Sec. 41.21.496. Certain lands excepted.

339 words·~2 min read·/ak/title-41/chapter-21/41-21-496

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)Notwithstanding AS 41.21.020 (a)(6) or 41.21.491 — 41.21.495, state-owned land in the following described parcels may be leased in accordance with AS 38.35 (Right-of-Way Leasing Act) for the purpose of construction and operation of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope: the East 1/2 of Section 2, Township 19 North, Range 5 West, Seward Meridian and the East 1/2 of Section 35, Township 20 North, Range 5 West, Seward Meridian.

(b)A state or federal survey does not remove land from the parcels described in

(a)of this section.

(c)The department shall manage any state-owned land described in this section and within the exterior boundaries of Willow Creek State Recreation Area as part of Willow Creek State Recreation Area until the land is leased under AS 38.35 . State-owned land described in this section will revert to Willow Creek State Recreation Area upon release of the land from a right-of-way through termination of the lease or otherwise and upon satisfaction of the lessee's obligations to restore and revegetate the land.

(d)Any right-of-way lease issued under AS 38.35 across land described in this section and within the exterior boundaries of Willow Creek State Recreation Area must

(1)reserve to the state the interests necessary to provide for public access by foot, snow machine, dog sled, and other traditional means of access along and across the leased corridor;

(2)preserve, to the maximum extent practicable, the recreational, scenic, cultural, historical, and habitat values consistent with the leasehold's location within the exterior boundaries of Willow Creek State Recreation Area; and

(3)provide for termination of the lease if construction of the pipeline has not begun 10 years after the effective date of the lease.

(e)AS 38.35.130 does not apply to land within the exterior boundaries of Willow Creek State Recreation Area.

(f)A natural gas pipeline right-of-way lease may not be issued across land described in this section unless the lease becomes effective before January 1, 2025.

Article 5. Special Management Areas.