What is a public notice?
A public notice is an official announcement that a government agency must make before it takes certain actions, so that people who may be affected can learn about the action in time to respond. A notice usually explains what the agency proposes to do, why, where, and how and by when the public can comment, object, or ask for a hearing.
State of Alaska agencies post notices when they propose regulations, review permits and applications (for example mining, water rights, land use, and air or water quality), sell or lease state land and resources, hold public meetings, and seek bids for contracts. These notices are collected on the State of Alaska Online Public Notices system, which the Office of the Lieutenant Governor maintains. Some are also published in newspapers.
Why is a public notice necessary?
- Openness. Many government decisions affect land, water, air, health, money and services that belong to or serve the public. Notice keeps those decisions from being made out of view.
- Fairness. People whose property, livelihood or community may be affected deserve a chance to be heard before a decision is final, not after.
- Better decisions. Residents, businesses, tribes and local governments often know things an agency doesn't, such as local conditions, traditional uses, safety concerns or better alternatives.
- Accountability and legal validity. When the law requires notice and an agency skips it, the action can be challenged. For example, actions taken in violation of the Open Meetings Act can be voided.
What statutes and regulations in Alaska require notice?
Many laws require public notice. These are some of the most common ones behind the notices on this site:
| Subject | Law | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| State land and resources | Alaska Constitution, Art. VIII, §10 | No sale or lease of state lands, or interests in them, without prior public notice and other safeguards of the public interest set by law. |
| Land sales, leases and easements | AS 38.05.945; 11 AAC 82.415 | Procedures for notice of state land disposals, and what those notices must contain (for example a description of the land and an opportunity to comment). |
| Regulations | AS 44.62.190 (Administrative Procedure Act) | At least 30 days' notice before an agency adopts, amends or repeals a regulation, so the public can comment. |
| Public meetings | AS 44.62.310 (Open Meetings Act) | Reasonable public notice of meetings that must be open to the public, including date, time and place. Actions taken in violation can be voided. |
| Where notices are posted | AS 44.62.175 | The Lieutenant Governor maintains the Alaska Online Public Notice System, which carries notices such as proposed regulations, agency meetings and bid solicitations. |
| State contracts | AS 36.30.130 (State Procurement Code) | Public notice of invitations to bid. |
| Water rights | AS 46.15.133 | Notice of water-right applications. People may file written objections within 15 days of publication. |
| Coal mining | AS 27.21 (Surface Coal Mining Control and Reclamation Act) | Notice of permit applications and renewals, with a chance to file written comments or objections and request an informal conference. |
| Air quality permits | AS 46.14; 18 AAC 50 | Public notice and comment on draft air permits, with the option to request a hearing. |
| Oil spill contingency plans | AS 46.04.030; 18 AAC 75 | Public notice and comment when oil discharge prevention and contingency plans are submitted or renewed. |
This table is a general guide, not legal advice. Each notice cites the specific law that applies to it. The current text of Alaska Statutes (AS) and the Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) is available from the Alaska Legislature.
Why is public participation important?
- Your comments become part of the record. Agencies generally must consider comments received on time before making a final decision, and comments can change the outcome: a condition added to a permit, a change to a regulation, or a hearing being held.
- Local knowledge matters. People who live and work near a project often see impacts and alternatives that aren't obvious from an office.
- It can protect your rights. In some processes, only people who commented or objected during the notice period can later ask for reconsideration or appeal. If a decision could affect you, commenting on time keeps your options open.
- It keeps government accountable. A record of public comment shows what was known when a decision was made.
How do I respond to a public notice?
- Open the notice on SusitnAK and read How can the public respond? It lists the deadline, the ways to respond (email, mail, online form, hearing) and the contact.
- Note the exact deadline, including the time and time zone. Late comments are often not considered.
- Include any reference numbers the notice asks for, such as a permit, case or ADL number, and say clearly what you support, oppose or want changed, and why.
- Remember that comments are usually public records. Don't include information you don't want made public.
- If you need an accommodation to take part, contact the agency before the date given in the notice.
Always check the official notice, linked from every page on SusitnAK, before you rely on a deadline or instruction.
What happens after the comment period closes?
The agency reviews the comments and then issues a final decision. It may approve, change or deny the proposal, adopt the regulation as proposed or with changes, or decide to take no action. Agencies don't always respond to each comment individually. Many decisions can be appealed or reconsidered within a set time; the notice or the final decision explains how.
Where does SusitnAK get its information, and how current is it?
Everything on SusitnAK comes from the State of Alaska Online Public Notices system, public information available to anyone. SusitnAK is updated every day, sorts notices by agency, and adds a plain-language summary to each one. Summaries are generated automatically and may contain errors. The official notice is always the authoritative version. SusitnAK is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the State of Alaska.