Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2021-01-29 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2021-01-29 Senate Journal Page 0110 SB 60 SENATE BILL NO. 60 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act establishing the sport fishing hatchery facilities account; establishing the sport fishing facility surcharge; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Fish and Game Governor's transmittal letter dated January 28: Dear President Micciche: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to sportfish hatchery bond surcharges. This bill would allow the Department of Fish and Game to continue to collect a sportfishing license surcharge that expired on January 1, 2021. The expired sportfishing facility surcharge was collected in order to pay off bonds issued to construct and renovate two hatcheries. The surcharge also funded increases in hatchery 2021-01-29 Senate Journal Page 0111 production in Southeast Alaska. The statutes authorizing the bonds and the surcharge sunsetted following the repayment of the bond obligations, but the funds collected provided significant benefits to Alaska's sport fishing community. This bill would reinstate statutory authority for the department to collect a reduced surcharge to fund ongoing maintenance and operation of the department's sport fishing hatchery facilities, so they can continue providing hatchery salmon for sport fishing in Southeast Alaska. This is an effective way to support economic development with only a small surcharge; accordingly, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor