An Act authorizing the exchange of land between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and Eklutna, Inc., between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the United States Department of the Army and the United States Department of the Air Force, between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and Chugach Alaska Corporation, and between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Municipality of Anchorage; and providing for an effective date.

Updated: April 11, 2000 by Whitney Highland, Staff Aide to Senator Leman.

Section 1: Allows the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) to exchange land with Eklutna, Inc. to realign railroad track to improve operating efficiency and enhance safety.

Section 2: Allows the ARRC to enter into a land exchange with the United States Department of the Army and the Department of the Air Force to realign the railroad track.

Section 3: Allows the ARRC to exchange land with the Chugach Alaska Corporation to realign the railroad to allow relocation of the Seward Highway by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to improve highway operations and enhance safety.

Section 4: Allows the ARRC to exchange land with the Municipality of Anchorage and convey land to certain private landowners to realign the railroad track.

Section 5: Discusses the importance of the Seward Highway as the sole highway link between the Kenai Peninsula and the rest of Southcentral Alaska. Certain portions of the highway are affected by avalanches and other potential operational problems, thus making it necessary to relocate and widen the Seward Highway. Portions of adjacent railroad and utility facilities must also be relocated.

Section 6: Gives legislative approval to the Department of Natural Resources to modify the boundaries of Chugach State Park to relocate or widen the Seward Highway.

Section 7: Allows the Alaska Railroad Corporation to exchange land to relocate or widen the Seward Highway or relocate Alaska Railroad facilities within the Chugach State Park.

Section 8: Requires the governor to identify land transferred under sections 5 - 7 of this Act that will require modifications to the statute authorizing Chugach State Park (AS 41.21.120 - 41.21.125). It also requires the governor to submit to the legislature the necessary legislation to make those statutory amendments.

Section 9: Provides an immediate effective date.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement

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