Petersburg Naming Bills Pass the Legislature

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The legislature has passed legislation naming public works in Petersburg after two well known citizens.  On the recommendation of the City of Petersburg, I was proud to introduce these bills to recognize Alaskans who have made a contribution to their community and our region.
 
Senate Bill 24 names the bridge over Hammer Slough after Louis Miller. Arriving in Petersburg in 1901, Miller worked as a carpenter for town founder Peter Buschmann. He constructed some of the first houses on Hammer Slough and oversaw construction of the Sons of Norway Hall. 

Senate Bill 25 names the South Mitkof Island Ferry Terminal after Richard ‘Dewey’ Duvall. “Dewey”, as he was known to friends, was a longtime resident of Petersburg and was instrumental in the founding of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA). He served on the IFA board of directors for 10 years, and worked at the South Mitkof terminal until his passing last fall.

It is important to recognize Alaskans who give of themselves to make a difference in our state, and I’m pleased the legislature passed these bills.

April 18th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Conference Committee Finishes Operating Budget

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The Conference Committee finished its work on the FY2011 Operating Budget this afternoon.  The committee was convened to resolved differences between the Senate and House versions of the budget.  I served as one of the Senate’s conferees in my role as co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee.  We reached consensus on several items, and recommended a budget that significantly revised the Governor’s request and also sustains important public services.

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April 18th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Legislature Passes Fisheries Bills

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The legislature passed two bills today that will aide Alaska’s fishermen and seafood processors.  Fisheries are the lifeblood of coastal Alaska and a major part of our state’s economy.  Nearly 40 percent of fish harvested in the U.S. come from Alaska. This adds over $2 billion to our economy and provides over 50,000 jobs throughout the year.  During my time in the legislature, I’ve worked with colleagues to address issues facing our seafood industry.  The goal has been to help our fishermen and processors recover from increased competition from farmed salmon and years of low prices.
 
House Bill 20 provides energy relief for Alaska fishermen.   The bill expands state loan programs for engine and energy efficiency upgrades to commercial fishing boats.  This will allow fishermen to outfit their boats with new technology that will lower their operating costs.   
    
House Bill 344 extends the Salmon Product Development Tax Credit.  The credit allows processors to deduct up to 50% of the cost of some equipment from their annual Fisheries Business Taxes.  These investments include fillet machines, pin-bone machines, smoking equipment, and ice machines. The credit aides the modernization of Alaska’s salmon industry, and has led to more value-added processing of salmon. 

I’m hopeful these policies will continue the positive growth we’ve seen in our commercial fisheries, and help make Alaskan Salmon more valuable on the world market.

April 16th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Senate Passes Capital Budget

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The Senate passed its version of the FY2011 Capital Budget today.  The budget funds important infrastructure 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 Senate.  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 actively with colleagues to balance savings and ensure 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 $2.77 billion including $1 billion in federal funds and $400 million in general obligation bonds for education and research facility construction.  The budget amount is within the recent average of state Capital spending, and addresses remaining needs from last year’s lean budget.      

The Budget includes several items that will benefits Southeast Alaska.  From deferred maintenance to new facilities, this funding will put Alaskans to work and improve the quality of life in our region.  Highlights include…

•$83 million for statewide docks & harbors improvements
•$60 million towards constructing the Alaska Class Ferry
•$39 million for Southeast Alaska Hydro-Electric Construction
•$23 million in port and tourism infrastructure
•$19 million to begin the Public Library Construction Grant Program
•$5 million for upgrades to state-owned hatchery facilities

On top of these projects, this budget will still provide for an estimated $325 million surplus during the next fiscal year.  I’m confident that we’ve addressed the most critical priorities around the state, and look forward to working with my counterparts in the house to move the budget through the legislature this week.

April 13th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Wrangell Lands Bill Passes Legislature

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The legislature passed the Wrangell land grant bill today.  House Bill 273 completes the formation of the Wrangell and Haines boroughs.  Alaska’s Constitution and state law stipulate the formation of boroughs for local governance.  After a borough is organized, the state has a policy of aiding the newly formed borough with a land grant.  Southeast Alaska presents a unique challenge to this policy because there is very little state land in the region.  98% of land within the Wrangell Borough is part of the Tongass National Forest. This left the community with one the smallest borough land grants on record.  The bill corrects this shortfall and gives the boroughs an equitable land grant.  I’m pleased the legislature enacted this bill and hope it will further community development in Southeast.

April 13th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Energy Bill Passes Senate

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The Senate has passed the Alaska Sustainable Energy Act.  The bill, Senate Bill 220, is a major step in developing a statewide energy plan, and will help advance energy solutions for Southeast Alaska.  High energy costs are one of the toughest economic challenges facing our state, and this bill represents extensive work by the Senate to enact comprehensive energy reform.

To tackle these issues the Senate undertook an extensive public process.  I’ve been closely involved in my role as Co-Chair of Senate Finance Committee, Vice-Chair of the Renewable Energy Task Force, and as a member of the Senate Resources and Energy Committees.   I participated in field hearings across the state with the Energy and Resources Committees to collect Alaskans’ ideas on energy.

The goal has been to lower energy costs and provide more sustainable sources of energy to Alaskans.  SB 220 is a compilation of several renewable energy and conservation programs.  A good example is the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund.  The fund will help finance energy efficiency improvements for schools and municipal buildings.  This will save communities money and put contractors to work throughout our state.

The energy bill also expands the Southeast Alaska Energy Fund.  Despite substantial renewable energy resources, most Southeast communities are not connected to hydro power and still burn oil to generate heat and electricity.  Existing hydroelectric facilities in Southeast are at or near capacity which severely limits regional growth.   Hydro projects provide low-cost power over the long-term but are extremely expensive. The state has a critical role to play in capitalizing these projects on the front end while we contemplate investing huge amounts of money for natural gas and energy infrastructure in the Rail-belt region.  The bill broadens the authority of the fund, and provides a funding mechanism for constructing power projects in Southeast and for completing the regional electrical grid.

I’m pleased with the Senate’s work on this bill and look forward to advancing these issues in the future.

April 10th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Joint Session Confirms Nominees from Southeast

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The legislature met in joint-session this morning to consider the governor’s nominees to state boards and commissions.  The State of Alaska has over 100 boards and commissions, which involve 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…

Ben Grussendorf of Sitka, Board of Game
Richard Erickson of Ketchikan, Board of Marine Pilots
Iva Greywolf of Sitka, Board of Psychologists & Examiners
Jynal Radziukinas of Sitka, Board of Barbers & Hairdressers

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

April 9th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Legislature Passes Southeast State Forest

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

Today the legislature passed a bill creating the Southeast State Forest.  The legislation weaves together 20 parcels of state land in Southern Southeast and designates them for long-term forest management.

Southeast Alaska’s timber industry has changed drastically over the last 20 years.  Since the termination of long-term timber contracts in the 1990s, it has becomes increasingly difficult to get a consistent 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.

Establishing this state forest will ensure land remains available for long-term forest management and will increase timber volumes.  The selected parcels are an important part of the state’s timber base and merit active management by state foresters.   Lands in the state forest will continue to be open for multiple-uses; including use as wildlife habitat and recreational activities.  I appreciate the extensive public-process that went into creating the forest, and the support local communities and the Board of Forestry provided for passing the bill.

I’m hopeful establishing the forest will aide small town sawmills and improve forest management in our region.

April 8th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »

Senate Passes Operating Budget

Author: Senator Bert Stedman

The Senate passed the FY2011 Operating Budget today.  The budget funds the workings of state government and provides for important public services.  Part of my role on the Senate Finance Committee is working with colleagues in drafting appropriation bills.  During this process the Senate made several revisions to the operating budget to make it more efficient.  This included cutting $7 million from the governor’s budget request, and only adding select items to meet the needs of Alaskans.

The Senate included several provisions in the budget that will benefit Southeast Alaska.  The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) received an additional $5 million to bolster tourism marketing for our state.  The Alaska Department of Fish & Game received nearly $2 million to study changes in Alaska’s fisheries; including Southeast Sablefish and Red King Crab populations.  The University of Alaska also received $300,000 to sustain Marine Advisory Program offices in communities throughout Alaska including Petersburg. 

I’m pleased with the Senate’s work and look forward to advancing these issues during the last few weeks of session.

March 30th, 2010  |  Posted in News & Comment  |  No Comments »