03/23/2000 01:39 PM Senate TRA

          SB 288-APPROVE CLARKE BAY TERMINAL AGREEMENT                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
DAVE GRAY, legislative aide to Senator Mackie, sponsor of SB 288,                                                               
explained that Senator Mackie introduced SB 288 at the request of                                                               
the Inner Island Ferry Authority.  That Authority is comprised of                                                               
all of the communities on Prince of Wales Island and was created                                                                
to respond to a need for more stable and economic ferry service.                                                                
The Authority has received a considerable amount of funds from                                                                  
Alaska's congressional delegation.  Come June, the Authority will                                                               
begin operating a ship daily from Prince of Wales to Ketchikan.                                                                 
The new ferry will offset the current service provided by the MV                                                                
Aurora, but it will be using the docking facility in Clarke Bay.                                                                
A provision in Title 29, under the statutes for municipal                                                                       
transportation authorities, requires them to get approval from the                                                              
legislature for use of a state facility.  That is why SB 288 was                                                                
introduced.  He offered to answer questions.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
There being no questions or further testimony, SENATOR PEARCE moved                                                             
SB 288 from committee with individual recommendations.  There being                                                             
no objection, the motion carried.