Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act Local Hire

Statement

Earlier this month, the Interior Department announced it will re-implement the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act (ANILCA) local hire authority (language I inserted into last year's Interior Appropriations bill) which authorizes federal land management agencies in Alaska to resume hiring local residents, including longtime seasonal workers, without having to go through federal competitive hiring requirements. The updated local hire language also allows the agencies to continue converting seasonal employees to permanent status.

The local hire program is important to Alaskans throughout the state who will now be eligible for many job opportunities in federally managed conservation units. Since it's Alaskans who best know their own backyards -- even if it's under federal management -- it's only logical that Alaskans should fill those positions. The more Alaskans and federal land managers work together, the better their relationship will be. This program has been a priority for me, and I'm pleased to see it implemented as this summer's seasonal hiring begins.

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