Redistricting Board Releases Draft Plan

Friday, April 15th, 2011

The Alaska Redistricting Board released its draft reapportionment plan this week. The board is charged under the Alaska Constitution to reconfigure election districts every 10 years to reflect the federal census. The 2010 Census reported Southeast’s population at 71, 664, a 2% population decline since 2000.   The numbers also show that while the Southeast population had decreased, other regions of Alaska are growing. During the past decade Alaska’s population grew nearly 13%.

These shifting demographics will lead to changes in our region’s representation in the legislature and the shape of our electoral districts.  The board has presented a draft plan for Southeast and alternate option.  Both plans substantially alter current districts, going so far as to pair Ketchikan and Delta Junction or Kodiak in the same Senate District.

During the next two months the board will take testimony on the proposal before finalizing their plan later this summer.  Several public meetings are scheduled for Southeast including:

Sitka – April 29th
Centennial Hall
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Craig – April 30th
Craig High School Library
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Ketchikan – April 30th
Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly Chambers
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Wrangell – May 2nd
Nolan Center
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Petersburg – May 3rd
Petersburg City Council Chambers
11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Skagway – May 4th
Skagway Assembly Chambers
9:00 am – 11:00 am

Haines – May 4th
Haines Borough Public Library
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Angoon – May 5th
Angoon Elementary School
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Hoonah – May 5th
Hoonah City Council Chambers
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The redistricting process has wide-ranging consequences for Southeast Alaska, and I hope Alaskans will express their views as part of the public process.

Tags: Alaska Redistricting, Bert Stedman
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Legislature Expands Southeast State Forest

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

The Senate passed legislation today that will expand the Southeast State Forest and improve resource management in our region.  House Bill 105 would add over 23,000 acres to the state forest and designate state lands for long-term forest management.

Southeast Alaska’s economy has changed significantly over the last 20 years.  The decline in the forest products industry has been an economic disaster for our region.  Since the termination of long-term federal timber contracts in the 1990s, it has been increasingly difficult a steady supply of timber from federal lands.  The closure of pulp mills and local sawmills resulted in a 30% economic hit to Southeast that we still haven’t recovered from.  With the vast majority of land in Southeast Alaska being controlled by the federal government, it’s important for the state to help sustain ensure suitable state lands remain a part of Alaska’s timber base.

The bill incorporates 23 parcels across Southeast that have been selected by state foresters for active management.  Expanding the state forest will ensure state land remains available for long-term forest management and will boost timber volumes.  Lands in the state forest will continue to be open for multiple-uses including hunting, recreation, subsistence, and timber development.

I appreciate the extensive public-process that went into crafting the bill, and the support local communities and the Board of Forestry provided for passing the bill.  I’m confident establishing the forest will aide small town sawmills and improve forest management in our region.

Tags: Bert Stedman, Forestry
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Senate Finance Committee Presents Capital Budget

Monday, April 11th, 2011

Today the Senate Finance Committee introduced its version of the FY2012 Capital Budget today.  The budget enhances state savings; and funds crucial energy projects to keep Alaska’s economy moving.  As Co-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I was responsible for drafting the budget and presenting it to the committee.  The Capital Budget appropriates money for one-time expenditures such as road and school construction; and public works infrastructure.  It is one of the most important policy documents the legislature considers, and along with the Operating Budget, is the only bill the legislature is required to pass during session.

This session I’ve worked aggressively with colleagues to bolster state savings and guarantee our state’s infrastructure needs are addressed.  Our challenge was to use surplus revenue to advance important statewide projects, while stocking-away funds in the Constitutional Budget Reserve as savings for future years.  The budget totals $2.8 billion and adds $500 million to state savings.

The Budget includes several items that will benefit Southeast Alaska including funding for energy infrastructure that will lower the cost of doing business and improve the quality of life in our region.  Projects include expansion of hydroelectric projects in Ketchikan and Sitka, major waterfront improvements in Petersburg and Wrangell, clinics for Prince of Wales Island, infrastructure improvements at the Ketchikan Shipyard, and vocational education facilities in Ketchikan and Sitka.

I’m confident that we’ve addressed the most critical priorities around the state, and look forward to working with my colleagues in the house to move the budget through the legislature this week.

Tags: Bert Stedman, Capital Budget, Infrastructure
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Joint Session Confirms Nominees from Southeast

Friday, April 8th, 2011

The legislature met in joint-session this morning to consider the governor’s nominees to the cabinet, state boards, and commissions.  The State of Alaska has over 100 boards and commissions, which engage Alaskans in the civic and commercial processes of government.  Alaskans are appointed by the Governor and are reviewed by the legislature for confirmation.  I was pleased the governor nominated several individuals from Southeast Alaska including:

Cora Campbell of Petersburg, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
John Jensen of Petersburg, Board of Fisheries
Dirk White of Sitka, Alaska Board of Pharmacy
Richard Burton of Ketchikan, Alaska Police Standards Council
Aaron Isaacs Jr. of Klawock, Alaska Labor Relations Agency

Having quality Alaskans involved in government is vital for our state.  I am glad the Governor appointed these individuals and appreciate their service to Alaska.

Tags: Bert Stedman, Boards, Fisheries
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