Transfer of Real Property at Defense Nuclear Facilities for Economic Development

The Department of Energy (DOE) is establishing a process for disposing of unneeded real property at DOE's defense nuclear facilities for economic development. Section 3158 of Public Law 105-85, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998, directs DOE to prescribe regulations which describe procedures for the transfer by sale or lease of real property at such defense nuclear facilities. Transfers of real property under these regulations are intended to offset negative impacts on communities caused by unemployment from related DOE downsizing, facility closeouts and work force restructuring at these facilities. Section 3158 also provides discretionary authority to the Secretary to indemnify transferees of real property at DOE defense nuclear facilities. This regulation sets forth the indemnification procedures.