Congress Passes Coast Guard Bill Transferring Federal Lands to Alaska Natives

The federal government will officially hand over two tracts of land in Alaska for Native use thanks to a bill passed by the U.S. House in early February.

The House passed a Coast Guard authorization bill, sending legislation for a presidential signature that includes several key provisions for the 49th state.

One provision, sought for years by Alaska Rep. Don Young, hands over 2,500 acres of federal land in Point Spencer to the Bering Straits Native Corporation and the state. The U.S. Coast Guard would retain some foothold in the area, northwest of Nome, though its facility there was decommissioned in 2010. The area is home to a natural deep water port, and the state and Native corporation are considering bringing in private investment for a sea port there. Read the full article here.

Source: Alaska Dispatch News