From:      skunk-works-digest-owner@harbor.ecn.purdue.edu
To:        skunk-works-digest@harbor.ecn.purdue.edu
Subject:   Skunk Works Digest V4 #12
Reply-To:  skunk-works-digest@harbor.ecn.purdue.edu
Errors-To: skunk-works-digest-owner@harbor.ecn.purdue.edu
Precedence: bulk

Skunk Works Digest       Monday, 13 September 1993     Volume 04 : Number 012

In this issue:

	USAF: Squatters??

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From: TRADER@cup.portal.com
Date: Sun, 12 Sep 93 20:23:55 PDT
Subject: USAF: Squatters??

At the local federal documents depository, I noticed something that leads
me to believe the USAF may be "squatting" (illegally occupying) on Area 51
(the Groom Lake facility). I read a copy of the House of Representatives
report 98-1046 (98th Congress, 2nd session) about how the USAF got the
land around Groom Mountain. The Congressmen indicated that the Air Force
had taken control of the land, and now they were trying to make it legal
by getting Congressional approval. According to this document, the Air
Force was supposed to give the land back to the Dept. of the Interior
on December 31, 1987. (The Congressional bill for this is in H.R. 4932).
Now, as we all know, the Air Force still has control of the land, even
though the (presumed) purpose of using it for "Senior Trend" (F-117A)
testing has been completed. I have been unable to find any document 
indicating an extension to the Air Force's control of the land, so I
think the Air Force is squatting on the Groom Lake facility. Does
anyone know of any legal basis for the USAF using this land? (Yes,
I know the Air Force tends to ignore the law and I wouldn't be surprised
if they were squatting.)

(Interesting footnote: if I read the legislation correctly, the Air Force
is not allowed to conduct bombing or live-firing exercises at Groom Lake,
because the Interior Department had concerns about the effects on
desert wildlife.)

Paul McGinnis / TRADER@cup.portal.com

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End of Skunk Works Digest V4 #12
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