2003-03-12                     Senate Journal                      Page 0475
implementing agency, to adopt local ordinances as enforceable                                       
policies to be applied in consistency reviews of federal projects and                               
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) development. The DNR would consult                                    
with the local government when interpreting and applying the local                                  
ordinance as part of a consistency review. Third, the bill would                                    
specifically adopt certain existing coastal district policies for federal                           
OCS development as state enforceable policies.                                                      
                                                                                                    
Coastal resource service areas in the unorganized borough would no                                  
longer exist. However, municipalities within the unorganized borough                                
could participate in both the funding and regulatory aspects of the                                 
program. Because the bill would affect the way coastal communities                                  
participate in the program, I have consulted with communities across                                
the state and incorporated their suggestions into the legislation.                                  
                                                                                                    
The bill would also eliminate the Coastal Policy Council, but would                                 
create a Coastal Program Evaluation Council to submit a report to the                               
Governor on the implementation of these reforms. The council would                                  
sunset July 1, 2005.                                                                                
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
                        Consideration of the Calendar                                            
                                                                                                    
                        Second Reading of Senate Bills                                           
                                                                                                    
SB 77                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 77 "An Act naming the William Ransom Wood                                           
Centennial Bridge in Fairbanks" was read the second time.                                           
                                                                                                    
Senator Ben Stevens moved and asked unanimous consent that the bill                                 
be considered engrossed, advanced to third reading and placed on final                              
passage. Senator Ellis objected, then withdrew his objection. There                                 
being no further objections, it was so ordered.