Department of the Interior

Description

The purpose of this project is to identify unreserved lands underlying navigable and non-navigable waters. Under the Equal Footing Doctrine and the Submerged Lands Act of 1953, the State of Alaska received title to those lands underlying navigable waters at the time of Alaska statehood. With this information, the United States will know with greater certainty what submerged lands remain in federal ownership and the residents of the State of Alaska will know what submerged lands were transferred to state ownership at the time of statehood. The reports processed by this project will be posted on the internet for use by anyone. By knowing the federal and state submerged land ownership patterns (including its boundaries), the public will be able to contact the correct agency with jurisdictional authority. With this information, the public and others users will be able to obtain the proper permissions, for items such as mining claims, sand and gravel extraction permits, land use authorizations, recreational permits, energy development, etc.

Who can apply

• State governments

Contact

Sandra S Smith<br/>s2smith@blm.gov<br/>
s2smith@blm.gov