Bureau of Land Management

Description

The BLM must engage in a formal title recovery process with the State of Alaska. They will review the lands previously conveyed to the State but subject to valid Federal Native allotment applications. This requires a due diligence process, including public notice, and a formal best interest finding as to whether return of title to the U.S. is in the Stateâ¿¿s best interest. This process results in a substantial expense to the State for errors made by federal agencies in the past. However, this agreement would provide for this mission critical conveyance work. Due to the current budget issues that the State is facing this work has become a low priority and a significant decline in the pace of the resolutions has occurred. The State of Alaska is the only entity that can provide this review because the parcels in question are on State lands and only they would know if it is in their best interest to return the lands. They have an expertise as to the issues that affect their lands. The State of Alaska has a fiduciary responsibility to the people of Alaska to make sure that the color of title in the state is clear.

Who can apply

• State governments

Contact

Grants Specialist Betty Conlon (907) 271-2816<br/>bconlon@blm.gov<br/>
bconlon@blm.gov