The President signed H.R. 2815, the Cape Fox Land Entitlement Finalization Act of 2025, on May 19, according to a May 20 announcement. The legislation was led in the House by Congressman Nick Begich and aims to resolve a long-standing Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) land entitlement issue for Cape Fox Corporation and the Native Village of Saxman.
The new law is intended to bring closure to an unresolved ANCSA entitlement issue that has affected Cape Fox Corporation and its shareholders for nearly two decades. It grants the corporation flexibility in securing lands that are considered more practical and economically beneficial.
“This signing is an important victory for the people of Saxman seeking certainty and opportunity after decades of delay,” said Congressman Nick Begich. “This law helps bring closure to an unresolved ANCSA entitlement issue by giving Cape Fox the flexibility to secure lands that are more practical and economically beneficial for its shareholders. It also reinforces Congress’s commitment to honoring the intent of ANCSA while supporting responsible development and long-term growth opportunities in Southeast Alaska. I commend the leadership at Cape Fox for their partnership and years of effort on this issue.”
Clifford Blair, President of the Cape Fox Corporation Board of Directors, said, “Cape Fox Corporation thanks Representative Begich and the entire Alaska Congressional Delegation for their leadership and tireless work to secure passage of this historic legislation. After nearly 20 years of pursuing a legislative solution, Cape Fox has finally completed its ANCSA land entitlement. This law fulfills a long-standing promise to the Saxman community and opens the door to new opportunities for land access, energy development, and economic growth.”
The legislation authorizes federal land within Tongass National Forest to be conveyed to Cape Fox Corporation while waiving statutory requirements that had previously prevented finalization under ANCSA. Under H.R. 2815, about 180 acres outside original selection boundaries can now be selected by Cape Fox Corporation; public access easements will be preserved along with valid existing rights on these lands.
H.R. 2815 passed both chambers with bipartisan support before being signed into law.