WASHINGTON - Last night, the Senate approved legislation introduced by Senator Mike Lee to authorize the transfer of vacant and virtually unused federal land in Utah to the growing cities of Mantua and Alta. The bills were approved by unanimous consent and represent the first pieces of legislation authored by Senator Lee to pass the full Senate.

Under the passed legislation, Mantua will gain control of nearly 32 acres of land in Box Elder County that was originally owned by Hans Rasmussen, an early settler of Mantua. His family eventually deeded the land to the U.S. Forest Service in 1941 for $1.00. Mantua will not be required to pay for the land.

If passed by the House and signed by President Obama, Senator Lee’s bill will allow Alta to assume control over Forest Service land that will be used for a community center and fire station.

“It is a testament to the success of our state and cities like Mantua and Alta that these bills are necessary,” said Senator Lee, who sits on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “These cities can use the land productively and the federal government has no pressing need for it. I hope that the House will move quickly on Congressman Rob Bishop’s version of this legislation.”