NCJ Number
253532
Date Published
November 1995
Length
2 pages
Annotation
After presenting an overview of the features of the Federal Surplus Real Property Transfer Program (FSRPT), this Fact Sheet reviews the program's historical background, implementation procedures, and criteria for receiving property through the program.
Abstract
The FSRPT is administered by the U.S. Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), which approves the no-cost transfer or conveyance of federal lands and buildings to state and local governments for use in expanding correctional facility space. The FSRPT's purpose is to alleviate overcrowding in state and local prisons and jails by facilitating new construction or renovation of such facilities. The enabling legislation for this program was enacted in an amendment to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, based on a recommendation by the U.S. Attorney General's Task Force on Violent Crime. In addition to authorizing the conveyance of surplus federal real property to states and units of local government, this legislation provides for the federal reimbursement of funds for any surplus real property that was purchased for FSRPT-approved correctional purposes between March 1, 1982 and October 12, 1984. The legislation also stipulates that property conveyed under the FSRPT must be maintained for the purpose for which it was approved. Failure to comply with this mandate results in the property reverting to the federal government. Based on information provided to BJA by a state or local official, BJA determines whether the requested transfer of federal property complies with the enabling legislation. Sources for additional information on the program are listed.