Objections to moving Coastal Management Program to DNR

Kristen Nelson

The Senate Resources Committee heard a chorus of objections April 26 to the proposal in Senate Bill 140 to move the Alaska Coastal Management Program from the Division of Governmental Coordination to the Department of Natural Resources. The goal of the proposal is to eliminate a DGC position — there is currently no director for that division — and move coastal projects into DNR for “one stop shopping” for permits.

Gabrielle LaRoche, who manages the coastal program for DGC, told the committee that the administration opposes the move and sees no real savings to the state general fund.

Jane Angvik, director of the Division of Lands, said the planning work done by the division is different from that done by the DGC. Lands, she said, plans for the use of Alaska’s lands, while the coastal management program evaluates plans for all types of lands — public and private — in relation to coastal priorities.

Members of the Alaska Coastal Policy Council, which has passed a resolution opposing the change, told the committee that it was important to have the program under the governor’s office as a buffer between local coastal management districts and the agencies.

There was no testimony in favor of the proposal.

On May 13, SB140 had not been moved from Senate Resources.