A Study on the Public Land System in the United States : Focused on the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA)

This paper examines the legal structure and utilization system of public land in the United States, with a focus on the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) and related statutes. The study categorizes the historical evolution of U.S. federal land policy into acquisition, disposal, and conservation phases, and analyzes how public lands have been managed and allocated to balance public interest, environmental protection, and fiscal efficiency. Special attention is given to land use planning, administrative permits, liability rules, and mechanisms for transfer, donation, or disposal of federal property. In addition, this paper explores case studies such as brownfield redevelopment, community development corporation (CDC)-led affordable housing projects, and historic surplus property programs. Furthermore, it highlights the advanced information disclosure mechanisms of the United States, including the Federal Real Property Profile (FRPP) and digital asset management tools. By comparing these practices with the current legal regime of public property in Korea, the study suggests policy implications for reforming the Korean public asset system to enhance transparency, accountability, and public value.