ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has signed a land trade agreement that could lead to construction of a road through the heart of a national wildlife refuge in Alaska.
The agreement Monday calls swapping up to 0.8 square miles (2 square kilometers) of federal land within Izembek (EYE-zem-bek) National Wildlife Refuge for lands of equal value owned by King Cove Native Corp.
The refuge encompasses internationally recognized habitat for migrating waterfowl on the Alaska Peninsula.
The village of King Cove, where weather frequently cancels flights, for years has sought land access to an all-weather airport at Cold Bay.
King Cove officials backed by Alaska's congressional delegation say land access is needed for emergency flights out of the village.
Environmental groups vow to fight road construction through the refuge.