00                            HOUSE BILL NO. 432                                                                          
01 "An Act expanding the Alaska marine highway system to Yukon River locations."                                           
02 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                                
03    * Section 1. AS 19.65.011 is amended to read:                                                                      
04            Sec. 19.65.011. Comprehensive long-range plan. The Department of                                           
05       Transportation and Public Facilities shall prepare a comprehensive long-range plan for                            
06       the development and improvement of the Alaska marine highway system, including a                              
07       study on the feasibility of expanding to Yukon River locations, and shall revise and                          
08       update the plan at least every five years. The department shall submit the                                        
09       comprehensive long-range plan and revisions and updates of the plan to the                                        
10       legislature.                                                                                                      
11    * Sec. 2. AS 19.65.030(a) is amended to read:                                                                      
12            (a)  The department shall construct, purchase, or lease ferry terminal facilities                            
13       at locations, including communities along the Yukon River, it selects for the                                 
14       loading and unloading of passengers and vehicles under their own power, on and off                                
15       ferries. The department shall repair and maintain these facilities. Construction and                              

01       purchasing under this subsection are governed by AS 36.30 (State Procurement Code).                               
02    * Sec. 3. AS 19.65.050(a) is amended to read:                                                                      
03            (a)  The legislature finds that                                                                              
04                 (1)  the Alaska marine highway system is an essential part of the state                                 
05       transportation system, and that it warrants continued and predictable state support;                              
06                 (2)  many communities' economies are dependent on a steady and                                          
07       stable marine highway system service level;                                                                       
08                 (3)  many communities along the Yukon River will greatly benefit                                    
09       from regular marine highway transportation service for passengers and freight;                                
10                 (4)  [(3)] the state's tourism industry is greatly enhanced by a                                    
11       dependable marine highway transportation network; and                                                             
12                 (5)  [(4)] efficient and prudent management of the system will benefit                              
13       the state's economy and foster economic development.