2017 Alaska Statutes
Title 27. Mining
Chapter 21. Alaska Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act
Article 3. Abandoned Mines
Sec. 27.21.310. Liens on abandoned mine areas.
(a) Within six months after the completion of a project under AS 27.21.290 to restore or reclaim privately owned real property or to abate, control, or prevent the adverse effects of past surface coal mining practice on privately owned real property, the commissioner shall itemize the money spent on the project. If the project results or will result in a significant increase in the real property's fair market value, the commissioner may file a statement of the money spent in the recording office in the area in which the real property is located with a notarized appraisal by a licensed appraiser of the fair market value of the real property before the project began. The statement constitutes a lien on the real property as of the date of the expenditure which is second only to the lien of property taxes. The lien may not exceed the amount determined by either of two appraisals to be the increase in the fair market value of the real property as a result of the project. A lien may not be filed under this subsection against real property of a person who owned the surface before May 2, 1977, and who did not consent to, participate in, or exercise control over the surface coal mining operation that necessitated the project.
(b) A person affected by a lien under (a) of this section may petition the commissioner within 60 days after the recording of the lien for a hearing concerning the amount of the lien.
