Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2002-08-14 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2002-08-14 House Journal Page 4086 HB 474 The following letter, dated July 5, 2002, was received: "Dear Speaker Porter: 2002-08-14 House Journal Page 4087 Under the authority vested in me by art. II, sec. 15, of the Alaska Constitution, I have vetoed the following bill: CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 474(CRA) am "An Act relating to public rights-of-way and easements for surface transportation affecting the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge." Alaska's unmatched beauty is a chief reason why Alaska's visitor industry attracts nearly a million travelers to our state each year and a primary reason why Alaskans love this spectacular land we call home. In Anchorage, much of this magnificent scenery and the wildlife which reside in it can be viewed up close and personal along the Coastal Trail, which currently runs from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. Thanks to additional trail investments in recent years, Alaskans and travelers hiking, biking and skiing can also enjoy scenic visas on trails for most of the distance between Potter Marsh and Girdwood. A broad majority of Anchorage residents want the Coastal Trail extended between Kincaid and Potter Marsh, so they may enjoy an uninterrupted trail system between downtown Anchorage and Girdwood. Much of this trail already is part of the national trail system and would be a major attraction for Alaska's visitor industry. For years, the State of Alaska has been working successfully with the Municipality of Anchorage to advance this trail extension between Kincaid and Potter. With this bill, the Legislature - voting largely along party lines - is attempting to insert itself in a process where it doesn't belong and which could jeopardize the timely completion of the Coastal Trail. This bill would adversely affect the state's ability to manage the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and could delay on-going public planning and decision-making processes by imposing strict legislative notice requirements, compliance with which would be required before any right-of-way could be created in the refuge. In addition, the legislation has the potential to impair the creation of rights-of-way for utility uses within the refuge, as well as easements for surface transportation. By statute, the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Natural Resources are charged as the stewards of this unique and 2002-08-14 House Journal Page 4088 important public resource. Our land managers should be guided by both sound science and public input in weighing the public need to access the refuge against the habitat needs of the many species of wildlife inhabiting the refuge. The state and the Municipality of Anchorage are currently evaluating the transportation and recreational needs of the community and are considering a variety of alternatives to meet those important needs. It is inappropriate for the Legislature to insert itself into this on-going public process. For these reasons, I have vetoed this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"