DNR proposes lower easement fees for long utility corridors; comment deadline Aug. 17

Alaska's Department of Natural Resources is proposing to reduce easement and right-of-way fees for long-distance utility corridors on state land, a change that would affect telecom providers, electric utilities, and other entities building linear infrastructure across the state.

What Would Change

Under current regulations at 11 AAC 05.070(d)(2)(C), a public utility easement costs 70 cents per linear foot with no distance-based reduction. The proposed change would apply that rate only to the first 100 miles. Each additional mile would drop to 10 cents per linear foot. A companion change would cap annual entry authorization fees at $20,000. The Division of Mining, Land and Water says the changes are not expected to require an increased appropriation.

Note: Existing DNR materials also reference a one-time fee of $0.56 per linear foot for a public utility easement under Director's Fee Order No. 3, which is a separate fee example rather than the current regulatory rate.

How to Comment

Written comments are due by 5:00 p.m. on August 17, 2026. Comments may be submitted by email to [email protected], through the online portal at https://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/comment/submit/?topic=erow_regchanges, by mail, or by facsimile. Comments may address the potential costs to private persons of complying with the proposed changes. Written questions must reach Molly Benson at the Division's Anchorage office no later than August 7. Only those who submit timely written comments will be eligible to request reconsideration of the final decision. Comments and questions submitted to DNR are public records subject to the Alaska Public Records Act.