Ft. Rousseau Boundary Fix Passes Legislature

(Juneau) - The Alaska State Senate today unanimously passed House Bill 276, correcting the boundary of the Ft. Rousseau Causeway State Historical Park.

This keeps the state on track to receive necessary federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure continued airport funding.

Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell, sponsored the bill that fixes an oversight in the 2007 legislation that formed the park adjacent to Sitka's Rocky Gutierrez Airport. The original legislation forming the park included uplands, tidelands, and water next to the airport, creating complications for management of the facility. HB 276 will reinforce a 1,100-foot buffer zone between the runway and the park itself, placing that area back under Department of Transportation & Public Facilities control.

"During such a busy session, I'm glad we were able to pass this important fix so quickly," Wilson said. "This keeps the state on track to receive necessary federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure continued airport funding. The park is a historic part of Southeast Alaska, and we should support its existence."

The bill now heads to the Governor for signature.