SB 147-SPORT FISHING FACILITY REVENUE BONDS  CHAIR CON BUNDE announced SB 147 to be up for consideration. SENATOR SEEKINS, sponsor, said sport fish production is declining, because of 30-year old facilities in the Anchorage area and the closing of another facility. The bond package would fund a new hatchery in the Fairbanks area close to the Aurora Energy Plant so waste heat could be used. The federal government has come through with over $6 million already and another promise for $3 million more. Now is the time to renovate and add to hatcheries at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson and plan for the future. The bond package would be used for the capital project and the federal money would fund operating expenses. Surcharges would be added to the existing state fishing license fees. 3:17:50 PM CHAIR BUNDE asked if the annual surcharge on a sport fishing license would be $45. SENATOR SEEKINS responded yes for a non-resident; but for a resident it would be $15 plus $8.50. KELLY HEPLER, Director, Division of Sport Fish, said that the annual non-resident sport fishing license is currently $100. CHAIR BUNDE figured that would become $145. He asked if the ratio between resident and non-resident fees was within constitutional parameters. MR. HEPLER replied yes; the ratio is about three to one now and that is being kept with the surcharge. He said the last time fishing license fees were raised was in 1993. SENATOR SEEKINS said the intent is that the surcharge goes away when the facility is paid for. CHAIR BUNDE declared a conflict saying he is a recipient of benefits from the King hatchery at Ship Creek. 3:20:24 PM BRIAN ALLEE supported SB 147. "I think a hatchery in the Interior is really important and renovation of the two hatcheries in Anchorage, as well." He said he is director of the Alaska Sea Grant Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and knows the value of hatcheries in terms of the economy, creating jobs and opportunities for fishermen. The University would provide support to the hatchery in the Interior. SENATOR SEEKINS said part of intent is for the University to provide a research component. 3:23:10 PM MIKE ROUND, Assistant General Manager, Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA), Petersburg, said SSRAA is the current contracted operator of the Crystal Lake Hatchery and supported SB 147. He read a statement about how well the hatchery is doing. However, for several years many maintenance issues have been deferred and providing a funding mechanism for maintenance and renovation projects now will ensure the facility's efficient functioning into the future. 3:25:33 PM CHAIR BUNDE closed public testimony. 3:25:45 PM SENATOR SEEKINS moved to pass SB 147 from committee with attached fiscal notes and individual recommendations. Senators Ben Stevens, Seekins, Ellis, Davis and Chair Bunde voted yea; and SB 147 moved from committee.