1994-02-28                     Senate Journal                      Page 2991
SB 339                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 339 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
"An Act relating to the management of state land                              
and resources; relating to certain remote parcel and                           
homestead entry land purchase contracts and patents;                           
and providing for an effective date."                                          
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Resources, Judiciary and           
Finance Committees.                                                            
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from Department of Natural Resources.              
                                                                               
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 25:                               
                                                                               
Dear Mr. President:                                                            
                                                                               
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.                                                               
                                                                               

1994-02-28                     Senate Journal                      Page 2992
SB 339                                                                       
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