Maybe we need to look to collaborate a little bit more because we're so snarled up on road less right now in Alaska.

I'll continue on what we're going to do to increase the harvest.

I think you would all agree with us on that.

Chief, you and I have both acknowledged that in order to get to that second growth we can't just snap our fingers.

The Federal compensation programs that we're talking about today, whether Secure Rural Schools or Payment in Lieu of Taxes, have been extraordinarily valuable in our rural communities, certainly in my State of Alaska.

How we rob Peter to pay Paul, to use Senator Barrasso's expression here.

You've heard the frustration clearly here. You all each have said that there is support for reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools, support for PILT and appreciation as to why the need, why the necessity.

These payments are literally payments in lieu of taxes to compensate our local governments for the loss in tax revenue caused by this change in policy.

I'm weary, just weary of having to go back to constituents at home again who are looking at their communities and recognizing that from year to year they don't really know what's going to happen to them.

Bridge funding for a long time. That bridge is getting real long.

Even though the Tongass management plan calls for 267 million board feet. So what we're saying is, is that we're delivering a little bit more, but we're not even half way to what the Tongass management plan calls for.

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Until that happens King Cove will stand as a prime example of Federal over reach and the harm that it can cause.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The NPRA plan calls for placing 52 percent of the Nation's largest petroleum reserve into protected status.

But both of these plans that are in process now effectively create new wilderness without the requisite congressional approval for the declarations.

There's a 1980 Alaskan National Interest Lands Conservation Act contained within ANILCA is a provision that effectively precludes the Administration from declaring major, new conservation areas in Alaska.

I would hope that you would be willing to work with us in encouraging just that aspect.

I'm asking for your commitment that you will work with me, work with the State of Alaska in addressing this shameful eyesore that's been left by the Federal Government.

I appreciate that commitment. I think we recognize that it is a new area up there although not unexplored back in the 1980s.

We are all aware of instances where misguided Federal restrictions are making it harder for local people to live, to be safe, to prosper.

I know that in your written statement you provide that one of your top priorities is in upholding the sacred trust responsibilities to the Native American and the Alaska native communities.

I am pleased to stand with so many colleagues not only here on the Senate side but over in the House to recognize an accomplishment--an accomplishment of the Congress. I think it is important to recognize that in these times that are so…