WASHINGTON, DC – On New Years, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 443, as amended in the Senate, by a vote of 410 to 5.

This legislation was originally introduced by Alaskan Congressman Don Young and will direct the Department of Health and Human Services to transfer three parcels of federal land in Kotzebue, Alaska from the Indian Health Service to the Maniilaq Assocation. The land transfer will allow Maniilaq to significantly enhance their health and social services operations. The Indian Health Service has expressed its support for the bill’s passage.

The “final passage of the Maniilaq land transfer legislation is welcomed news for the people of the Northwest Arctic Borough,”said Rep. Young. “Allowing Maniilaq to grow will in the long term, improve the health and well being of all Alaska Natives that live in Northwestern Alaska. The legislation promotes the expansion of a healthcare provider with a proven track record and avoids the normal bureaucratic red tape that has become the status quo here in Washington.”

The Maniilaq Association provides health, social, and tribal services to the residents of 12 villages located in the Northwest Arctic Borough. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.