHORIZED. GOVERNMENT IS ESTOPPED FROM DENYING EXISTENCE OF AGREEMENT. 2. CLAIM FOR ATTORNEY'S FEES ($1000) IS DISALLOWED IN ABSENCE OF EXPRESS STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION. 37 COMP.GEN.485 (1958) AND 49 ID. 44 (1969). 3. NO OPINION IS EXPRESSED CONCERNING BALANCE OF CLAIM FOR BUSINESS AND OTHER GENERAL UNSPECIFIED DAMAGES SINCE FOREST SERVICE...