B-204874: Jul 28, 1982

THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR HAS DISCRETION TO REFUND EXCESS AMOUNTS TO THE PARTY FROM WHOM THEY WERE COLLECTED. THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR'S CONCLUSION THAT FUNDS IN EXCESS OF THOSE NEEDED TO REPAIR THE PROPERTY FOR WHICH THEY WERE COLLECTED MAY BE USED TO REHABILITATE OTHER PUBLIC LANDS IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE EXPRESS LANGUAGE OF SECTION 305. PETTY STATED THAT THE OPINION OF THE SOLICITOR'...

B-204874: Jul 28, 1982

GAO was asked to concur in an opinion of the Solicitor's Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), regarding the availability of funds received by BLM as a result of coal trespasses on Federal lands. At issue is whether section 305(a) of the Land Policy and Management Act requires that the funds in the account be expended only for the particular improvement or rehabilitation work necessitated by th...