SENATE BILL NO. 158 An Act designating the bridge on the George Parks Highway directly north of the Alaska Native Veterans' Honor Bridge as the Shirley Demientieff Memorial Bridge. 1:51:32 PM SENATOR ALBERT KOOKESH, SPONSOR, described Shirley Demientieff as instrumental in the naming of the Alaska Native Veterans' Honor Bridge which goes over the Tanana River next to Nenana. That bridge spans the river from Nenana to an island. Another, smaller bridge goes over a slough from the island to the north side of the river. The legislation would designate the smaller portion of the bridge as the Shirley Demientieff Memorial Bridge. Senator Kookesh called Shirley Demientieff a strong supporter of veterans. Shortly after she successfully led the campaign to name the Veterans' Honor Bridge, she was diagnosed with cancer and died. The Fairbanks Daily News labeled Shirley Demientieff as a bridge between many troubled lives." The Sponsor thought it appropriate to name the north section of the bridge after her. She was in charge of a search and recovery team and her intention was to work to recover the body when a person died on the river. Senator Kookesh explained that the fiscal note for $7,500 was for signs on and around the bridge. 1:55:31 PM Co-Chair Meyer acknowledged the fact that this bill was Senator Kookesh's first and only bill in his long and successful career in the Legislature. Representative Crawford voiced his support for the measure. JERRY ISAAC, TANANA CHIEF CONFERENCE (testified via teleconference), testified in support of the bill honoring the life of Shirley Demientieff. He described her as a person who served and cared for others. The Tanana Chief Conference and many other Native organizations have benefited from her active engagement and participation in forums focusing on improving the well being of the communities. As an Indian Welfare Specialist, she protected children from harm and helped parents get back on their feet and reunite with their children. She found adoptive homes for Native children and fostered many children herself. She worked through the Tribal Enrollment Program to connect long lost descendants with their families and tribes. Her voice and perspective helped develop and guide new policies and services that continue to benefit those in need. The Tanana Chief Conference joins the large body of Alaskans throughout the state to have been touched by this strong, loving and caring Athabascan woman: mother, sister, auntie, friend and proponent for those who had little voice. She held a place in her heart for every Alaskan. Mr. Issac proposed that it is only fitting that Alaska retain a place for her above the river of the interior, for that is where she lived her life of service. She was a loving and compassionate bridge that connected people to each other and worked for all Alaksans. The Tanana Chiefs Conference respectfully asked to unanimously move the bill out of Committee and strongly support its passage. 1:59:10 PM PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED. Co-Chair Meyer asked where she was from. Senator Kookesh replied that the Demientieff families are largely from Nenana. She spent her last years in Fairbanks for cancer treatments. Vice-Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT SB 158 out of Committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. SB 158 was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with attached fiscal note #2 by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.