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Legislature Defends State Highway Authority

(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House unanimously passed a resolution today in response to federal encroachment on a state right-of-way.

"Forest Highway 10 passes through the Tongass National Forest, allowing access from Yakutat to a boat launch on the Situk River, a state-controlled waterway" said Sen. John Cowdery (R-Anchorage), chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. "The U.S. Forest Service is attempting to require permits for commercial use of the highway and the boat launch, including fishing guides taking clients out to the river."

"This highway that allows Alaskans access to their river has historically been under state authority, and the boat launch falls completely in the highway's right-of-way," said Cowdery. "It is outrageous that the Forest Service is trying to control access to a state resource along a state right-of-way. If they succeed in this endeavor, it puts all of the state highways that pass through the Tongass and the Chugach National Forests at risk of coming under federal control."

Senate Joint Resolution 30, sponsored by the Senate Transportation Committee urges the U.S. Forest Service to recognize the State of Alaska's authority to control public access to state lands and waterways on highways that pass through Forest Service Lands.

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Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement for SJR 30
• Print Friendly Version
  requires Adobe Acrobat Reader - 1 page(s) - 69 K

| Sen. Cowdery's Page | Senate Transportation Committee Page |

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