Montana Code 77-3-312. Leasing procedures
77-3-312. Leasing procedures. (1) (a) Prior to issuing a coal mining lease, the board shall evaluate the coal and land proposed to be leased for the purpose of determining the fair market value of any coal reserves located on the land, giving opportunity for and consideration to public comments on the evaluation.
Terms Used In Montana Code 77-3-312
- Appraisal: A determination of property value.
- Fair market value: The price at which an asset would change hands in a transaction between a willing, informed buyer and a willing, informed seller.
- Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
(b)(i) The board may determine fair market value by competitive bid or through an appraisal.
(ii)If no competitive bids are offered on the coal and land to be leased, the board may enter into a lease that is at least at the full market value as determined by the appraisal pursuant to subsection (1)(b)(i).
(2)Except as provided in subsection (1)(b), leases must be awarded by a competitive bid system, including a bonus bid for the first year’s rental that may be amortized for a period of up to 5 years at the discretion of the board, and a lease may not be awarded at less than fair market value.