00                      CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 96(HES)                                                                     
01 "An Act relating to acquisition and development of the Jesse Lee Home; and providing                                    
02 for an effective date."                                                                                                 
03 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
04    * Section 1.  The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section                         
05 to read:                                                                                                                
06       FINDINGS; INTENT.  (a) The legislature finds that the Jesse Lee Home in Seward                                    
07 has historical significance for all the people of the state because John Ben (Benny) Benson,                            
08 Jr., lived at the home when he designed the state flag.                                                                 
09       (b)  The legislature further finds that the Jesse Lee Home is currently in such                                   
10 dilapidated condition, having been vacant since it was damaged by the 1964 earthquake, that                             
11 the home's renovation is beyond the means of the local community.                                                       
12       (c)  It is the intent of the legislature that the Jesse Lee Home and the real property on                         
13 which it is located be acquired by the state and managed in a manner that recognizes its place                          
14 in the state's history.  Appropriate management would include the erection of a monument                                

01 honoring Benny Benson for his role in designing the state flag and development of the site as                           
02 a place where community events and ceremonies could be held.                                                            
03    * Sec. 2.  The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new section to                         
04 read:                                                                                                                   
05       JESSE LEE HOME.  (a)  The Department of Natural Resources shall determine the                                     
06 costs and procedures necessary for the state to acquire, develop, and manage the Jesse Lee                              
07 Home.  The department shall report to the governor and the legislature by November 1, 2002,                             
08 concerning its recommendations as to the procedures to be used and an estimate of costs                                 
09 involved for state acquisition of the home, erection of an appropriate monument, development                            
10 of the site for future appropriate uses, and ongoing management.                                                        
11       (b)  In addition to determining the costs and procedures for state acquisition and                                
12 management of the Jesse Lee Home, the Department of Natural Resources may also consider                                 
13 whether there are other options that would protect the historical value of the home and include                         
14 in the report required under (a) of this section the department's findings as to the costs and                          
15 procedures that could be used to implement the other options.                                                           
16       (c)  Subject to the availability of an appropriation specified as being for the acquisition                       
17 of the Jesse Lee Home, the Department of Natural Resources shall acquire the Jesse Lee                                  
18 Home and develop and manage it consistent with the intent of this Act.                                                  
19    * Sec. 3.  This Act takes effect July 1, 2001.