1997-04-14                     House Journal                      Page 1101
HB 250                                                                       
enabling legislation.  The contract and legislation would establish the        
nature, degree, and duration of the fiscal terms that would best               
facilitate a project.                                                          
                                                                               
                                                                               
This bill creates the administrative structure necessary to evaluate           
recommended changes to the tax and royalty system and carry out the            
wishes of the legislature as expressed in HCR 1.  The North Slope Gas          
Commercialization Team would determine how to improve the                      
economic feasibility and competitiveness of a North Slope gas project          
while protecting the public interest.   The team also could help develop       
legislation to enable the state to enter into the contract, provide a stable   
fiscal and regulatory structure for the project, aid permitting, ensure a      
maximum number of Alaska residents and Alaska businesses are hired             
to construct and operate the project, protect the environment, health          
and safety of workers and the public, and provide natural gas to Alaska        
communities.                                                                   
                                                                               
                                                                               
This bill is an important step forward in developing Alaskas North             
Slope natural gas resources.  I urge your prompt consideration and             
passage of this bill.                                                          
                                                                               
							Sincerely,                                                              
							/s/                                                                     
							Tony Knowles                                                            
							Governor                                                                
                                                                               
                                                                               
                     CONSIDERATION OF THE DAILY CALENDAR                     
                                                                               
                     SECOND READING OF HOUSE RESOLUTIONS                     
                                                                               
HJR 34                                                                       
The following was read the second time:                                        
                                                                               
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 34                                                 
Relating to proposed regulations of the North Pacific Fishery                 
Management Council creating a new discriminatory halibut fishery               
in Alaska.