Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/26/2001 03:40 PM Senate STA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HJR 27-WWII ALASKA-USSR LEND-LEASE MONUMENTS
LEONA OBRITZ, staff to Representative Chenault, explained the
resolution supports the erection of bronze cast monuments that will
be placed in Fairbanks first, and then in Russia and Canada to
commemorate the events that occurred during the World War II lend-
lease program.
The Federal Lend-Lease Act was enacted during World War II by
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to establish collaboration
between the U.S. and the USSR against Germany and its allies. Under
the program, nearly 8,000 aircraft, hauling tons of material and
supplies, were flown nearly 9,000 miles from Great Falls, Montana
across Canada to Alaska and then to the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics. Many Alaskans worked with Soviet citizens during this
time and it is intended that this project will contribute to the
further understanding of Russian/American relations and provide new
insights into that period of time. The lend-lease program
demonstrated that two nations could compromise their views,
cultural values and principals enough to achieve a common mutually
beneficial goal.
CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT said he found some areas in the resolution
where the wording was problematic. On page 1, line 14, he asked
whether there was any particular reason for naming Ladd Field.
MS. OBRITZ said it was for historical value. That was the name of
the Fairbanks base at that time.
CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT thought it might be more concise to omit
specific base names and simply list the cities.
On page 2, lines 5-7, he disagreed that the United States
compromised its views, values and principals.
MS. OBRITZ was certain Representative Chenault wouldn't object to
omitting reference to compromised views, values and principals.
CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT thought there was time to hold the legislation
until the next meeting so work could be done to change the
language.
SENATOR PEARCE asked where the Alaska Siberia Research Center was
located.
MS. OBRITZ responded it is in Juneau. Mr. Dolitsky is a professor
at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) and the research center
office is in downtown Juneau.
She said Senators Murkowski and Stevens are very supportive of the
resolution and about $400,000 should be forthcoming for the
project.
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked if Professor Dolitsky is a World War II
veteran.
MS. OBRITZ said his father is.
SENATOR PHILLIPS asked whether military organizations have written
in support of the project.
MS. OBRITZ thought they had but none of the letters were in the
committee packets.
She said the committee substitute (CS) added President Bush and the
Prime Minister of Canada to the list of those who would receive
copies of the resolution.
CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT said the areas that need language changes are
still in the CS so he asked Ms. Obritz to let Representative
Chenault know they would hear the resolution again at the next
meeting.
SENATOR PEARCE asked if the Alaska-Siberia Research Center is
composed of just one person.
MS. OBRITZ said no, at the back of the packets there should be a
list of members who are supporting the project. For example, former
Representative John Binkley is a member in support of the project,
particularly since his father was a participant. Representative
Foster said he grew up in Fairbanks and both his parents were
involved in the program.
SENATOR PEARCE couldn't see why funds should be funneled through
the research center to build the monuments.
MS. OBRITZ said there was no state funding at this time.
SENATOR PEARCE said she was referring to language on page 2, lines
16-17, that says funds would pass through a non-profit research
center.
CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT asked Ms. Obritz if she understood the question
of why the money is routed that way. He noted his assumption that
the non-profit agency put the proposal together and went directly
to Congress and they are simply asking for an expression of
legislative support.
MS. OBRITZ nodded.
CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT said the resolution would be held in committee
and heard again at the next meeting.
MS. OBRITZ said she would also gather the information on the
military groups.
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