Mantua receives federal land

The U.S. House passed by voice vote Monday a bill to give Mantua, Box Elder County, 31 acres of federal land for any "legitimate public purpose" it chooses.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, sponsor of the bill, has said that potential uses could include a cemetery, town hall, fire station, park or school.

Bishop said the federal government was essentially given the land around the town for free in 1941, but it has sat unused.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. Congress has set a target for adjournment for the end of the week, so little time remains for final action.