03

HR001

Resolve: HR001

Source Root: HR001

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HR 1

Establishing a House Special Committee on Economic Development, International Trade, and Tourism._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:WHEREAS economic development is of vital importance to the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS tourism is of increasing importance to the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS the legislature should remain well informed about the business climate of the state; and

WHEREAS the state must promote business opportunities within the state;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Economic Development, International Trade, and Tourism is established to study trade, tourism, and opportunities for future economic development of the state's resources; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall determine the number of representatives to be members of the committee and shall appoint the members and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Economic Development, International Trade, and Tourism may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature.

HR002

Resolve: HR002

Source Root: HR002

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HR 2

Establishing a House Special Committee on Education._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:WHEREAS education is one of the top priorities of the state;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Education is established to study issues relating to education; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint seven representatives to be members of the committee and shall designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Education may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature.

HR003

Resolve: HR003

Source Root: HR003

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HR 3

Establishing a House Special Committee on Fisheries._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:WHEREAS fishing for personal use helps to define the Alaska lifestyle for many state residents; and

WHEREAS sport fishing plays a significant role in the state tourism industry; and

WHEREAS the commercial fishing industry is one of Alaska's largest renewable resource industries; and

WHEREAS Alaska's subsistence fisheries are an important use of our fisheries resources; and

WHEREAS the Alaska State Legislature must be well informed on all issues related to the fisheries of Alaska;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Fisheries is established to study fishery issues relevant to Alaska; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall determine the number of representatives to be members of the committee, appoint the members, and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Fisheries may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature.

HR004

Resolve: HR004

Source Root: HR004

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HR 4

Establishing a House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:WHEREAS a large number of state residents currently serve in the military forces, work for the military, or are veterans, and the military plays a vital role in the economy of the state; and

WHEREAS there is a need for a comprehensive review of issues involving military and veterans' affairs;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs is established to study issues, review laws, and propose legislation relating to military and veterans' affairs; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall determine the number of representatives to be members of the committee and shall appoint the members and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature.

HR005

Resolve: HR005

Source Root: HR005

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HR 5

Establishing a House Special Committee on Oil and Gas._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:WHEREAS the state's dependence on oil revenue requires that the Alaska State Legislature be well informed on all aspects of the state's oil and gas resources;

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives that a House Special Committee on Oil and Gas is established to study issues relating to oil and gas resources in the state; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the speaker of the House of Representatives shall determine the number of representatives to be members of the committee and shall appoint the members and designate a member to chair the committee; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the House Special Committee on Oil and Gas may meet during and between sessions of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature and is terminated on the convening of the First Session of the Twenty-Fourth Alaska State Legislature.

LR001

Resolve: LR001

Source Root: HCR004

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HCR 4(title am)

Authorizing a recess by the Senate and the House of Representatives for a period of more than three days, those days being April 18, 19, 20, and 21 of 2003._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS art. II, sec. 10, Constitution of the State of Alaska, provides that neither house may adjourn or recess for longer than three days unless the other house concurs; and

WHEREAS Rule 52, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, provides that adoption of a concurrent resolution by a majority vote of the full membership of each house constitutes concurrence;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that the Senate and the House of Representatives may be in recess during April 18, 19, 20, and 21 of 2003 and that each house concurs in this four-day recess by the other.

LR002

Resolve: LR002

Source Root: SCR005

Year: 2003

Source Bill: SCR 5Relating to declaring March 2003 as Sobriety Awareness Month._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS it is the policy of the State of Alaska, under AS 47.37.010 , "to recognize, appreciate, and reinforce the example set by its citizens who lead, believe in, and support a life of sobriety"; and

WHEREAS sobriety has been defined to mean "a positive, healthy, and productive way of life, free from the devastating effects of alcohol and drugs" by more than 50 profit and nonprofit organizations, community groups, and student governments throughout the state; and

WHEREAS these organizations, community groups, and student governments constitute what is commonly referred to as a growing "sobriety movement"; and

WHEREAS the "sobriety movement" is interpreted as "[t]he collective effort on the part of individuals, families and communities, and public and private agencies, affected by, concerned with, and working toward the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse, who by example encourage and support others in leading a life of sobriety"; and

WHEREAS the practice and benefits of leading a life of sobriety to Alaska's citizens are threefold:

(1) improvement in the quality of life and health of individuals, families, and communities;

(2) reduction in the incidence of alcohol- and drug-related crimes;

(3) reduction in the burden on government by not having to exhaust its resources to pay for the pervasive problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse; and

WHEREAS March has been designated "Sobriety Awareness Month" by the Alaska State Legislature and the governor every year since 1995 to recognize, appreciate, and reinforce the example set by citizens who lead, believe in, and support a life of sobriety;

BE IT RESOLVED that the month of March 2003 should be proclaimed as Sobriety Awareness Month; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests Governor Frank Murkowski to proclaim the same and have copies of the proclamation sent to all the respective departments and departmental agencies within the administration that fund or have contact with youth, schools, family services, or provide rehabilitation or correctional services; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that all Alaska citizens who lead, believe in, or support a life of sobriety indicate so by wearing a white ribbon of their choosing so that they may be readily recognized and appreciated during Sobriety Awareness Month, March 2003.

LR003

Resolve: LR003

Source Root: HCR006

Year: 2003

Source Bill: CSHCR 6(FSH)

Relating to the continuation of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force until 2004._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That the termination date of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force established by Legislative Resolve 53, Twenty-Second Alaska State Legislature, is extended until the adjournment sine die of the Second Regular Session of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature; and

That the original legislative members of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force shall continue to serve on the task force unless the member no longer serves in the legislature, resigns from the task force, or is jointly removed from the task force by the president of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives; and

That the original public members of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force shall continue to serve on the task force unless the member resigns from the task force or is jointly removed from the task force by the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislative members of the task force; and

That a vacancy arising in the legislative or public membership of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment to the vacant position; and

That the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force shall submit a final report of its findings and proposed industry and legislative changes to the legislature by January 31, 2004, and may make any interim reports it considers advisable; and

That the Legislative Council may, upon request of the chair of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force, enter into contracts for research necessary for the functioning of the task force.

LR004

Resolve: LR004

Source Root: SJR004

Year: 2003

Source Bill: SJR 4

Urging the United States Congress to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development, and production._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS, in sec. 1002 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the United States Congress reserved the right to permit further oil and gas exploration, development, and production within the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; and

WHEREAS the oil industry, the state, and the United States Department of the Interior consider the coastal plain to have the highest potential for discovery of very large oil and gas accumulations on the continent of North America, estimated to be as much as 10,000,000,000 barrels of recoverable oil; and

WHEREAS the "1002 study area" is part of the coastal plain located within the North Slope Borough, and residents of the North Slope Borough, who are predominantly Inupiat Eskimo, are supportive of development in the "1002 study area"; and

WHEREAS oil and gas exploration and development of the coastal plain of the refuge and adjacent land could result in major discoveries that would reduce our nation's future need for imported oil, help balance the nation's trade deficit, and significantly increase the nation's security; and

WHEREAS domestic demand for oil continues to rise while domestic crude production continues to fall with the result that the United States imports additional oil from foreign sources; and

WHEREAS development of oil at Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk, Endicott, Lisburne, and Milne Point has resulted in thousands of jobs throughout the United States, and projected job creation as a result of coastal plain oil development will have a positive effect in all 50 states; and

WHEREAS Prudhoe Bay production is declining by approximately 10 percent a year; and

WHEREAS, while new oil field developments on the North Slope of Alaska, such as Alpine, Badami, and West Sak, may slow or temporarily stop the decline in production, only giant coastal plain fields have the theoretical capability of increasing the production volume of Alaska oil to a significant degree; and

WHEREAS opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge now allows sufficient time for planning environmental safeguards, development, and national security review; and

WHEREAS the 1,500,000-acre coastal plain of the refuge makes up only eight percent of the 19,000,000-acre refuge, and the development of the oil and gas reserves in the refuge's coastal plain would affect an area of only 2,000 to 7,000 acres, which is less than one-half of one percent of the area of the coastal plain; and

WHEREAS 8,000,000 of the 19,000,000 acres of the refuge have already been set aside as wilderness; and

WHEREAS the oil industry has shown at Prudhoe Bay, as well as at other locations along the Arctic coastal plain, that it can safely conduct oil and gas activity without adversely affecting the environment or wildlife populations; and

WHEREAS the state will ensure the continued health and productivity of the Porcupine Caribou herd and the protection of land, water, and wildlife resources during the exploration and development of the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; and

WHEREAS the oil industry is using innovative technology and environmental practices in the new field developments at Alpine and Northstar, and those techniques are directly applicable to operating on the coastal plain and would enhance environmental protection beyond traditionally high standards;

BE IT RESOLVED by the Alaska State Legislature that the Congress of the United States is urged to pass legislation to open the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, to oil and gas exploration, development, and production, and that the Alaska State Legislature is adamantly opposed to further wilderness or other restrictive designation in the area of the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that that activity be conducted in a manner that protects the environment and the naturally occurring population levels of the Porcupine Caribou herd, and that uses the state's work force to the maximum extent possible; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature opposes any unilateral reduction in royalty revenue from exploration and development of the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, and any attempt to coerce the State of Alaska into accepting less than the 90 percent of the oil, gas, and mineral royalties from the federal land in Alaska that was promised to the state at statehood.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Gale Norton, United States Secretary of the Interior; the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Bill Frist, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress; and to all other members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives serving in the 108th United States Congress.

LR005

Resolve: LR005

Source Root: HCR008

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HCR 8

Requesting the Governor to declare March 16 - 22, 2003, to be Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS all communities should be made aware of the potential harm of poisons and inhalants because poisons and the improper use of inhalants pose an ever-present danger to Alaska, its communities, and its people; and

WHEREAS, while legal and helpful when properly used and administered, these substances can be disabling and even fatal when misused; and

WHEREAS statistics indicate that a significant percentage of elementary school age children as well as adolescents and adults have experimented with or are likely to experiment with inhalants; that more than 70 percent of chronic substance abusers began with inhalants, which are the fourth most used addictive substance after tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana; that inhalants often lead to the use of other illegal drugs; that chronic inhalant abusers suffer permanent and severe brain damage; that other risks include heart failure, loss of consciousness, and irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow; and that more than 1,400 legal products can be inhaled to "get high"; and

WHEREAS, each year, more than 1,800,000 people suffer from ingestion of or exposure to household poisons; most often, it is children under the age of six who experience the effects of accidental poison exposure, and, in most cases, common household items including aspirin, cough and cold remedies, perfumes, and cleaning products are the source of the poison; and

WHEREAS inhalants and poisons pose a threat to the well-being of the citizens of the state; and

WHEREAS Alaska is taking a leading role in developing inhalant treatment protocols and encouraging inhalant prevention efforts through the Annual Inhalant Prevention Conference and the establishment of a statewide inhalant intervention program, and the Tundra Swan Inhalant Treatment Center in Bethel, Alaska;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature encourages support of the cooperative efforts of the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition and other local, state, and federal organizations and communities that are working together to prevent alcoholism and drug abuse by their efforts to make others aware of the dangers of inhalants and poisons; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the Governor to proclaim the week of March 16 - 22, 2003, as Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week to coincide with the National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests and encourages all public and private agencies and citizens of the state to observe and recognize Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week with appropriate activities, including using every means available to inform the children and families of Alaska about the dangers of inhalants and poisons.

LR006

Resolve: LR006

Source Root: SJR009

Year: 2003

Source Bill: CSSJR 9(STA)

Expressing confidence in and support for all members of the military, their families, and employers of members of the National Guard._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS many members of the Alaska National Guard and many Alaskans serving in our active forces have been assigned to duty overseas to assist people in countries around the world, end the threat of terrorism, prepare for the very real threat of war, and deal with threats against our nation; and

WHEREAS members of the Alaska National Guard, their families, their employers, and active duty members of the military make tremendous sacrifices every day in their service to our country and to our state; and

WHEREAS the members of the Alaska National Guard and active duty members of the military are well trained, well led, and committed to protecting and serving the citizens of the United States and their interests abroad; and

WHEREAS members of the Alaska National Guard, active duty members of the military, and their families make important contributions to the State of Alaska while they are stationed here; and

WHEREAS the security of our nation, our state, and our citizens depends on the willingness of these brave men and women to put themselves in harm's way;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature recognizes the commitment of the members of the Alaska Army National Guard, the Alaska Air National Guard, and active duty members of the military, and expresses its support for these gallant defenders of freedom; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature express their gratitude for the sacrifices of the families and, in the case of the National Guard, the civilian employers of our men and women in uniform; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the Twenty-Third Alaska State Legislature express their sincere hope and trust that all members of the Alaska National Guard and active duty members of the military return safely to their families from wherever they may be assigned.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, United States Secretary of Defense; General Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; General Peter Pace, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; General Eric K. Shinseki, Chief of Staff of the Army; Admiral Vern Clark, Chief of Naval Operations; General James L. Jones, Commandant of the Marine Corps; Lieutenant General Carrol H. "Howie" Chandler, Commander, Alaskan Command; Brigadier General Craig Campbell, Adjutant General, Alaska Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR007

Resolve: LR007

Source Root: SCR004

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HCS CSSCR 4(STA) am H

Relating to Avalanche Awareness Month._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS Alaskans live, work, and play in and on the edge of the wilderness; and

WHEREAS Alaskans spend twice as much time enjoying the abundance and variety of Alaska's winter recreational opportunities as most other Americans spend in winter recreational activities; and

WHEREAS many of the state's popular winter recreation areas are subject to avalanche danger; and

WHEREAS many Alaskans are not properly educated or equipped to recognize and respond to avalanches; and

WHEREAS Alaska has the highest avalanche death rate per capita in the nation; over 70 Alaskans have died in Alaska avalanches since 1968, and 28 have perished since 1999; and

WHEREAS education on the recognition of avalanche risks, response to avalanches, and the use of appropriate equipment could reduce avalanche-related tragedies that create undue hardships and great personal loss for families and communities;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature proclaims the month of November as Avalanche Awareness Month; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges schools, community groups, and other public and private agencies and individuals to observe Avalanche Awareness Month with appropriate activities that increase the public's awareness of avalanche dangers, how to respond to avalanches, and the use of appropriate equipment in avalanche areas.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Frank Murkowski, Governor; to Aedene Arthur, Backcountry Avalanche Awareness and Response Team; to Doug Fesler and Jill Fredston, co-directors, The Alaska Mountain Safety Center, Inc.; to Bill Glude, Southeast Alaska Avalanche Center; to the Honorable William Tandeske, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety; to the director, Division of Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Department of Public Safety; to the mayors, chiefs of police, and fire chiefs of the Municipality of Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Denali Borough, Haines Borough, City and Borough of Juneau, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, City and Borough of Sitka, City of Cordova, City of Fairbanks, City of Palmer, City of Petersburg, City of Seward, City of Skagway, City of Valdez, and City of Wasilla; to the operators of the ski areas at Eaglecrest, Alyeska, Alpenglow, Hilltop, Moose Mountain, Ski Land, Birch Hill, and Cordova Ski Hill; to the operators of the Alaska Trail Blazers, Inc.; and to legislative communication offices for statewide distribution.

LR008

Resolve: LR008

Source Root: HJR018

Year: 2003

Source Bill: SCS CSHJR 18(STA)

Supporting the men and women of the United States armed forces._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the men and women of the United States armed forces are currently engaged in military action in Iraq; and

WHEREAS the government of Saddam Hussein has posed a threat to national security and world peace for many years, attacking other nations and breaching international laws and understandings; and

WHEREAS Iraq has not only attacked other nations, it has used chemical weapons of mass destruction against its own Kurdish population; and

WHEREAS Iraq has failed to comply with the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1441, calling for it to declare any weapons of mass destruction programs within its borders; and

WHEREAS Iraq has attempted to shoot down surveillance planes patrolling the no-fly zone imposed by the United Nations; and

WHEREAS the men and women of the United States and coalition armed forces are sacrificing their personal safety for freedom for Iraqi people and peace in the region; and

WHEREAS the United States and coalition armed forces are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS the United States and coalition forces are leaving their families to travel halfway around the world to assist in bringing peace to a country that has, for many years, only known tyranny;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature expresses its support for President George W. Bush as this nation is engaged in combat; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature expresses its support to the men and women of the United States and coalition armed forces who are currently involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and other such operations around the world.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Richard B. Cheney, Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Bill Frist, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Thomas Daschle, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; General Tommy Franks, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Central Command; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR009

Resolve: LR009

Source Root: SCR001

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HCS CSSCR 1(TRA) am H

Relating to economic development generated by new road construction and to the design and construction of the Hot Springs Loop Road to connect Chena Hot Springs and Circle Hot Springs, of a highway along the Bradfield/Iskut Rivers transportation corridor, of the Knik Arm Crossing, of a road from Iliamna Bay to Pile Bay, and of other roads and highways._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS new roads are needed to connect communities with the resources that create the increased potential for commercial, industrial, recreational, and social activities for residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS new local roads will allow Alaskans to get to local schools and health facilities and to quickly respond to local emergency situations; and

WHEREAS improving the transportation infrastructure in Alaska is vital to the economic growth and prosperity of the state; and

WHEREAS Alaska is the largest state in the Union, comprising one-fifth of the total area of the continental United States, yet Alaska has barely 2,000 miles of roadways, less than the state of Vermont; and

WHEREAS the proposed Hot Springs Loop Road from Chena Hot Springs to Circle Hot Springs will complete a transportation loop connecting Fairbanks and the two resort areas and will open areas of Interior Alaska for residents and visitors to explore, enjoy, and develop; and

WHEREAS the Hot Springs Loop Road would connect the Steese Highway with the Chena Hot Springs Road either through or around the Steese National Conservation Area; and

WHEREAS the Hot Springs Loop Road will allow residents and tourists an opportunity to drive the scenic loop between Fairbanks and the resort areas at Chena Hot Springs and Circle Hot Springs; and

WHEREAS the Hot Springs Loop Road will foster increased outdoor activities, new tourism ventures, and economic growth in Interior Alaska; and

WHEREAS construction of a highway along the Bradfield/Iskut Rivers transportation corridor would increase the traffic flow between Southeast Alaska and the Alaska marine highway to British Columbia by permitting a more efficient flow of travelers into and out of the region; and

WHEREAS a transportation corridor between Southeast Alaska and British Columbia would generate recreational growth benefiting Alaskans and British Columbians; and

WHEREAS communities in southern Southeast Alaska have suffered immense and catastrophic declines in their economic base due to removal of the timber industry as a key component of their economies by the previous national administration; and

WHEREAS the Alaska marine highway system is placing severe constraints on the shipment of fresh seafood to United States and Canadian markets because it has a policy to maximize revenue in the summer period at the expense of reserved deck space for fresh seafood containers, because the capacity to transport shipping vans has been severely curtailed due to international SOLAS shipping standard requirements, and because the Prince Rupert transfer bridge is not of sufficient weight carrying capacity; and

WHEREAS the shipment of fresh seafood, both caught and processed domestically, by way of airlines is both capacity constrained and expensive, thus denying efficiencies and potential markets for high margin fresh seafood products; and

WHEREAS a land transportation link to the North American highway system could provide viable development of new vocations resulting from new economic growth; and

WHEREAS the southern region of Southeast Alaska has been negatively affected in recent years with individual fishery quota (IFQ) landings moving to road-connected communities such as Haines and Prince Rupert; and

WHEREAS the people of southern Southeast Alaska wish to increase trade with our Canadian neighbors; and

WHEREAS the Knik Arm Crossing project has been identified as a project that would have a profound effect on future development in Southcentral Alaska; and

WHEREAS construction of a road from Iliamna Bay to Pile Bay on Lake Iliamna will provide a greatly enhanced transportation route to Lake Iliamna, Newhalen, Lake Clark, the upper Bristol Bay area, several mineral deposits, and unparalleled recreational opportunities and will provide for more economical transportation of food, fuel, and materials to the several villages in the area; and

WHEREAS the Donlin Creek Road project has been identified as a project that will greatly enhance economic development and establish a transportation corridor in the Kuskokwim area, which will have a profound effect on future development in the region; and

WHEREAS the Ralph M. Bartholomew Veterans' Memorial Bridge connecting the City of Ketchikan to Gravina Island has been identified as a project that will provide needed access to the Ketchikan International Airport and foster future development of Gravina Island; and

WHEREAS the East Lynn Canal Road connecting the City of Juneau with northern Southeast Alaska communities would have a profound impact on the economy of Juneau and enhance regional development and transportation infrastructure;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature recognizes that the economic development activity generated by the construction of new roads is important to the growth and prosperity of the state; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the design and construction of the Hot Springs Loop Road to provide a scenic loop route to connect Fairbanks and the resort areas at Chena Hot Springs and Circle Hot Springs; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the efforts of Governor Frank Murkowski and the City of Wrangell to continue their work with the Province of British Columbia and Cassiar and Yellowhead Highways communities in their efforts to reach an agreement to construct a highway along the Bradfield/Iskut Rivers transportation corridor; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the pre-National Environmental Policy Act scoping and environmental impact statement process and the design and construction of a highway along the Bradfield/Iskut Rivers transportation corridor to connect southern Southeast Alaska to British Columbia; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the design and construction of the Knik Arm Crossing and a road from Iliamna Bay to Pile Bay; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the continued effort for construction of the Donlin Creek Road; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the design and construction of a road to Rock Creek, bypassing Moon Light Springs, for development of mineral extraction operations on the Seward Peninsula; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the design and construction of the Ralph M. Bartholomew Veterans' Memorial Bridge to connect the City of Ketchikan and Gravina Island and the East Lynn Canal Road alignment connecting the City of Juneau to northern Southeast Alaska.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Frank Murkowski, Governor of Alaska; the Honorable Mike Barton, Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Al Ewing, Chief of Staff, Denali Commission; Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, President and Chief Executive Officer, NovaGold Resources Inc.; the mayors of the Municipality of Anchorage, Fairbanks North Star Borough, City of Fairbanks, City and Borough of Juneau, City of Wrangell, City of Petersburg, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, City of Ketchikan, City of Klawock, City of Craig, Kenai Peninsula Borough, City of Homer, City of Kenai, City of Soldotna, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, City of Wasilla, City of Palmer, Lake and Peninsula Borough, and City of Nome; the Postmasters of Central, Circle, Pedro Bay, Iliamna, Crooked Creek, and Red Devil; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR010

Resolve: LR010

Source Root: SCR007

Year: 2003

Source Bill: SCR 7

Suspending Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, concerning House Bill No. 71, relating to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:That under Rule 54, Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, the provisions of Rules 24(c), 35, 41(b), and 42(e), Uniform Rules of the Alaska State Legislature, regarding changes to the title of a bill, are suspended in consideration of House Bill No. 71, relating to the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives.

LR011

Resolve: LR011

Source Root: SJR007

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HCS SJR 7(EDT)

Expressing support for Vancouver, British Columbia's, bid for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS Alaska and British Columbia, Canada, are neighbors who share close economic, cultural, historic, and athletic ties; and

WHEREAS Alaska and British Columbia provide world-class facilities for outdoor and indoor winter recreation and sports; and

WHEREAS Alaska and British Columbia enjoy a long history of friendly competition in all winter sports of the Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games; and

WHEREAS a close relationship has developed between Alaska and British Columbia by working together on world-class civic events such as the 1986 World's Fair in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and by sharing the economic benefits of other world-class events; and

WHEREAS the Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games provide worldwide exposure and promotion for the host city and the surrounding region; and

WHEREAS the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, generated over $1,000,000,000 in revenue and spending in the entire western region of the United States; and

WHEREAS a successful bid for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games is projected to create over 250,000 new jobs and generate up to $10,000,000,000 in economic activity for British Columbia and increase its media attention; and

WHEREAS, if Vancouver's bid is successful, the entire economy, particularly the tourism industry, emerging industries, and small businesses of the Pacific Northwest area of the United States and Canada will benefit from an estimated $6,000,000,000 of worldwide media attention; and

WHEREAS benefits from hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games would continue to accrue with increased tourism even 10 years after the games;

BE IT RESOLVED that, in the spirit of friendship, the Alaska State Legislature fully supports Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in its effort to win the right to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Winter Paralympic Games.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada; the Honorable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, Canada; the Honorable Larry W. Campbell, Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia; Mr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee; Mr. Lloyd D. Ward, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the United States Olympic Committee; Mr. John Furlong, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation; the Honorable Ted Stevens, President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate and member of the Alaska Delegation in Congress; and to the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR012

Resolve: LR012

Source Root: HCR002

Year: 2003

Source Bill: SCS CSHRC 2(CRA)Relating to the extension of the Alaska Railroad to Delta Junction and Fort Greely to support expanding resource development, agricultural, and military activities._______________

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the United States Department of Defense has begun to construct an anti-ballistic missile testing and launch facility at Fort Greely, Alaska; and

WHEREAS United States Army Alaska is developing new range areas at Fort Greely to support the training of the new Stryker Brigade; and

WHEREAS the world-class mining operation at Pogo located near Delta Junction is projected to commence construction in the fall of 2003 and operate for at least 11 years, and a more cost-efficient transportation system would assist such a mining venture; and

WHEREAS the agricultural industry in the Delta Junction area would become more cost efficient, competitive, and able to expand if access to markets were less expensive; and

WHEREAS a railroad is well suited to provide the transportation support required to sustain military operations as well as provide a cost-efficient method of transporting goods and services for both mining and agricultural activities in the region; and

WHEREAS the Alaska Railroad already has rail lines extending to Eielson Air Force Base, which is within 70 miles of Delta Junction and Fort Greely; and

WHEREAS the Alaska Railroad can efficiently provide transportation services for heavy cargo and large quantities of supplies to the region from the ports of Seward, Whittier, and Anchorage while economically delivering the region's mining and agricultural products to market; and

WHEREAS the extension of the Alaska Railroad to Delta Junction and Fort Greely is consistent with the long-term goals of the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the State of Alaska to extend rail service through Canada to the lower 48 states;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests Governor Frank Murkowski to encourage the Alaska Railroad Corporation to undertake the extension of the Alaska Railroad to Delta Junction and Fort Greely in order to support the region's expanding resource development, agricultural, and military activities.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, United States Secretary of Defense; Patrick Gamble, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Railroad Corporation; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR013

Resolve: LR013

Source Root: HJR013

Year: 2003

Source Bill: SCS CSHJR 3(HES)Urging adoption of the Alaska recommendations for implementing the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001._______________BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS the Alaska Legislature strongly supports the intent and goals of the No Child Left Behind Act and is committed to implementing state and federal school reform initiatives aimed at ensuring that all children meet state academic standards and benefit from the promise of the No Child Left Behind Act; and

WHEREAS specific provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act do not consider the specific needs of Alaska's rural, remote, and small enrollment schools; and

WHEREAS Alaska faces unique implementation issues caused by conditions that include but are not limited to the following factors:

(1) of Alaska's 53 school districts, the largest five school districts enroll 70 percent of Alaska's students; 39 school districts each enroll less than one percent of Alaska's students;

(2) Alaska has a large number of very small schools, each with only a handful of teachers; Alaska has 506 schools, and, of these schools, 135 have fewer than 50 students, and 82 enroll 25 or fewer students; 20 percent of Alaska's total schools employ three or fewer teachers;

(3) Alaska has a total student population of more than 134,358; of the total student population, about 23.4 percent are Alaska Native students; with the addition of 1,968 American Indian students, the total Alaska Native/American Indian student enrollment is 24.8 percent of the total student body; Alaska has a tremendously diverse range of culture and language in its communities and schools; in many villages, the Native indigenous language is the primary language used, and paraprofessionals provide cultural and language assistance that allows students greater opportunity to participate in classes;

(4) many of Alaska's rural school districts cover tens of thousands of square miles, have few schools, and have no roads; for example, one school district has an enrollment of fewer than 2,200 students attending 10 schools that are not connected by roads and are spread out over a district covering 88,000 square miles; if this school district were an individual state, it would be the 12th largest state in the nation;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully urges prompt approval of the Alaska consolidated state application accountability workbook; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature asks the peer review team of the United States Department of Education to take into account the uniqueness of Alaska and its people; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature urges the peer review team of the United States Department of Education to thoughtfully consider the implementation strategies recommended by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development in its application relating to (1) highly qualified teachers, (2) highly qualified paraprofessionals, (3) English language assessment and Native language immersion, and (4) choice and supplemental services, so that the children of Alaska may experience the full benefits that the No Child Left Behind Act promises for each and every child in our state; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature is committed to working with Alaska's Congressional Delegation to effect responsible statutory amendments to the No Child Left Behind Act that will enable Alaska to implement the No Child Left Behind Act if the United States Department of Education does not approve the Alaska recommendations.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable George W. Bush, President of the United States; the Honorable Rod Paige, United States Secretary of Education; and to the Honorable Ted Stevens and the Honorable Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress.

LR014

Resolve: LR014

Source Root: SJR012

Year: 2003

Source Bill: HCS CSSJR 12(FSH)

Supporting the halibut bycatch utilization project of the Alaska Food Coalition._______________BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:WHEREAS fishermen operating trawl vessels are prohibited from retaining accidentally caught halibut; and

WHEREAS these fishermen are required by federal regulation to dump halibut bycatch, even dead halibut, at sea; and

WHEREAS these fishermen, who would receive no personal profit, gain, or benefit, except the intrinsic satisfaction derived of noble action, desire, at the expense of their labor and time, to retain and donate halibut bycatch to charitable food relief agencies; and

WHEREAS Kodiak processors are willing to handle and process otherwise at-sea-discarded halibut bycatch for charitable purposes; and

WHEREAS the Alaska Food Coalition, a network of charitable food relief organizations, has established a plan, has acquired funds, and is ready to distribute the halibut bycatch to assist Alaskans in need;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports the Alaska Food Coalition in its efforts to see that the dead halibut bycatch, which is otherwise an unutilized resource, is put to use to support our Alaska families in need; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature commends Kodiak fishermen and processors for their efforts and willingness to see that halibut bycatch is responsibly disposed of through charitable donations; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests the National Marine Fisheries Service and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to support the issuance of a Prohibited Species Donation Permit using halibut bycatch from vessels with observers.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to Susan J. Salveson, Assistant Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce; Kenneth D. Hansen, Assistant-Special-Agent-in-Charge, Alaska Region, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce; David Benton, Chair, North Pacific Fishery Management Council; Alvin Burch, Executive Director, Alaska Draggers Association; Mitch Kilborn, Manager, Western Alaska Fisheries; Matt Moir, Manager, Alaska Pacific Seafoods; Greg D. Hathaway, Manager, Trident Seafoods Corporation; and Trevor Jones, Chair, Alaska Food Coalition.