1994-02-28                     House Journal                      Page 2552
HB 515                                                                        
The following fiscal note applies to HB 515:                                  
                                                                               
Fiscal note, Dept. of Natural Resources, 2/28/94                               
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated February 25, 1994, appears            
below:                                                                         
                                                                               
"Dear Speaker Barnes:                                                          
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am     
transmitting a bill making amendments to the Alaska Land Act, also             
referred to as Title 38.05.  The bill also makes other amendments to           
the same title.                                                                
                                                                               
The Alaska Land Act dictates how the Department of Natural                     
Resources manages state land.  Since 1959, this set of statutes has been       
added to and amended so that it now exceeds 180 pages in length.               
This past summer, I asked Commissioner Noah to review the Alaska               
Land Act to recommend changes that would bring greater efficiency              
to the management of state lands without sacrificing public                    
involvement in land use decisions.  This legislation is the result of that     
effort.                                                                        
                                                                               
This legislation will result in increased delivery of state government         
services to the citizens of Alaska at no additional costs.  It will            
streamline procedures for mining and land actions, clarify definitions         
for agriculture, allow greater flexibility for managing our forests,           
provide for exchange of native allotments located within state park            
units, and make other changes necessary for cost effective and sound           
land management.                                                               
                                                                               
This legislation is not intended to be a comprehensive overhaul of the         
Alaska Land Act, but rather the first step in a process that will              
continue to review the requirements of law, the needs of Alaskans, and         
the cost effective operation of government.  I look forward to working         
with you to assure your prompt consideration and passage of this bill.         
                                                                               
						Sincerely,                                                               
						/s/                                                                      
						Walter J. Hickel                                                         
						Governor"