Under the guise of funding the University, Governor Murkowski is pushing to liquidate 260,000 acres of public lands across Alaska. The parcels are grouped into three categories: educational, oil and gas, and investment. The bills weaken public process provisions from earlier University Land bills and transfer dozens of parcels inappropriate for development. Concerned Alaskans have testified that the Land Grab ignores DNR land planning, displaces other users, and discourages borough formation. Public testimony on HB 130 and SB 96 has been uanimously opposed to the bills. Several rounds of amendments in committee have failed to produce a land list palatable to communities. Despite such strong community opposition, the Legislature and Governor passed HB 130 in special session this year.
Alaskans Speak Out Against HB 130 and SB 96:
Rich Seifert, Professor at UAF
Cliff Eames & Ruth McHenry, Kenny Lake
Mary Irvine, "Archaeological treasure"
Ron Schonenbach, former DNR Regional Manager
Christine Lundstedt, "Nothing good from UA lands bill"
Marko Dapcevich, Mayor of Sitka
Dan Trail, Thom's Place resident
Mary Hillberry, "Save Moser Bay"
Bryan Wilson, "Lands should be open to the public"
Norm Carson, Pelican fisherman
Deb Spencer, Pelican resident
Anissa Berry Frick, "University threatens lands"
Jennifer Price, "Anitiquated way to help University"
Rick Fleischman, "Kill Bill 130"
Mike Rieves, Klawock resident
Sierra Student Coalition, University's reputation
Gordon Chew, Tenakee resident
Scott Hursey, Petersburg businessman
Community Letters and Resolutions:
Petersburg - Sitka - Tenakee - Thom's Place - Pelican
Douglas Indian Assoc. - Wrangell Cooperative Assoc.
Hoonah Indian Assoc. - Wrangell - Sitka Tribe - Kake
City of Port Alexander - Haines Planning Commission
Olive Cove - Tlingit/Haida Central Council - Whale Pass
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