CSHJR 40(JUD) Summary

• Commends the governor for protecting Alaska's interests in R.S. 2477 rights-of-way, which granted access across federal land established through use or development until 1969 when federal land was withdrawn

• Urges the governor and attorney general to develop a working alliance with other western states to protect and enforce R.S. 2477 rights-of-way interests, specifically supporting Utah's efforts to confirm over 18,000 such rights-of-way

• Directs state officials to develop a strategy for resolving R.S. 2477 disputes, including the possibility of filing lawsuits against the federal government, as the U.S. Department of Interior and Forest Service refuse to recognize these rights without court validation

• Requests the governor strengthen state resources by focusing the Department of Law, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Fish and Game, and other agencies on defending the state's access and federalism rights

• Urges Congress to enact legislation requiring federal agencies to expeditiously recognize valid R.S. 2477 rights-of-way claims after notice of intent is filed without requiring court disputes