A bill that removes a bureaucracy layer from aquatic farmers passed the Legislature as the House of Representatives voted 37-3 to adopt the Senate version of House Bill 115.
District P Sen. Gary Stevens of Kodiak, “This bill has to do with allowing aquatic farms and hatcheries sites, those that are in good standing, to have a more streamlined lease renewal process. HB 115 would allow aquatic farms or hatchery renewals in the same manner as most other DNR leases and other areas such as for agricultural grazing, cabins and lodges and fish processing docks. This bill does not affect salmon leases. It allows the director of the division of mining, land and water, to renew a lease for a business in good standing and takes around 90 days, significantly shortening the renewal process while continuing appropriate regulatory oversite and public engagement. This bill supports economic development and stability in this business climate. It cuts red tape and is a solution for the Department of Natural Resources in addressing its backlog of both initial and renewable lease processes and helps small businesses.”
House Bill 115 would expedite the lease renewal process by making it consistent with other DNR lease renewal processes. It would lower the investment risk for farmers and aims to reduce the state agency’s workload. The 90-day process would be shortened from 200 days without having to sacrifice appropriate regulator oversite, public engagement, and appeal.
The bill previously passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the desk of Gov. Mike Dunleavy for final approval.
Transcribed audio courtesy of KTOO 360TV.
