Everglades Land Acquisition Act of 2016

Everglades Land Acquisition Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to carry out, south of Lake Okeechobee, Florida, land acquisition projects for flood damage reduction and water storage, treatment, and conveyance purposes.

The bill prohibits Interior from paying more than the land's fair market value.

Upon the acquisition of such land, Interior, in consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers, shall provide for:

• the restoration of the acquired land for flood damage reduction and water storage, treatment, and conveyance purposes; and
• the utilization of the land in conjunction with projects that implement the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Interior may transfer or sell the land acquired under this Act to the Army Corps of Engineers, the state of Florida, a political subdivision of the state, or a nonprofit conservation organization.