2003-05-09                     House Journal                      Page 1521
HB 312                                                                                            
The forthcoming Governor's transmittal letter dated May 8, 2003,                                    
(page 1477) was received for the following:                                                         
                                                                                                    
     HOUSE BILL NO. 312                                                                             
     "An Act giving notice of and approving the entry into and the                                  
     issuance of certificates of participation for a lease-purchase                                 
     agreement for a seafood and food safety laboratory facility;                                   
     relating to the use of certain investment income for certain                                   
     construction costs; and providing for an effective date."                                      
                                                                                                    
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill relating to issuing certificates of participation to                            
fund a new seafood and food safety laboratory.                                                      
                                                                                                    
The state's food safety laboratory plays a vital role in protecting the                             
health of Alaskans.  The seafood and food safety laboratory tests                                   
crabs, geoducks, and other shellfish for toxins, a service not offered in                           
the private sector.  Local dairy products must be tested by a state                                 
laboratory before they can be sold to schools and the military.  Federal                            
law also requires a state laboratory to certify private laboratories to                             
perform drinking water compliance testing for public water systems.                                 
Additionally, the new laboratory will have an area designated as bio                                
safety level III for testing of anthrax or other bio-terrorism agents.                              
The new laboratory would not duplicate existing laboratories in the                                 
state.                                                                                              
                                                                                                    
The current lease will soon expire, requiring the facility to be                                    
relocated.  Building a state-owned facility is cheaper than leasing a                               
privately-owned facility, and the state owns a parcel of land ready for                             
development.  The Alaska State Legislature has recognized the need                                  
for replacement through previous planning and design appropriations.                                
The bill I transmit today is the next and final step in providing                                   
Alaskans with a worthwhile facility by setting up a bonding structure                               
for its construction.  The proposed method is the issuance of                                       
certificates of participation for a lease-purchase agreement.                                       
                                                                                                    

2003-05-09                     House Journal                      Page 1522
In the interests of public health for Alaskans and consumers of                                     
Alaskan food, fish and dairy products, as well as the economic health                               
of these industries, I urge your prompt and favorable action on this                                
measure.                                                                                            
                                                                                                    
                                Sincerely,                                                         
                                /s/                                                                 
                                Frank H. Murkowski                                                  
                                Governor"