§ 22-5-309 - Agricultural lands -- Donation. - Arkansas Statutes

22-5-309. Agricultural lands -- Donation.

(a) The Commissioner of State Lands, with the advice of the State Land Use Committee, shall prescribe rules and regulations for the donation of lands suitable for agricultural settlement, in such manner as to safeguard the future general welfare and agricultural interests of the state, and to prevent isolated settlement, settlement on land not suited to agriculture, or settlement in areas or under conditions where it seems apparent that the donee could not farm successfully and would suffer undue hardships.

(b) The Commissioner of State Lands shall deliver a deed to the donee, containing such restrictions, covenants, and restraints on alienation as the committee shall determine are necessary to safeguard the future general welfare and agricultural interests of the state.

(c) The Commissioner of State Lands, with the advice of the committee, shall determine the size of tracts which may be donated and shall not permit the donation of an area larger than can be worked by a farm family nor an area smaller than will produce an adequate living for a farm family, considering its location, fertility, and the type of farming which may appropriately be conducted upon it.

(d) The Commissioner of State Lands may arrange with the United States and the agencies of the United States for assistance to and supervision of donees and prospective donees upon such terms as may be agreed upon by the Commissioner of State Lands and the United States or agencies of the United States. The Commissioner of State Lands may execute such conveyances, waivers, subordination agreements, or other instruments as may be required to enable donees and prospective donees to participate in and benefit from federal programs.