HJR 27-WWII ALASKA-USSR LEND-LEASE MONUMENTS    LEONA OBRITZ, staff to Representative Chenault, explained the resolution supports the erection of bronze cast monuments that will be placed in Fairbanks first, and then in Russia and Canada to commemorate the events that occurred during the World War II lend- lease program. The Federal Lend-Lease Act was enacted during World War II by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to establish collaboration between the U.S. and the USSR against Germany and its allies. Under the program, nearly 8,000 aircraft, hauling tons of material and supplies, were flown nearly 9,000 miles from Great Falls, Montana across Canada to Alaska and then to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Many Alaskans worked with Soviet citizens during this time and it is intended that this project will contribute to the further understanding of Russian/American relations and provide new insights into that period of time. The lend-lease program demonstrated that two nations could compromise their views, cultural values and principals enough to achieve a common mutually beneficial goal. CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT said he found some areas in the resolution where the wording was problematic. On page 1, line 14, he asked whether there was any particular reason for naming Ladd Field. MS. OBRITZ said it was for historical value. That was the name of the Fairbanks base at that time. CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT thought it might be more concise to omit specific base names and simply list the cities. On page 2, lines 5-7, he disagreed that the United States compromised its views, values and principals. MS. OBRITZ was certain Representative Chenault wouldn't object to omitting reference to compromised views, values and principals. CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT thought there was time to hold the legislation until the next meeting so work could be done to change the language. SENATOR PEARCE asked where the Alaska Siberia Research Center was located. MS. OBRITZ responded it is in Juneau. Mr. Dolitsky is a professor at the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) and the research center office is in downtown Juneau. She said Senators Murkowski and Stevens are very supportive of the resolution and about $400,000 should be forthcoming for the project. SENATOR PHILLIPS asked if Professor Dolitsky is a World War II veteran. MS. OBRITZ said his father is. SENATOR PHILLIPS asked whether military organizations have written in support of the project. MS. OBRITZ thought they had but none of the letters were in the committee packets. She said the committee substitute (CS) added President Bush and the Prime Minister of Canada to the list of those who would receive copies of the resolution. CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT said the areas that need language changes are still in the CS so he asked Ms. Obritz to let Representative Chenault know they would hear the resolution again at the next meeting. SENATOR PEARCE asked if the Alaska-Siberia Research Center is composed of just one person. MS. OBRITZ said no, at the back of the packets there should be a list of members who are supporting the project. For example, former Representative John Binkley is a member in support of the project, particularly since his father was a participant. Representative Foster said he grew up in Fairbanks and both his parents were involved in the program. SENATOR PEARCE couldn't see why funds should be funneled through the research center to build the monuments. MS. OBRITZ said there was no state funding at this time. SENATOR PEARCE said she was referring to language on page 2, lines 16-17, that says funds would pass through a non-profit research center. CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT asked Ms. Obritz if she understood the question of why the money is routed that way. He noted his assumption that the non-profit agency put the proposal together and went directly to Congress and they are simply asking for an expression of legislative support. MS. OBRITZ nodded. CHAIRMAN THERRIAULT said the resolution would be held in committee and heard again at the next meeting. MS. OBRITZ said she would also gather the information on the military groups.