SCR 17-150TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALASKA PURCHASE  9:03:28 AM ERIN HANSON, Staff, Senator McGuire, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided an overview of SCR 17 as follows: SCR-17 is a resolution commemorating the 150th anniversary of the purchase of Alaska for $7.2 million. Urging Alaskan communities to plan activities and events in 2017 to commemorate the Alaska purchase. Requesting that the Alaska Historical Commission (AHC) coordinate events and inviting Alaska communities, schools, universities, libraries, museums, businesses, civic and historical groups, and government agencies to participate in and support commemorative activities and events. As Alaskans we all share a unique and special pride in our great state, from rich Alaska native heritage, to our unparalleled natural resources, our majestic landscapes, to our diverse communities, plus some of the most caring and resilient people in the country. This resolution gives us the opportunity to reflect on the history of Alaska under the American flag and share with the rest of the nation what makes our state so strong. The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, or about 2 cents an acre. The 150th Anniversary of the purchase is an ideal opportunity for all Alaskans to celebrate our state's remarkable history. SCR 17 recognizes the historic significance of the anniversary of the purchase and encourages all Alaskan communities to participate in celebration statewide. She noted that SCR 17 comes with a zero fiscal note. 9:05:28 AM SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI pointed out that "sesquicentennial" is defined as 150 years. SENATOR COGHILL remarked that it is important for Alaskans to begin to look at Alaska's sesquicentennial from the time of the purchase until now. He pointed out that Alaska was purchased by the federal government and the state was ultimately granted 104 million acres. He noted that the Alaska was probably one of the largest geographic transfers that was done without bloodshed. 9:07:20 AM BARBARA PROPES, Staff, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Alaska State Capitol, Juneau, Alaska, said AHC has been working on the sesquicentennial event and noted that interest and support was growing across the state. She pointed out that AHC has been working considerably with the native communities to make sure all sides are heard. She added that AHC has reached out to Seattle and other states that have been affected by Alaska. She said the hope is for the sesquicentennial event to gain national appeal as well. SENATOR COGHILL asked what organization will be overseeing the event. MS. PROPES answered the Alaska Historical Commission (AHC). She noted that by statute, the Lieutenant Governor serves on AHC and currently acts as Chair. She added that she is the current point of contact for the sesquicentennial event. SENATOR COGHILL noted the importance in having Alaskans learn about their state's history and its impact on addressing present day issues. 9:09:14 AM VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL announced that seeing no additional requests for testimony, public testimony is closed. 9:09:22 AM SENATOR COGHILL moved to report SCR 17 from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note. 9:09:34 AM VICE-CHAIR GIESSEL declared that seeing no objections, SCR 17 moves from committee.