(Juneau) - The dream of owning a remote cabin site in Alaska is another step closer to reality today. House Bill 319, short titled, "Remote Recreation Cabin Site Sales/Lottery Sale," sponsored by Representative Hugh Fate (R-Fairbanks) was approved by the House State Affairs Committee.

A lot of work has gone into this piece of Legislation since it was first introduced in the 22nd Legislature. Representative Fate has been working closely with constituents from District 7, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the mining industry to craft a bill that will open new tracts of state lands to remote cabin sites.

"What we are working on today is a piece of legislation that will make state land available to Alaskans to build a cabin for hunting, fishing or just a weekend getaway. Thousands of Alaskans have said they want to have a piece of property to call their own, and they are willing to pay for it," said Fate. HB 319 opens the process a little wider than existing law that allows for lotteries and remote subdivisions.

Under the plan the public would be able to nominate remote sites for consideration by the DNR Commissioner. Nominated sites could be included in the annual land offering for remote parcels with a maximum of five acres. Much of the state land currently available is selling for between $1,000 and $1,500 per acre.

"This is an economic bill," says Fate. "If the parcels are in an organized Borough, then local property taxes will be assessed. Additionally, owners of the sites will be buying supplies to build cabins, purchasing off-road vehicles or boats and motors to get to their property. It is a stimulus package that will be good for everyone."

Next, HB 319 will be heard by the House Resources Committee.

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