Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-02-08 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-02-08 Senate Journal Page 2218 SB 249 SENATE BILL NO. 249 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: An Act authorizing a land exchange between the Department of Natural Resources and Alaska Hard Rock, Inc.; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Natural Resources. The Final Exchange Agreement, Independence Mine SHP Exchange with Alaska Hardrock, Inc., was attached and is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. Governors transmittal letter dated February 3: 2000-02-08 Senate Journal Page 2219 SB 249 Dear President Pearce: This bill I transmit today would provide legislative approval of a land exchange agreement between the state Department of Natural Resources, and Alaska Hardrock, Inc. The purpose of the land exchange is for the state to acquire private land located within and adjacent to Independence Mine State Historical Park, near Hatcher Pass. The land to be acquired would be developed to enhance the interpretive and recreational uses of the park. The land the state is exchanging is also located in the Hatcher Pass area and is presently under permit to Alaska Hardrock, Inc., which is interested in receiving title. State law requires legislative approval of land exchanges involving lands of unequal appraised value. In this proposed exchange, the state will receive land appraised at $87,000 while conveying land appraised at $66,500. Alaska Hardrock, Inc. is agreeable to this unequal exchange and will be receiving a federal tax credit for the difference. Adding this land to the Independence Mine State Historical Park, particularly the underground mine tunnels, will greatly add to the tourism potential of the park. The DNR expects to contract with a private concession to run tours and maintain the historic buildings in the park, saving a part of Alaska's history while increasing economic activity in the area. A copy of the land exchange agreement between the DNR and Hardrock, Inc., is being provided to the legislature. The DNR has available a report that explains the proposed exchange in more detail. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor