SENATE BILL NO. 30 An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission. Senator Sharp explained that the Alaska Minerals Commission is comprised of "some of the best mining and resource people in Alaska." It has served as an advocate of mineral development and multi-use of state lands. The Commission was created to make recommendations to the Governor and the legislature on methods of mitigating constraints on mineral development, including coal. Commission members are appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. Current members include representatives of placer, hard rock, and coal mining industries and come from diverse areas of the state. Administrative and staff support is provided by the division of business development within the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development. The commission recently distributed its 1992 report to both the administration and the legislature. Of the $20.4 shown as costs for the commission, approximately $2.5 relates to contractual funding for printing, and $18.0 covers travel for commission members. Members serve without pay but are reimbursed for travel costs. Co-chair Pearce noted file material in support of proposed commission extension. She then inquired concerning the number of commission members. Senator Sharp advised that the commission consists of twelve members. Co-chair Pearce directed that SB 30 be placed in a subcommittee under Senator Frank. She voiced hope that the bill could again be brought before committee at the Wednesday meeting. Co-chair Pearce directed that the meeting be briefly recessed prior to a capital budget overview by staff from the Dept. of Transportation and Public Facilities. RECESS - 9:05 a.m. RECONVENE - 9:20 a.m.