(JUNEAU) - As he said at its introduction, Alaska House of Representatives' Resources Committee Co-Chair Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) has decided that the University Land Grant and Forest Bill, HB 130, needs some work.

"We have listened to and received verbal and written testimony in regard to the language and the locations of the proposed transfers. From that testimony, I have discussed many of the issues with both the Department of Natural Resources and the University, and we have agreed to go back and take a closer look at the overall plan before reopening public testimony," Representative Ramras said.

He added, "What we want to do now is step back and let those involved work out the particulars for a compromise. Some changes will involve amendments; others can be handled by agreements between the University and the stakeholders. We will then release those proposed changes so the public will understand what is being considered and can comment on the new plan. What we are interested in is a good piece of legislation that meets the needs of both the University and the public. There was never any intent to rush through a bill that upset more people than it pleased."

"I'm am very pleased that the committee has paused to work on this bill. The outpouring of concern from my community and others is too compelling to ignore," said Representative Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Kodiak), a member of the House Resource Committee. "Hopefully, through work and possible amendments, the final product will be something we can all live with."

The committee has been told that it will take at least a week to ten days to work on the particulars. Based on that, HB 130 is not expected on the House Resources Committee calendar until at least March 2, 2005.

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