Alaska has more coastline than all of the other U.S. states combined, but unlike all those other states, Alaskans have no say in how their coasts are managed or developed.

If Outside and foreign corporations have their way, that's how it will remain.

A successful coastal zone management program has been in place since the 1970s, but the program expired last year when lawmakers and Gov. Sean Parnell failed to agree on its extension. Despite constant criticism of "the feds" always trying to butt into Alaska's business, the state surrendered authority to guide and control development of its coastline to the U.S. government. That didn't rest well with the majority of Alaskans. More than 33,000 residents signed a petition to reinstate a coastal management program and to put the question to voters as a ballot initiative this fall. On Aug. 28, Alaskans will decide if they want to have a voice at the table.