On Aug. 11, 1986, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill which would trade Atika Inc. claims on Admiralty Island for land around the Bay of Pillars on Kuiu Island near Sitka, $25 million, and $11 million in forgiven loans. It would also allow the expansion of Greens Creek mine.
U.S. Rep. Don Young, co-sponsor of the bill, believed that its passage would help diversify Alaska’s economy during a time of need, while lobbyist Randy Snodgrass for the Wilderness Society said that although there are offensive provisions in the bill, it may be the best compromise that can be made and will indeed protect Admiralty Island, the Wilderness Society’s primary goal. The bill was waiting on the U.S. Senate’s steps.
In other news, the Juneau Volunteer Fire Department extinguished an emblazed apartment building on Sunday morning. No one was injured in the fire.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
