(The Center Square) – Alaska’s defense sector is vital to the state, but one lawmaker said it has been overlooked for too long.
Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, was the lead sponsor of House Bill 155 that establishes a commission to study the state’s economic opportunities with its military sector.
“House Bill No. 155 establishes the Alaska Military Affairs Commission, which will effectively provide advice, counsel, and recommendations on military issues and economic and industrial development related to military issues to the Governor, state agencies, the legislature, communities, and the states congressional delegation,” Stapp said in his sponsor statement. “The AMAC will work to expand and grow the current presence of the armed forces in the state, including new bases, expanded missions, and increased training.”
The Department of Defense and the U.S. Coast Guard represent 10% of all civilian employment for Anchorage and Mat-Su, according to a 2018 study presented to legislators by the Center of Economic Development during the legislative session.
The lieutenant governor’s office will oversee the nine-member commission, which will include two other state employees and six non-state employees, according to the bill’s fiscal note. Expenditures include a part-time employee and possible travel costs to attend in-person meetings estimated at $84,500. The money will come from the state’s general fund.
The bill also changes the requirement for the assistant adjutant general positions. Five years of service is no longer a requirement but a preference, according to information from Dunleavy’s office. The governor signed the bill into law on Monday.
“This change is important to expand the current eligible pool of qualified candidates and attract talent from additional areas such as service members leaving active service and staying in Alaska,” according to a news release from the governor.
Dunleavy also signed a bill allowing for expedited sales of timber in areas with high fire danger or that are susceptible to disease or insect outbreaks.
“Alaska’s forests have amazing potential and HB 104 will help maximize their value,” said Rep. Mike Cronk, R-Tok, the bill’s lead sponsor. “Hazardous fuel changed to biomass energy. Stunted stands of dog hair spruce thinned for better timber. Spruce infested trees harvested before they rot. Carbon sequestration increased. An industry instead of a fire waiting to happen. Thank you, Governor Dunleavy, for your dedication to improving our forests through a new management tool.”