(Kodiak) - In a letter to Representative Dan Ogg (R-Kodiak), Governor Frank Murkowski expressed his approval of a smaller Afognak land deal that Rep. Ogg helped craft after the governor vetoed a larger proposal earlier this year.

Since 1999, the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the American Land Conservancy have worked together with landowners to complete the last high priority ranked habitat parcel known as the Perenosa Bay project. This development will complete restoration that the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOS) initiated to protect the most biologically rich area of the entire spill area. Private funding from the Paul Allen Foundation will add matching money to these federal wetlands grants.

"I am extremely pleased that after concentrated negotiations with the governor, Senator Lisa Murkowski, the Interior Department, Native corporations, and the conservation partners above, we have reached an agreement on the acceptance of a land purchase in Perenosa Bay," Rep. Ogg said. "I am glad that the governor has authorized the acquisition of the Perenosa Bay parcel."

In his letter to Rep. Ogg, Gov. Murkowski expressed his pleasure that the purchase would be funded without the use of EVOS money. "Although it has taken some time, I am satisfied that all parties are pleased with the outcome of the Afognak deal," Rep. Ogg said. "This restoration project has strong support from the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly, the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, lodge owners, hunters, fishermen, the outdoor recreation industry and many other stakeholders in Kodiak."

Cheryl Frasca has assured Rep. Ogg and Senator Gary Stevens that the "receipt authority" for $2 million will be part of the governor's supplemental budget to be considered after the 2nd session of the legislature begins on January 12, 2003.

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