Legislature(1999 - 2000)
2000-02-07 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2000-02-07 House Journal Page 2116 HB 344 HOUSE BILL NO. 344 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2000-02-07 House Journal Page 2117 HB 344 "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. The following fiscal note applies: Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Natural Resources, 2/7/00 The Final Exchange Agreement, Independence Mine SHP Exchange with Alaska Hardrock, Inc., was attached and is on file in the Chief Clerk's office. The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 3, 2000, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: This bill I transmit today would provide legislative approval of a land exchange agreement between the state Department of Natural Resources, and Alaska Hard Rock, 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 Hard Rock, 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 Hard Rock, 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 2000-02-07 House Journal Page 2118 HB 344 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 Hard Rock, 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"