H.R. 2815: Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025, aims to provide equitable treatment for the Village Corporation established for the Native Village of Saxman, Alaska, specifically the Cape Fox Village Corporation. Here is a breakdown of the key components:

Definitions

• Cape Fox: Refers to the Cape Fox Village Corporation, which is organized under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
• Federal land: About 180 acres of land within the Tongass National Forest in Alaska designated for conveyance.
• Secretary: The Secretary of the Interior, who will be responsible for conveying the land.

Waiver of Requirement

The bill allows the Cape Fox Village Corporation to bypass a requirement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which mandates the selection or receipt of a specific amount of land (core township requirement) that is not applicable to them for this land selection.

Land Description

The bill specifies the land that Cape Fox can select, which includes approximately:

• 40 acres in T. 74 S., R.90 E., sec. 10, SWNE, Copper River Meridian.
• 144.57 acres in T. 75 S., R.91 E., sec. 1, lots 1, 3, and 4, Copper River Meridian.

Conveyance Process

The bill outlines a process for the conveyance of the designated Federal land:

• If the Cape Fox submits a selection notice to the Secretary, the Secretary must convey the Federal land to Cape Fox within 90 days.
• Additionally, the subsurface estate of the Federal land will be conveyed to another entity, Sealaska Corporation.
• Congress intends for this process to be completed as quickly as possible, ideally within 180 days of receiving the selection notice.

Fulfillment of Entitlements

The conveyance of land to Cape Fox and subsurface rights to Sealaska Corporation will fulfill the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act regarding land entitlements for both entities.

Public Access Easement

The land conveyance will include a public access easement, which ensures that access to National Forest System land on Revillagigedo Island will be maintained from the George Inlet, as mandated by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

Relevant Companies

• None found