Juneau -- Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee passed Senate Bill 6 that would dramatically increase the amount of state land available for sale to the public. SB 6 would also streamline the process by which land is sold.

"Alaskans have been asking the state for the privilege of owning land for 40 years, said the bill's sponsor Senator Robin Taylor (R-Wrangell). "The Department of Natural Resources has been very parsimonious about land purchases. The bill that passed the Senate Finance Committee today would allow Alaskans the opportunity to stake, claim and purchase remote land."

SB 6 would create a Land Disposal Advisory Committee that would nominate parcels for sale to go into a land disposal bank. This bank will maintain a balance of 75,000 acres of state land that will be replenished yearly as parcels are sold. This structure mirrors the very successful five-year resource sale program used for timber, mining and oil and gas resources.

The land in the bank must include parcels suitable for homesteading or subdivision, agricultural, commercial or industrial use, and parcels suitable for other purposes. "The state should welcome opportunities to develop new revenue sources that reduce our reliance on the oil patch," said Senator John Torgerson (R-Kasilof), Co-Chair Senate Finance.

A companion bill, SB 287, would require a one-time draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve of $9 million to fund the initial costs of starting the land disposal bank. According to Torgerson, "The long-term payoff for the state in terms of revenues generated by these sales, the property taxes that could be collected, and the potential income producing opportunities for private sector development, represents a smart choice for diversifying Alaska's economy."

SB 6 now heads to the Senate floor.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Robin Taylor, 35 K = John Torgerson, 21 K

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