House Bill 329 has passed in Alaska State Legislature and is now awaiting final approval from Governor Dunleavy. This bill is relating to state tideland leases; relating to geoduck seed transfers; and relating to aquatic farming or related hatchery operation site leases.
With the dedicated work and support from the Governmental Policy Committee and our Board of Directors, AMA advocated for our membership’s voice and instigated changes in the bill to better support our industry.
Highlights of changes to the bill include:
- Geoduck transfer now includes the Aleutian Chain.
- Lease appraisals are subject to the commissioner and are no longer required every 5 years.
- Leasing terms are now set to 10-year terms for first leases with up to 20-year terms for lease renewals.
- Lessee preference to be given during time of full reapplication period.
- Carbon management leases must notify farms within a 25-mile radius of lease site