2003-02-19                     Senate Journal                      Page 0223
SB 73                                                                                             
SENATE BILL NO. 73 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                    
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                               
                                                                                                    
               "An Act relating to the authority of the Alaska                                     
             Industrial Development and Export Authority to issue                                  
          bonds; and providing for an effective date."                                              
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and                                  
Finance Committees.                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal information was published today:                                               
 Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Community and Economic                                      
 Development                                                                                        
                                                                                                    
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 18:                                                    
                                                                                                    
Dear President Therriault:                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill that would extend the sunset on the Alaska                                      
Industrial Development and Export Authority's (Authority) bonding                                   
authorization until July 1, 2007.                                                                   
                                                                                                    
The bill would extend the Authority's bonding authorization for                                     
development projects of $10,000,000 or less. The Authority's general                                
bonding authorization will expire June 30, 2003, unless extended.                                   
Allowing that authorization to expire would severely restrict the                                   
Authority's ability to assist in key development projects.                                          
                                                                                                    
In a time of dwindling state resources, this bill would further the                                 
Authority's mission to forge public-private partnerships that can                                   
strengthen the state's economic base.                                                               
                                                                                                    
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
Sincerely,                                                                                          
/s/                                                                                                 
Frank H. Murkowski                                                                                  
Governor