Uncle Sam Says 'Not It!' to Alaska's Riverbed Ownership Drama
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The State of Alaska has asked the government to officially say it doesn’t own the land under parts of the Delta River, Tangle River, and Tangle Lakes. This could change who controls these underwater lands and might affect local management. People have until February 6, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made after April 7, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
State may gain 14,026 acres of submerged land
The State of Alaska filed an application asking the Bureau of Land Management to record a disclaimer of the United States' interest in about 14,026 acres of submerged lands under the Delta River, Tangle River, and Tangle Lakes. The application says these waters were navigable on Alaska Statehood (January 3, 1959) and contends ownership passed to the State; the public may comment by February 6, 2026 and the BLM will decide on or after April 7, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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