Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 94 Part 2.djvu/1253

 PUBLIC LAW 96-487—DEC. 2, 1980

94 STAT. 2531

subject to any requirements regarding contiguity which are agreed to as a result of the study established by section 1430. CHUGACH REGION STUDY SEC. 1430.

(a) PARTICIPANTS; PURPOSES.—The Secretary of

the

Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Alaska Land Use Council, in conjunction with Chugach Natives, Incorporated, and the State of Alaska, if the State chooses to participate, are directed to study the land ownership and use patterns in the Chugach region. The objectives of the study are: to identify lands, pursuant to guidelines contained in section 1302(h) of this Act, and in section 22(0 of the Settlement Act, as amended, which can be made available for conveyance to Chugach Natives, Incorporated; for the purpose of consolidation of land ownership patterns in the Chugach region; to improve the boundaries of and identify new conservation system units; to obtain a fair and just land settlement for the Chugach people; and realization of the intent, purpose and promise of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by the Chugach Natives, Incorporated. The study participants are directed to identify inregion and out-of-region lands, including lands within the Chugach National Forest and State lands but excluding lands in private ownership, which can be made available to Chugach Natives, Incorporated, in satisfaction of its regional land entitlement pursuant to section 12(c) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, to consider monetary payment in lieu of land and to consider all other options which the participants in the study consider to be appropriate to achieve the objectives set forth above. (b) LANDS.—Lands identified to meet the study objectives outlined in subsection (a) shall be, to the maximum extent possible, lands of like kind and character to those traditionally used and occupied by the Chugach people and shall be, to the maximum extent possible, coastal accessible, and economically val. The inclusion of lands within the areas designated as conservation system units or for wilderness study by this Act within the Chugach region shall not preclude the identification of those lands to meet the study objectives outlined in subsection (a). (c) PROCEDURE.—The study participants shall hold at least three public hearings, at least one of which shall be in Anchorage and at least two of which shall be in the Chugach region. In conducting the study, the study participants shall seek review and comment from the public, including the residents of the Chugach region, and all meetings of the study participants shall be open to the public. (d) REPORT.—The study shall be completed and the President shall report to the Congress within one year of the date of enactment of this Act. He shall also transmit with the report any legislation necessary to implement the study recommendations. (e) DEADIJNE.—If legislation is necessary to implement the recommendations of the study submitted by the President, then any selection deadlines for Chugach Natives, Incorporated, under section 12(c) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act or section 14(h)(8) of such Act pursuant to section 1429 of this Act will be extended for one year following the date of enactment of the legislation enacted to implement the recommendations of the study submitted by the President. (f)(1) LAND STATUS DURING STUDY.—Until Congress takes final action on any legislation transmitted by the President which is necessary to implement the study or until the recommendations of

43 USC 1601 note.

43 USC 1611.

Public hearings.

Presidential report to Congress.

43 USC 1611. 43 USC 1613.

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