Beluga comment period extended

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced it is extending the public comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Cook Inlet Beluga whale by 30 days.

The move follows a letter signed by Alaska’s congressional delegation asking for the extension.

Mat-Su Borough Mayor Talis Colberg recently joined Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan and Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Dave Carey to discuss the impact the designation would have on Southcentral’s economy. All of them represent communities with crucial economic interest in the Inlet.

“When you get an endangered species act designation it means there has to be an extra layer of procedure for anything that relates to the ocean where they live,” Colberg told the Frontiersman in an earlier interview.

The delegation showed concern about the impact the designation would have on the Port of Anchorage, but Port MacKenzie south of Knik is a deep-water port that would also be adversely affected if the designation goes through.

“I am pleased to see NOAA has taken our request seriously and will grant Alaskans and other interested parties more time to comment on this important issue,” Begich said. “I remain concerned of the negative impact the designation could have on the area as the development of Cook Inlet is necessary for job creation and the overall strength and stability of our economy.”

In early December, NOAA announced its proposal to establish 3,000 square miles in Cook Inlet as critical habitat for the beluga whale population, with a public comment period ending Feb. 1. On Dec. 23, the Alaska Congressional Delegation wrote NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco a letter asking for a minimum of 30 extra days for public comment, noting the proposed designation came out during the holiday season when many Alaskans were focused on family and not public policy.

“We understand NOAA’s responsibility to conserve and recover this species and appreciate your work to stay within the statutory time lines for determining critical habitat. In doing so, however, we are concerned about taking such action without adequate analysis of the economic and national security consequences of this designation,” the letter states.

The proposed rule and other materials relating to the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Cook Inlet beluga whale can be found at www.fakr.noaa.gov.

The new comment deadline is March 3.

Sens. Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski, and Rep. Don Young comprise Alaska’s Congressional delegatoin.