Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2003-05-09 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2003-05-09 Senate Journal Page 1274 SB 215 SENATE BILL NO. 215 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act giving notice of and approving the entry into and the issuance of certificates of participation for a lease-purchase agreement for a seafood and food safety laboratory facility; relating to the use of certain investment income for certain construction costs; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Environmental Conservation Governor's transmittal letter dated May 8, 2003: 2003-05-09 Senate Journal Page 1275 Dear President Therriault: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to issuing certificates of participation to fund a new seafood and food safety laboratory. The state's food safety laboratory plays a vital role in protecting the health of Alaskans. The seafood and food safety laboratory tests crabs, geoducks, and other shellfish for toxins, a service not offered in the private sector. Local dairy products must be tested by a state laboratory before they can be sold to schools and the military. Federal law also requires a state laboratory to certify private laboratories to perform drinking water compliance testing for public water systems. Additionally, the new laboratory will have an area designated as bio safety level III for testing of anthrax or other bio-terrorism agents. The new laboratory would not duplicate existing laboratories in the state. The current lease will soon expire, requiring the facility to be relocated. Building a state-owned facility is cheaper than leasing a privately-owned facility, and the state owns a parcel of land ready for development. The Alaska State Legislature has recognized the need for replacement through previous planning and design appropriations. The bill I transmit today is the next and final step in providing Alaskans with a worthwhile facility by setting up a bonding structure for its construction. The proposed method is the issuance of certificates of participation for a lease-purchase agreement. In the interests of public health for Alaskans and consumers of Alaskan food, fish and dairy products, as well as the economic health of these industries, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor