Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-01-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1391 SB 198 SENATE BILL NO. 198 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the permitting, lease, and sale of state land for remote recreational cabin sites; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1392 The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education & Early Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Natural Resources Governor's transmittal letter dated January 18: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the sale or lease of state land for remote recreational sites. This bill sets up a framework to encourage the settlement of state land and the development of its resources. With only 10 percent of state land in private ownership, we need changes to allow Alaskans to lease or purchase land for recreational purposes. This bill strikes the balance of allowing Alaskans a more efficient and fair process to obtain an interest in state land consistent with constitutional principles. The bill amends the current program for remote recreational sites to address eligibility, nomination, classification, and staking of remote recreational sites. The bill allows for eligible applicants to nominate up to 10 acres of available state land for a remote recreational site if not included in the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) schedule of land offerings. Purchasers must include a survey and appraisal of the site and agree to pay the remote recreational site’s fair market value. Further, the bill would allow the Commissioner of DNR to issue a permit for a remote recreational site. This bill will increase the availability of land for recreational use and help make land available to Alaskans. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor