WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of the Administration's ongoing commitment to Alaska, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell is scheduled to make a multi-day visit to the state later this week. This will be Secretary Jewell's first visit to Alaska in her official capacity; she has been to the state more than a dozen times serving in previous roles, including as an oil and gas engineer, commercial banker and outdoor recreation business leader.
“Alaska is a unique and special place, and I look forward to meeting with local leaders and partners and spending some time visiting the incredible resources that the state is so blessed to have,” said Jewell. “These conversations are critical as we continue to chart a course for thoughtful and wise management of these natural and energy resources – using the best available science and integrating cultural, environmental and economic factors in decision-making about development and conservation.”
On Friday, Aug. 30, Jewell, along with Senator Lisa Murkowski, will attend public meetings in the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay to inform a pending decision concerning the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Land Exchange/Road Corridor as directed under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Jewell will also spend time visiting the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, a 315,000 acre refuge and wilderness area located near the tip of the Alaska Peninsula.
Over the weekend, Jewell will travel with Senator Mark Begich to the North Slope and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska where they will discuss issues regarding resource development and public lands management with local and elected leaders and stakeholders.
Jewell will also spend a night in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1960 to preserve unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values of the region's vast and wild landscapes.
On Tuesday, Sept. 3, Jewell will hold a media availability in Anchorage to summarize the trip. Additional details will be provided in the coming days.
Source: Department of Interior
