Jackson Applies To Buy U.S. Forest Service Property

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Jackson officials want to purchase 10 acres of U.S. Forest Service property in the community's downtown area.

The town of Jackson recently submitted a final application to Bridger-Teton National Forest in which the town requested a direct sale of the parcel.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports (http://bit.ly/w0aRAd) that the federal government discourages direct sales of its property because it is noncompetitive and might not result in the highest return.

The town therefore must show the sale would provide "substantial public benefit," that no other land is available and that it could pay for the purchase.

The Forest Service estimates the parcel is worth $8 million to $10 million. It wants to have a deal done by November.