SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Congressman Nick Begich, and Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska participated in an “Alaska Day” ceremony at the U.S. Department of the Interior with Secretary Doug Burgum. During the event, Secretary Burgum announced several administrative actions impacting Alaska, including land allotments for Alaska Native veterans, restoration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas program, reinstatement of permits for the Ambler Access Project, and a land exchange agreement to facilitate construction of a road for King Cove.

Senator Murkowski expressed her appreciation for these actions: “Thank you to Secretary Burgum and his team for their significant efforts on these Alaska priorities. I appreciate the finalization of several Native allotments, while recognizing we need to extend that program. It is great to see the reinstatement of permits for Ambler that should have never been revoked in the first place, and the restoration of a Coastal Plain program that reflects federal law,” she said. Murkowski also highlighted the importance of building a road to King Cove: “I’m also truly grateful that Secretary Burgum has added his name to the bipartisan list of Secretaries who have listened to the good people of King Cove and chose to help them. I’m hopeful this land exchange agreement will finally deliver a life-saving road for this predominantly Alaska Native community—delivering them from a seemingly never-ending federal cycle and providing them with reliable access to the all-weather airport in nearby Cold Bay. After decades of dangerous medevacs and terrible crashes that have cost human lives, it is past time to ensure that their health, safety, and quality of life is fully protected.”

Senator Sullivan commented on Secretary Burgum’s tenure: “Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum has been in office for nine months and I can easily say he's been the best Secretary of Interior for Alaska in American history,” he said. He contrasted recent decisions with those made by previous administrations: “The contrast with the previous administration could not be clearer. Working closely with the Trump administration, we are rapidly checking off each of the Biden administration’s egregious 70 executive orders and actions that locked up Alaska and hurt our economy.” Sullivan cited specific projects such as reopening leasing in ANWR’s Coastal Plain, reauthorizing Ambler Access Project permits, finalizing land allotments for Vietnam-era veterans, and advancing infrastructure like King Cove Road as examples where current leadership has acted on behalf of Alaskans’ interests.

Congressman Begich described today’s event as evidence of effective cooperation between federal authorities and state leaders: “Today’s event at the Department of the Interior was a clear example of the strong partnership between the Trump Administration and Alaska. I want to thank Secretary Burgum, President Trump, and the entire Department of the Interior team for their steadfast commitment to Alaska.” He emphasized how these decisions support both resource development potential in Alaska as well as recognition for veterans’ service.

Secretary Burgum stated: “From day one, President Trump directed us to unlock Alaska’s energy and resource potential while honoring commitments to state and local communities,” adding that new measures would strengthen energy independence while supporting jobs across Alaska.

Governor Dunleavy called today’s announcements historic: “President Trump and his administration are delivering on promises made to Alaska,” he said.

The administrative actions include certification of three new land allotments under a program established by legislation sponsored by Senators Sullivan and Murkowski in 2019. The program allows eligible Vietnam-era Native veterans or their heirs to apply for parcels ranging from 2.5 up to 160 acres on certain Bureau of Land Management lands; hundreds more applications remain pending.

The restoration announced today also affects oil development policy in ANWR's Coastal Plain—a region opened by Congress through legislation passed in 2017 but later subject to lease suspensions under President Biden's administration before being reversed by today's action.

For critical minerals development in central Alaska's Ambler Mining District—which holds resources like copper—the reissued permits follow Congressional direction given decades ago ensuring right-of-way access across federal lands via provisions within ANILCA (Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act).

In King Cove—a remote Aleut community facing frequent weather-related airstrip closures—the newly announced land exchange will allow construction connecting existing roads inside Izembek refuge boundaries with Cold Bay's all-weather airport less than 30 miles away. The agreement expands conservation areas while facilitating safer emergency transport options after years marked by over 200 hazardous medevac operations.

Recent Secretaries Zinke, Bernhardt, Haaland—and now Burgum—have supported efforts enabling this road project intended to improve public safety outcomes among residents isolated by geography.