SB 231-NAMING AK NATIVE VETERANS' HONOR BRIDGE SENATOR LINCOLN, sponsor of SB 231, stated SB 231 was requested by the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), Nenana City Council, and Nenana Village Council. This bill will name the bridge that spans the Tanana River at Nenana the "Alaska Native Veterans Honor Bridge," in honor of the many Alaska Native veterans who served this state and country. The bridge at mile 305 on the George Parks Highway was chosen due to its size and location. The south footing is on Municipality of Nenana land, and the north footing is on Nenana Native Village land. SB 231 recognizes Alaska Native and American Indian veterans. The Department of Defense held a ceremony in 1998 to honor these individuals. AFN chose to honor Alaska Native veterans that same year by dedicating the annual convention to them. Alaska Natives have an extremely high per capita record of service. They have protected our country. Their heroic service for this state and country are deserving of a monument dedicated in their honor. Number 293 MS. SHIRLEY DEMIENTIEFF stated she was a part of an effort to start a veterans group in Fairbanks. The bridge chosen for honoring the veterans is owned by the City of Nenana on one side, and owned by the Native tribe of Nenana. The bridge is perfect for honoring the Alaska Natives who served because the bridge symbolizes that we live in two separate worlds and people who serve our country bridge those two worlds. MR. RICHARD FRANK, President of Alaska Native Veterans Association, replied he is a veteran of WWII and it is important to honor veterans of all wars. Alaska Natives have served in every major war that the U.S. has been involved in, and some are still currently active. It is an honor to have this bridge named for Alaska Native veterans. Number 737 MR. BENNO CLEVELAND, Vice President of Alaska Native Veterans Association, replied SB 231 is a good way to give thanks to all the Alaska Natives who served in the past and the future. SENATOR PHILLIPS asked if other landmarks were chosen to honor the Alaska Native veterans. SENATOR LINCOLN replied the City of Nenana and the Village of Nenana wanted to recognize the veterans by naming the bridge. The Alaska Native Veterans Association said they were honored to have the bridge named for their service. SENATOR PHILLIPS stated that a monument should be constructed for the veterans along the Parks Highway. He believes veterans should be recognized more than a bridge name to remind the present generations of what past generations sacrificed. Number 968 SENATOR LINCOLN stated a zero fiscal note was attached to SB 231 so it would pass easily. She thanked Senator Phillips for that idea. SENATOR PHILLIPS referred to the Ft. Richardson Memorial that was recently constructed. Number 1094 SENATOR GREEN asked if the area designated had any military significance. SENATOR LINCOLN said no. CHAIRMAN WARD stated he belongs to Native Vietnam Veterans of Alaska (NVVA). NVVA is working with VFWs across the State to construct a memorial to honor Native veterans at Byers Lake. There are efforts under way across the State to honor veterans of war. SENATOR GREEN asked if any other monument at Byers Lake was race or ethnic based. CHAIRMAN WARD answered the Eskimo Scouts. Number 1292 SENATOR WILKEN said there is a Native burial site located on the hill, and a historical site. SENATOR LINCOLN stated it is a wonderful recognition of Natives and Alaskans to have a site honored after them. The bridge would be a reminder for future generations of the sacrifice those veterans made while serving Alaska and the country. MR. DENNIS POSHARD, Legislative Liaison, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, stated the department supports SB 231. A zero fiscal note was submitted because the cost of securing two signs is approximately $600. Sign maintenance is a growing problem because the budget is decreased every year. The Department of Transportation would be willing to work with Senator Lincoln on a roadside memorial. SENATOR PHILLIPS stated that the signs on the bridge are full of bullet holes and need to be replaced. MR. POSHARD agreed that is a growing problem, especially in the rural areas. SENATOR ELTON moved SB 231 with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objections, it was so ordered.