Juneau -- Representative John Harris (R-Valdez) Wednesday introduced House Bill 320, which would resolve the question of ownership of the DeLong Dock and underlying lands.

"This bill marks another significant step forward for both the Alaska Railroad and Whittier," said Harris. "As both the Railroad and the City anticipate the opening this summer of the Whittier tunnel to vehicular traffic, resolution of ownership of the dock will permit new economic development and encourage tourism in the area."

The US Army currently owns the DeLong Dock in Whittier. The Alaska Railroad has asked the Army to transfer the dock to the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC), which Congress has approved. Such transfers to the ARRC require Legislative approval.

In July 1999 the City of Whittier and the ARRC entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the dock. Under terms of the MOU, the Railroad would own the dock and the City would own the land underlying the dock. The MOU further states that the City would lease the land underlying the north half of the dock to the ARRC and the ARRC would lease the south half of the dock to the City.

"This bill is the required legislation to implement the provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed by both the Railroad and the City," Harris said. "It would allow the City to own the land and the Railroad to own the dock. Each would then be able to use its respective half for appropriate activities."

HB 320 was referred to the Transportation and Community and Regional Affairs Committees.