SCR 13 - Gold Rush Centennial Decade SENATOR BERT SHARP, PRIME SPONSOR, stated the purpose of SCR 13 is to underscore the importance of gold mining in the origin of the state. Gold mining was the spark which fired Alaska's development. He said SCR 13 recognizes the years, 1994-2004 as the Gold Rush Centennial Decade and urges schools, public and private organizations, and the people of the state to coordinate statewide celebrations of the 100th anniversary. He stressed a celebration of this nature will serve to reinstill an appreciation and point out the importance of gold and the fever of the gold rush era in shaping Alaska's history. Hopefully, the refocusing will promote a higher level of pride in the state's past and enhance tourism opportunities. SENATOR SHARP said in 1993, the governor and the lieutenant governor established the Alaska Gold Rush Centennial Task Force which now have over 124 active members from 25 communities throughout Alaska. He noted SCR 13 also recognizes the task force as the official coordinator and promoter of the statewide centennial activities. (CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS noted for the record that REPRESENTATIVE MULDER had joined the committee at 8:35 a.m.) Number 037 REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN felt on page 1, line 10, where it states "along with the prospectors came people, both honest and crooked," detracts from a very nice resolution. SENATOR SHARP said he would leave that determination up to the committee. REPRESENTATIVE JEANNETTE JAMES felt there is no point in white-washing the resolution. She stated if something is going to be celebrated, the actual historical happenings should be celebrated. REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON noted that one of the major attractions in Skagway is the saga of Soapy Smith plus his burial grounds. He felt the line under discussion adds color and is fine. REPRESENTATIVE PAT CARNEY also felt the line in question is out of place and not relative. REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON made a MOTION to MOVE SCR 13 out of committee with INDIVIDUAL RECOMMENDATIONS. CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS asked if there were any objections. Hearing none, the MOTION PASSED.