(SitNews) Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today announced that the State of Alaska has filed a notice of intent to sue the federal government over access through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, based on a historic right of way. A strong advocate for the life-saving road between King Cove and Cold Bay, the governor has called the Department of the Interior’s failure to approve a road that would provide emergency medical access for residents of King Cove “unconscionable.”

“In just the last several weeks, serious health-related evacuations have shown just how critical a road for medical evacuations is for residents,” Governor Parnell said. “The State continues to explore all potential avenues to help the people of King Cove. The notice of intent to sue relates to one option the State is evaluating, but the fastest and surest way to provide emergency medical access for King Cove residents is for Secretary Jewell to reconsider her decision placing the possible temporary disturbance of birds above the health and safety of Alaskans. The State will pursue all options to help Alaska residents.”

The notice is required to be submitted at least 180 days prior to the State being allowed to bring suit against the federal government asserting a right of way based on historic use under Revised Statute 2477, a section of the Mining Act of 1866.

In March 2009, President Obama signed into law legislation approving a land swap of 56,000 acres from the state of Alaska and the King Cove (Native) Corp. to the federal government. Approximately 43,000 acres would have gone into wilderness status. In exchange, 206 acres would have been set aside for a small, single-lane gravel road to the Cold Bay Airport.

On Dec. 23, 2013, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell rejected the road. Since then, King Cove residents, Alaska’s Congressional Delegation and Governor Sean Parnell have asked Jewell to reconsider her decision. In the meantime, King Cove tribal and community leaders are providing information to send to Jewell this month which will demonstrate, once again, that the road is the only viable transportation alternative.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

On the Web:

A copy of the notice is available at:
http://gov.alaska.gov/parnell_media/resources_files/jewell_040714.pdf

Source of News: 

Office of Gov. Sean Parnell
www.gov.state.ak.us

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