2000-01-24                     Senate Journal                      Page 2052
SB 219                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 219 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to the granting authority of and                              
extending the termination date of the Alaska                                   
regional economic assistance program; and providing                            
for an effective date.                                                         
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and             
Finance Committees.                                                            
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from Department of Community and                   
Economic Development.                                                          
                                                                               
                                                                               

2000-01-24                     Senate Journal                      Page 2053
SB 219                                                                       
Governors transmittal letter dated January 21:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
As part of the state's continuing efforts to enhance Alaska's economy,         
I am transmitting this bill to reauthorize the program for Alaska              
regional development organizations (ARDORs).                                   
                                                                               
The ARDOR program provides state grants to nonprofit organizations             
formed to encourage economic development within a particular                   
region of the state. Each ARDOR must demonstrate local                         
commitment to the program through matching funds. This year, the               
ARDORs used the $620,000 received from the state to leverage an                
additional $3,500,000 in public and private contributions for                  
economic development activities.                                               
                                                                               
This bill extends the ARDOR program for three years, to July 1,                
2003, and permits an increase in the number of regional development            
organizations from 15 to 17 that may receive grants from the                   
Department of Community and Economic Development. This will                    
allow the state to extend the program benefits to two areas that have          
expressed interest in being recognized as ARDORs, providing                    
sufficient funding is appropriated.                                            
                                                                               
Regional development organizations play an important role in                   
Alaska's economic development efforts. I urge your prompt and                  
favorable action on this measure.                                              
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor