HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 6 Encouraging the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority to develop its land and resources to the fullest extent possible consistent with its legal and moral responsibility to provide jobs and protect and enhance the lives of those who benefit from the mental health trust. 1:56:11 PM Co-Chair Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT the work draft for HR 6 labeled, 26-LS0572\E, Bullock, 2/23/09. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Co-Chair Stoltze read the title of the resolution: Encouraging the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority to develop its land and resources to the fullest extent possible consistent with its legal and moral responsibility to advance mental health services and employment opportunities that protect and enhance the lives of those who benefit from the mental health trust. He related the process of establishing the trust and the resources for the Mental Health Trust. He said he wanted to provide a strong voice for backing up the Trust when contentious situations arise. The Trust's highest responsibility is the beneficiaries. He thanked Mr. Jesse and Ms. Easley for their help in drafting the resolution. He pointed out the numerous sponsors of the resolution. Co-Chair Hawker asked if the Committee had any questions. 1:59:52 PM JEFF JESSEE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST AUTHORITY, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Trust for this legislation. Mr. Jessee described the Trust as a unique combination of missions and tools. He said it was an intersection of a very positive health and social service mission with economic development and a revenue generating mission. He spoke of the Trust's contribution to the state's economic activity. He noted that there are often opposition issues surrounding the development of the lands. He emphasized that the Trust attempts to develop resources with a mind towards community impact. 2:03:07 PM Co-Chair Hawker asked if Mental Health Trust lands in the Nenana Basin would soon be explored for potential natural gas resources. Mr. Jessee said that was accurate. Near Livengood, there was also potentially very valuable gold exploration going on. Mr. Jessee reported that the Executive Director of the Trust Land Office, Harry Noah, has brought renewed enthusiasm and a long-term vision to the Authority. He is putting together a land exchange involving Southeast timber that could generate 30 million to 40 million board feet of timber. 2:04:56 PM PAULA EASLEY, SECRETARY/TREASURER, BOARD OF TRUSTEE, ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST AUTHORITY testified via teleconference. She spoke in support of the legislation. She related personal history with the Trust. She maintained that the Trust has been considerate regarding local needs when developing the lands. She stressed the importance of the legislation as an expression of support for the Trust's goals. 2:06:50 PM Co-Chair Hawker noted a zero fiscal note. Co-Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT CSHR 6 out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSHR 6 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a new zero fiscal note by the Legislation. 2:08:30 PM