Alaska Native corporation land bill included in omnibus package

Tuesday, June 19, 2012  

H.R.1408, the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act, has been added to H.R. 2578, the Conservation and Economic Growth Act.

Sealaska, an Alaska Native regional corporation, is entitled to land under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. The corporation hasn't been able to complete its selection due to land restrictions and other concerns.

H.R. 1408 finalizes Sealaska's land selection. A similar version of the bill generated controversy during the 111th Congress.

H.R. 2578 is an omnibus bill that includes H.R.1408. The House began debate on H.R.2578 today.

Get the Story:
Alaska's Tongass forest sparks battle over logging (Reuters 6/17)
Focus Turning To Senate’s Sealaska Bill (Alaska Public Radio Network 6/15)

Also Today:
Christine MacDonald: Why Some of Our Last Remaining Old-Growth Forests May Be Privatized for a Political Favor (AlterNet 6/19)

Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act:
S.730 | H.R.1408

Related Stories:
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Opinion: Sealaska trying to get best timber in national forest (03/05)
KCAW: Sitka Tribe backs land transfer to Sealaska Corporation (08/10)
Clarence Jackson: Fulfill promise to Alaska Native corporation (7/14)
Chris McNeil: Bill fulfills promise to Alaska Native corporation (6/14)
APRN: House hearing for Alaska Native bill stirs passions (5/27)
Opinion: Just say no to Alaska Native corporation land bill (5/27)
APRN: Hearings start on Alaska Native corporation land bill (5/26)
Opinion: Sealaska land bill poses threat to salmon habitat (5/24)
Senate Energy Committee to hold hearing on Sealaska bill (5/23)
Subcommittee schedules hearing on Alaska Native land bill (5/19)