Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025
What does the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025 do?
HR 2815 is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Nicholas J. Begich (R-AK). The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA) gave Alaska Native corporations the right to select federal land as compensation for aboriginal land claims. Cape Fox Corporation — the Native village corporation for Saxman, Alaska — still has acres remaining from that original entitlement. This bill lets Cape Fox satisfy that remaining entitlement by selecting approximately 180 acres in the Tongass National Forest rather than a previously required township parcel near Saxman. The subsurface estate of the selected land goes to Sealaska Corporation, and a public access easement is reserved.
Did HR 2815 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, HR 2815 has been signed into law.
Status: Signed into Law
Latest vote: Senate Passed by unanimous consent on February 26, 2026
Outlook: Enacted
Key provisions
- Land Selection Change
- Cape Fox may select approximately 180 acres in Tongass National Forest instead of ~185 acres in the Saxman township
- Conveyance Deadlines
- Cape Fox has 90 days from enactment to submit written notice of selection to the Secretary of the Interior
- Interior must convey surface estate to Cape Fox within 180 days of receiving the selection notice
- Subsurface estate of the same land conveyed simultaneously to Sealaska Corporation
- Public Access Preserved
- Easement reserved under ANCSA Section 17(b) to allow public access to National Forest land via George Inlet on Revillagigedo Island
Last updated June 10, 2026