Cape Fox Land Act 2025 (H.R. 2815)

Summary

Allows the Cape Fox Village Corporation, an Alaska Native group, to receive about 180 acres of federal land to complete their land ownership rights.

What problem does this solve?

The Cape Fox Village Corporation could not get all the land it was promised because the remaining land in its designated area was not suitable. This law lets the corporation choose a different piece of federal land, about 180 acres, to finally get what it is owed.

What does this law do?

Transfers federal land to Cape Fox Corporation

Directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer about 180 acres of land in the Tongass National Forest to the Cape Fox Village Corporation.

Waives a land selection rule

Removes the requirement for Cape Fox to select land within the township where the Native Village of Saxman is located, allowing them to choose land elsewhere.

Finalizes land claim settlement

States that this land transfer fully satisfies the land rights owed to both the Cape Fox and Sealaska Corporations under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

Grants underground rights to Sealaska Corporation

Gives the rights to the land's resources underground, like minerals, to the Sealaska Corporation once the surface land is transferred to Cape Fox.

Keeps a path for public access

Ensures a public path is kept through the transferred land to allow people to get to other parts of the National Forest.

Who does this affect?

Members of the Cape Fox Village Corporation
Sealaska Corporation
Recreational users of Tongass National Forest

What is the real world impact?

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Fulfills a land promise to an Alaska Native corporation

Completes a land transfer promised to the Cape Fox Village Corporation under a major 1971 law, providing them with land for economic and cultural use.

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Promotes economic development for the Native village

Allows the corporation to select more valuable land, which can be used for business or other projects to benefit the people of the Native Village of Saxman.

When does this start?

The land transfer process has several deadlines that begin after the law is passed.

Land selection by Cape Fox

Cape Fox must submit a written notice to select the federal land within 90 days of the law being passed.

Government transfer of land

The Secretary of the Interior must complete the land transfer to Cape Fox and Sealaska Corporation no later than 180 days after receiving the selection notice.