Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-01-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1393 SB 199 SENATE BILL NO. 199 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to access roads; relating to state land; relating to contracts for the sale of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Education and Early Development to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to dispose of state land; relating to the authority of the Department of Natural Resources over certain state land; relating to the state land disposal income fund; relating to the sale and lease of state land; relating to covenants and restrictions on agricultural land; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Transportation, Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, 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 disposal of state land. This bill provides authority for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Department of Education and Early Development to dispose of state land. The bill further increases the cap on the land disposal income fund and updates and improves provisions relating to the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) surface land disposal procedures. The bill clarifies the state land sale bidding process by requiring an earnest money deposit and granting the State greater discretion regarding the construction of access roads related to state land sales. The bill also provides DNR discretion whether to require a survey prior to the issuance of a long-term lease. 2024-01-22 Senate Journal Page 1394 Finally, the bill amends the Alaska Land Act. The bill broadens the terms for sales contracts for land sold by public auction or sealed bid and clarifies that DNR may terminate a sales contract without recourse to a foreclosure lawsuit in appropriate circumstances. The bill further provides for leasing and sale of parcels of state land for commercial development, as well as relaxes restrictions on land conveyed for agricultural purposes. In order to make the best use of our state land for all citizens, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor