Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) inserted a rider into the Interior appropriations bill that requires speedy action on a land swap benefiting an Alaska Native corporation.

The reason for the quick transaction is not known, The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported. But Doyon Ltd. and the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge have been talking about a land swap for several years.

The rider would allow Doyon to acquire 100,000 acres outside of the refuge. In exchange, Doyon would convey land within the Flats to the refuge and share oil and gas royalties on the newly acquired land.

The rider requires action by December 31. Environmental groups blasted Stevens for circumventing a public comment process the refuge was planning to conduct.

Get the Story:
Stevens tries to broker Doyon Ltd. land deal (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 9/17)

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