2002-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 2005
SB 254                                                                                            
SENATE BILL NO. 254 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                   
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
                    "An Act making supplemental and other                                          
          appropriations; and providing for an effective date."                                     
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee.                                      
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22:                                                     
                                                                                                    
Dear President Halford:                                                                             
                                                                                                    
I am transmitting to you a supplemental appropriation bill that I urge                              
the Legislature to put on a "fast track" for action because the items                               
contained in the bill are vital to Alaska's primary industries - fishing,                           
tourism and oil. All of these industries are integral to the economic                               
health of our entire state, and all of them face challenges in the coming                           
year for various reasons -- the public's reaction to terrorism, national                            
stock market conditions, national energy policy, and increased                                      
competition in the global marketplace.                                                              
                                                                                                    
The bill includes $10 million appropriations to boost marketing efforts                             
in the salmon and tourism industries. The salmon marketing efforts                                  
include $5 million for regional salmon marketing grants and                                         
international niche marketing program to promote salmon in                                          
developing markets. The other $5 million is earmarked for the Alaska                                
Seafood Marketing Institute for domestic and international marketing                                
and quality assurance.                                                                              
                                                                                                    
Tourism assistance includes a $9.8 million grant to the Alaska Travel                               
Industry Association to mitigate the drastic decline in recreational                                
travel after September 11th. The Alaska Marine Highway System                                       
would receive $200,000 to specifically promote travel to Alaska by                                  
ferry and communities on the system.                                                                
                                                                                                    
The remaining $1 million proposed in the bill is for a grant to Arctic                              
Power to continue its national efforts in gaining support for oil and gas                           
exploration and development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.                                 
                                                                                                    

2002-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 2006
The fishing, tourism, and oil and gas industries provide the highest                                
number of jobs in Alaska and drive our economy statewide. Slumps in                                 
these industries ripple down to the local level in diminished revenue                               
from fish, sales, and bed taxes. It is the responsibility of state                                  
government to use the tools we have to ensure Alaska's economy is                                   
vibrant and able to sustain quality of life. I urge you to consider and                             
pass these appropriations as soon as possible.                                                      
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Tony Knowles                                                                                        
Governor