Private Law 82–145

That jurisdiction is hereby conferred upon the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts to hear, determine, and render judgment upon the claim of Mrs. Walter J. Bickford, of Andover, Massachusetts, against the United States for damages sustained as a result of blasting operations conducted on the Merrimack River near Lowell, Massachusetts, during the year 1937 in connection with the prosecution of a flood-control project under the supervision of the Army engineers.

Sec. 2.

In the determination of such claim, the United States shall be held liable for such damages, and for any acts committed by any of its officers or employees, to the same extent as if the United States were a private person.

Sec. 3.

Suit upon such claim may be instituted at any time within one year after the enactment of this Act, notwithstanding the lapse of time or any statute of limitation: Provided, That the city of Lowell, Massachusetts, is named as a party defendant in said suit. Proceedings for the determination of such claim, and appeals from and payment of any judgment thereon, shall be in the same manner as in the cases of claims over which such court has jurisdiction under the

62 Stat. 933.

provisions of section 1346 of title 28, United States Code, as amended. Enactment of this Act shall not be construed as an implication of liability on the part of the United States.