Bill would convey state parcels to Mat‑Su Borough to spur local development; borough and municipal league back it
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Summary
SB 255 would authorize conveyance of specified state land parcels to the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough to advance local planning and economic development; Mat‑Su Borough manager and the Alaska Municipal League testified in support, urging removal of surveying hurdles that delay entitlement transfers.
Senate Bill 255, presented by Senator Yount, would authorize conveyance of specified state land parcels to the Matanuska‑Susitna (Mat‑Su) Borough and streamline procedures so municipalities can more quickly use entitlement lands for development and public purposes.
Sponsor staff said the transfers are intended to put land under local stewardship — allowing faster decisions on development, infrastructure and community services in line with local plans. Ryan McKee, staff to Senator Yount, said the parcels are targeted for economic development, recreation and community investments.
Mat‑Su Borough Manager Mike Brown testified the borough contains over 15.8 million acres and that nearly 94% of that acreage is state owned, arguing that survey costs and current patenting procedures make transfers difficult and uneconomical for some parcels. "This transfer... gives [land] to the level of government that's best positioned to manage it effectively," Brown told the committee.
Caitlin Conway, intergovernmental affairs manager for the Alaska Municipal League, said the bill removes the survey hurdle that has stalled many transfers and that AML supports prioritizing municipal entitlements. She suggested additional clarifications (for municipal notice and potential annual reporting by the Department of Natural Resources) to improve implementation.
Senator Yount said he hoped future committee substitutes could expand the approach to help all Alaskan communities. The committee set SB 255 aside for a future hearing after invited testimony.