2023 Alaska Statutes › Title 38. Public Land › Chapter 05. Alaska Land Act › Article 16. Miscellaneous Provisions. › Sec. 38.05.825. Conveyance of tide and submerged land to municipalities.

(a) Unless the commissioner finds that the public interest in retaining state ownership of the land clearly outweighs the municipality's interest in obtaining the land, the commissioner shall convey to a municipality tide or submerged land requested by the municipality that is occupied or suitable for occupation and development if the
(1) land is within or contiguous to the boundaries of the municipality;
(2) use of the land would not unreasonably interfere with navigation or public access;
(3) municipality has applied to the commissioner for conveyance of the land under this section;
(4) land is not subject to a shore fisheries lease under AS 38.05.082, or, if the land is subject to a shore fisheries lease, the commissioner determines it is in the best interests of the state to convey the land;
(5) land is classified for waterfront development or for another use that is consistent or compatible with the use proposed by the municipality, or the proposed use of the land is consistent or compatible with a land use plan adopted by the municipality or the department; and
(6) land
(A) is required for the accomplishment of a public or private development approved by the municipality;
(B) is the subject of a lease from the state to the municipality; or
(C) has been approved for lease to the municipality.
(b) The commissioner may not convey land under this section that has been designated by statute unless the commissioner determines that the proposed use is consistent or compatible with the purpose of the statutory designation. Land designated as a state game refuge, game sanctuary, or critical habitat area may not be conveyed unless the commissioner of fish and game also determines that the proposed use is consistent or compatible with the purpose of the designation. If land designated by statute is conveyed, uses of the land after conveyance are restricted to those uses determined by the commissioner of natural resources to be consistent or compatible with the purpose of the designation.
(c) Upon receipt of an application, the commissioner shall determine whether the requested conveyance meets the requirements of this section and issue a written decision regarding that determination. Upon a determination that the requirements have been met, the commissioner shall approve the conveyance of the land to the municipality. After conveyance to the municipality is approved, the municipality has management authority of the land and may lease the land, but may not sell it. The cost of the survey and all subdivision or other platting required for conveyance shall be borne by the municipality.
(d) A conveyance under this section may contain only those restrictions required by law, including AS 38.05.127 and (b) of this section, or required to support a finding that the conveyance is in the best interest of the state. Land conveyed is subject to the public trust doctrine that may be enforced by the state in a court of competent jurisdiction. The municipality shall be required to ensure that reasonable access to public waters and tidelands is provided. The municipality may not lease land conveyed under this section for shore fisheries, but after conveyance, the land may be leased by the state for shore fisheries under AS 38.05.082 if the commissioner determines that the lease is compatible with the municipality's use of the land. Title to land conveyed under this section that is retained by the municipality reverts to the state upon the dissolution of the municipality.
(e) This section does not enlarge or diminish the general grant land entitlement of a municipality under AS 29.65, nor is a conveyance under this section counted against the municipality's general grant land entitlement.