2024-01-22                     House Journal                      Page 1329
HB 281                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 281 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to the permitting, lease, and sale of state land for                                                      
     remote recreational cabin sites; and providing for an effective                                                            
     date."                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Natural Resources                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                

2024-01-22                     House Journal                      Page 1330
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18 follows:                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Tilton:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska                                                                    
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the sale or lease of                                                         
state land for remote recreational sites.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
This bill sets up a framework to encourage the settlement of state land                                                         
and the development of its resources. With only 10 percent of state                                                             
land in private ownership, we need changes to allow Alaskans to lease                                                           
or purchase land for recreational purposes. This bill strikes the balance                                                       
of allowing Alaskans a more efficient and fair process to obtain an                                                             
interest in state land consistent with constitutional principles.                                                               
                                                                                                                                
The bill amends the current program for remote recreational sites to                                                            
address eligibility, nomination, classification, and staking of remote                                                          
recreational sites. The bill allows for eligible applicants to nominate                                                         
up to 10 acres of available state land for a remote recreational site if                                                        
not included in the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) schedule                                                             
of land offerings. Purchasers must include a survey and appraisal of                                                            
the site and agree to pay the remote recreational site's fair market                                                            
value. Further, the bill would allow the Commissioner of DNR to issue                                                           
a permit for a remote recreational site. This bill will increase the                                                            
availability of land for recreational use and help make land available                                                          
to Alaskans.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"