HB 1796 Oyster grounds; dredging projects in Lynnhaven River

About HB-1796

Oyster ground lease; certain dredging projects. Provides that certain oyster ground leaseholders in the Lynnhaven River are subject to the conduct of approved municipal dredging projects to restore existing navigation channels. The bill limits such projects to oyster grounds that are condemned, restricted, or otherwise nonproductive, and it requires the locality to compensate the lessee for the use of the ground. The bill directs that if the parties cannot agree on a compensation amount, a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine the value of the ground. The bill has an expiration date of July 1, 2019. This bill is identical to SB 1143.