Management of escheated real property by department.

(a) After a judgment of escheat under AS 38.95.220 , the department may sell, lease, exchange, assign, or otherwise manage real property that has escheated to the state. In determining the proper disposition of escheated real property the department shall, within two years after the judgment of escheat under AS 38.95.220 , make a written finding that it is in the best interests of the state either to (1) obtain an appraisal of the fair market value of the real property and sell, lease, exchange, assign, or otherwise manage the property, including retention in state management; or

(2) retain the real property in state management without obtaining an appraisal.

(b) The appraised value of property handled under (a)(1) of this section, or the selling price from a sale under AS 38.05.055 if it is lower, less the expenses of sale or appraisal, is the established value of the property for purposes of redemption by an heir or other taker under AS 38.95.240 (c).

(c) Seven years after the judgment of escheat, real property that has not been otherwise disposed of by the department becomes general state land for classification, disposal, and use.