Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1997-01-15 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1997-01-15 House Journal Page 0067 HB 70 HOUSE BILL NO. 70 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: An Act relating to housing assistance provided by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and to its rural housing programs, to the corporation's supplemental housing development grants to regional housing authorities, and to housing programs of regional housing authorities; permitting regional housing authorities to make, originate, and service loans for the purchase and development of residential housing; amending definitions relating to various housing programs; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional Affairs, Labor & Commerce and Finance Committees. 1997-01-15 House Journal Page 0068 HB 70 The following fiscal note applies: Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Revenue, 1/15/97 The Governor's transmittal letter, dated January 15, 1997, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: One of the goals of my Administration is to provide safe, healthy communities for all Alaskans. The bill I am transmitting to you today is a step toward that goal by attempting to better meet the housing needs in small communities, especially in rural Alaska. This bill modifies the rural loan programs of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) and regional housing authorities to substantially improve the delivery of housing services. It recognizes that there are unique circumstances in our rural areas that must be taken into account to ensure that our housing programs are administered practically and fairly for all Alaskans. It also recognizes and relies on the role that regional housing authorities play in the implementation of our housing programs. Among the changes contained in this legislation are: 1) An expansion of permitted uses of supplemental housing development grants to regional housing authorities to allow money to be expended on improvements to a communitys water and sewer infrastructure necessitated by the development of a housing project; 2) Modifying the Building Material Loan Program to meet rural housing market conditions; 3) Permitting of refinancing of housing loans in small communities similar to that now offered borrowers in urban areas; and 4) Allowing loans to pay for the installation of building materials by third-party contractors to ensure installation by qualified professionals. 1997-01-15 House Journal Page 0069 HB 70 Enactment of this bill into law will greatly improve the quality of life for numerous Alaskans living in the small communities of our state. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor