1996-01-17                     Senate Journal                      Page 2154
SB 223                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 223 BY THE SENATE 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 Resources, State Affairs,          
Community and Regional Affairs and Judiciary Committees.                       
                                                                               
Zero fiscal notes published today from Department of Fish and                  
Game, Department of Natural Resources.                                         
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated January 16:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
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.                    
                                                                               
                                                                               

1996-01-17                     Senate Journal                      Page 2155
SB 223                                                                       
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