Wessells v. State, Department of Highways

BOOCHEVER, Chief Justice.

This appeal from summary judgment involves the interpretation of a provision in a lease issued by the State of Alaska, Division of Lands. Paragraph 6 of the lease expressly reserves the right to grant an easement or right-of-way across the leased property. The central question before this court is whether that paragraph authorizes the state to utilize the entire parcel for highway purposes without compensating Wessells for his leasehold interest. Additionally, Wessells seeks review of the trial court’s award of attorney’s fees to the state.

The principal facts are…