Legislature(1999 - 2000)
02/22/2000 03:38 PM Senate STA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SB 231-NAMING AK NATIVE VETERANS' HONOR BRIDGE
SENATOR LINCOLN, sponsor of SB 231, stated SB 231 was requested by
the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), Nenana City Council, and
Nenana Village Council. This bill will name the bridge that spans
the Tanana River at Nenana the "Alaska Native Veterans Honor
Bridge," in honor of the many Alaska Native veterans who served
this state and country.
The bridge at mile 305 on the George Parks Highway was chosen due
to its size and location. The south footing is on Municipality of
Nenana land, and the north footing is on Nenana Native Village
land.
SB 231 recognizes Alaska Native and American Indian veterans. The
Department of Defense held a ceremony in 1998 to honor these
individuals. AFN chose to honor Alaska Native veterans that same
year by dedicating the annual convention to them.
Alaska Natives have an extremely high per capita record of service.
They have protected our country. Their heroic service for this
state and country are deserving of a monument dedicated in their
honor.
Number 293
MS. SHIRLEY DEMIENTIEFF stated she was a part of an effort to start
a veterans group in Fairbanks. The bridge chosen for honoring the
veterans is owned by the City of Nenana on one side, and owned by
the Native tribe of Nenana. The bridge is perfect for honoring the
Alaska Natives who served because the bridge symbolizes that we
live in two separate worlds and people who serve our country bridge
those two worlds.
MR. RICHARD FRANK, President of Alaska Native Veterans Association,
replied he is a veteran of WWII and it is important to honor
veterans of all wars. Alaska Natives have served in every major
war that the U.S. has been involved in, and some are still
currently active. It is an honor to have this bridge named for
Alaska Native veterans.
Number 737
MR. BENNO CLEVELAND, Vice President of Alaska Native Veterans
Association, replied SB 231 is a good way to give thanks to all the
Alaska Natives who served in the past and the future.
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked if other landmarks were chosen to honor the
Alaska Native veterans.
SENATOR LINCOLN replied the City of Nenana and the Village of
Nenana wanted to recognize the veterans by naming the bridge. The
Alaska Native Veterans Association said they were honored to have
the bridge named for their service.
SENATOR PHILLIPS stated that a monument should be constructed for
the veterans along the Parks Highway. He believes veterans should
be recognized more than a bridge name to remind the present
generations of what past generations sacrificed.
Number 968
SENATOR LINCOLN stated a zero fiscal note was attached to SB 231 so
it would pass easily. She thanked Senator Phillips for that idea.
SENATOR PHILLIPS referred to the Ft. Richardson Memorial that was
recently constructed.
Number 1094
SENATOR GREEN asked if the area designated had any military
significance.
SENATOR LINCOLN said no.
CHAIRMAN WARD stated he belongs to Native Vietnam Veterans of
Alaska (NVVA). NVVA is working with VFWs across the State to
construct a memorial to honor Native veterans at Byers Lake. There
are efforts under way across the State to honor veterans of war.
SENATOR GREEN asked if any other monument at Byers Lake was race or
ethnic based.
CHAIRMAN WARD answered the Eskimo Scouts.
Number 1292
SENATOR WILKEN said there is a Native burial site located on the
hill, and a historical site.
SENATOR LINCOLN stated it is a wonderful recognition of Natives and
Alaskans to have a site honored after them. The bridge would be a
reminder for future generations of the sacrifice those veterans
made while serving Alaska and the country.
MR. DENNIS POSHARD, Legislative Liaison, Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities, stated the department supports
SB 231. A zero fiscal note was submitted because the cost of
securing two signs is approximately $600. Sign maintenance is a
growing problem because the budget is decreased every year. The
Department of Transportation would be willing to work with Senator
Lincoln on a roadside memorial.
SENATOR PHILLIPS stated that the signs on the bridge are full of
bullet holes and need to be replaced.
MR. POSHARD agreed that is a growing problem, especially in the
rural areas.
SENATOR ELTON moved SB 231 with individual recommendations and
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objections, it was so
ordered.
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