1996-01-17                     House Journal                      Page 2466
HB 426                                                                       
HOUSE BILL NO.  426 by the House Rules Committee by request of                 
the Governor, entitled:                                                        
                                                                               
An Act approving an interim classification by the commissioner                
of natural resources closing certain land within the Situk River               
system to new mineral entry; and providing for an effective date.              
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs Committee, the       
House Special Committee on Fisheries, and the Resources and Finance            
Committees.                                                                    
                                                                               
                                                                               
The following fiscal notes apply:                                              
                                                                               
Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Fish & Game, 1/17/96                                
Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Natural Resources, 1/17/96                          
                                                                               
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 16, 1996, appears             
below:                                                                         

1996-01-17                     House Journal                      Page 2467
HB 426                                                                       
Dear Speaker Phillips:                                                         
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska  Constitution, I       
am transmitting a bill relating to the permanent closure of certain land       
within the Situk River system to new mineral entry.  The closure was           
called for in the Yakataga Area Plan adopted in April, 1995.  The              
permanent closure is sought due to the importance of the  Situk River          
system in supporting commercial, sport, subsistence, and personal use          
fisheries.                                                                     
                                                                               
A permanent closure of an area of state land exceeding 640 contiguous          
acres to new mineral entry requires  legislative approval.  This bill          
would provide legislative approval of an interim classification order by       
the commissioner of natural resources.                                         
                                                                               
The state Department of Fish and Game has worked closely with                  
Yakutat area businesses and fishers in developing the Situk                    
management plan.  The closure to new mineral entry has gathered                
broad local support from users of this world-class fishery.                    
                                                                               
Because the interim classification closing the system to new mineral           
entry will expire on the 90th day of the legislative session unless            
approved by the legislature, I urge your early and favorable                   
consideration of this bill.                                                    
                                                                               
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Tony Knowles                                                             
    						Governor