1993-02-26                     Senate Journal                      Page 0502
SJR 25                                                                       
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 25 by the Senate Rules                             
Committee by request of the Governor,                                          
                                                                               
Urging the federal government to recognize the dire                           
water and sanitation conditions in rural Alaska and                            
to become a full partner with this state in improving                          
this health-threatening situation.                                             
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional             
Affairs and Health, Education and Social Services Committees.                  
                                                                               
Zero fiscal note published today from Department of Environmental              
Conservation.                                                                  
                                                                               
Governor's transmittal letter dated February 26:                               
                                                                               
Dear Mr. President:                                                            
                                                                               
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution,          
I am transmitting a resolution concerning the implementation of the            
recommendation of the Alaska Sanitation Task Force.                            
                                                                               
The Alaska Sanitation Task Force was established by the Department             
of Environmental Conservation to examine the critical problems of              
inadequate water and sanitation facilities in rural Alaska and to              
provide recommendations for a comprehensive strategy for improving             
these conditions.                                                              
                                                                               
The task force consisted of 27 representatives from federal, state,            
Native, and regional organizations.  Its findings established                  
dramatically that many villages in rural Alaska have inadequate water          
and sewer facilities and that the lack of facilities has resulted in           
critical health and safety problems in rural Alaska.                           
                                                                               
Solving these health and safety problems will not be easy.  The task           
force has provided a road map for their solution.  The solution,               
though, will require the coordinated efforts of state, local, and federal      
governments, along with Native organizations and other groups.                 
                                                                               
                                                                               

1993-02-26                     Senate Journal                      Page 0503
SJR 25                                                                       
This resolution requests the assistance of the President of the United         
States in obtaining the cooperation of the appropriate federal                 
agencies in addressing these important problems.  These federal                
agencies have responsibilities for assuring safe water and sanitation          
programs and facilities in rural Alaska.                                       
                                                                               
The Department of Environmental Conservation has copies of the                 
Alaska Sanitation Task Force report available for your review.                 
                                                                               
I urge your support and prompt action on this important resolution.            
                                                                               
      Sincerely,                                                               
      /s/                                                                      
      Walter J. Hickel                                                         
      Governor