News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Halford Continues Effort to Secure Public Access

Senate Bill 180 Protects Alaskan Rights-of-Way

For Immediate Release: April 20, 1998 Contact: Senator Rick Halford at (907) 465-4958.

Juneau -- This afternoon, the House passed Senate Bill 180, "An Act relating to state rights-of-way," sponsored Senator Rick Halford (R-Chugiak). SB 180 takes another step in the continuing battle to secure public access to our lands and resources by codifying accepted RS 2477 rights-of-way in statute. SB 180 passed by a vote of 30 to 6.

"Access, the key to Alaska's resources, is under continuous federal attack," said Halford. "By listing these routes in statute, we strengthen Alaska's rights against the federal bureaucracy."

After research, compilation of historical information, and review by the Department of Natural Resources, 602 trails have been identified as clearly qualifying RS 2477 rights-of-way. These trails provide surface travel across federal lands to areas that are important to Alaska's recreational access, trade and commerce. Ensuring our access to these trails is vital to the future of our young, growing state.

Senate Bill 180 would provide notice to the public that these RS 2477 routes are owned by the state and available for use by the public.

Senate Bill 180 is co-sponsored by Senators Green, Leman, Sharp, Torgerson, and Wilken.

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