Chap. 207.—An ACT to Provide for the Relinquishment to the United
States, in Certain Cases, of Title to and Jurisdiction over Lands for
Sites of Light-Houses, Beacons, or other Aids to Navigation in the
Waters of this State.

Approved April 16, 1874.

1. The general assembly of Virginia do enact, That when-
ever the United States desire to acquire title to land belong.
ing to the state, and covered by the navigable waters within
the limits thereof, for the site of a light-house, beacon, or
other aid to navigation, and application is made by a duly
authorized agent of the United States, describing the site re-
quired for one of the purposes aforesaid, then the governor
of the state is authorized and empowered to convey the sito
to the United States, and to cede to the said United States
jurisdiction over the same: provided, no single tract shall
contain more than ten acres.

2. All the land and privileges over which jurisdiction is
hereby ceded, and the buildings and property which may be
placed thereon by said United States, shall be exempt from
taxation so long as the same shall be used for the said pur-
pose hereinbefore mentioned.

3. Provided, that this act shall in no manner take away or
interfere with the jurisdiction of this state for the purpose
of serving or executing any legal process. And provided,
further, that the title to said land so conveyed to the United
States, shall escheat to the state unless the construction of a
light-house, beacon or other aid to navigation, be begun within
two years after such qonveyance is made, and to be completed
within ten years thereafter. |

4. This act shall take effect from the date of its passage.