Building the Future

Building the Future

Ft. Wainwright Casualty.

I ask all Alaskans to honor the memory of a Ft. Wainwright soldier who has died in combat in Iraq. 2nd Lt. John Vaughan, from Edwards, Colorado, was killed by small arms fire while on foot patrol in Mosul. The loss of a young leader such as 2nd Lt. Vaughan is a tragedy for his family, his friends and his community. His willingness to set aside the comforts of home and risk his life in the defense of freedom was a testament to his character. John, who was 23 years old when he died in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, was commissioned in the Infantry in June 2005 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Ft. Wainwright in March 2006.

Public Comment Period Extended.

Two days ago I announced that the state has extended the public comment period on the proposed Alaska Highway gas pipeline. Major public meetings and informational fairs have been held around the state, and I express my sincere thanks to Alaskans for lending their voices to this historically important process. Many Alaskans still have questions or still need explanations regarding the contract, so we have added an additional 30 days which extends the comment period until July 24, 2006. We are going to take the process to a new phase, in which we will revisit the major communities with responses to the points that have been raised, along with open question-and-answer forums. This schedule will be announced as soon as it is finalized. Please stay informed of gas pipeline developments with the latest information, available right here. I have never been more enthusiastic, more confident about our prospects of turning a 30 year dream into reality. Together, I know we can move forward to make this happen!

Bill Signings.

This week I signed a number of bills into law, including two bills dealing with Alaska's prison system. SB 216 tightens bail restrictions, and SB310 reinstates the Alaska Correctional Industries program. At the same time, I gave an update on the progress of building a new prison in the Mat-Su Borough. I also signed HB 471, which broadens the powers of the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority and allows KABATA to enter into public-private partnerships in addition to setting a cap on the amount of bonds KABATA can sell. One of the guiding principles of my administration is my firm belief that access and infrastructure are the keys to a healthy and productive Alaska for our future generations. This one bill will help turn a decades-long desire into a reality for Southcentral Alaskans. I signed SB 291, which creates a 50/50 matching grant program to help coastal communities upgrade and maintain their small boat harbors. SB 132 changes the Human Rights Commission's procedures to make them clearer to the participants and provides true enforcement discretion to the commission. Elder fraud is a matter of growing concern, and I signed HB 399 to better deter this type of activity. This bill establishes a new office of elder fraud and abuse within the Office of Public Advocacy, and charges it with investigating complaints of fraud and abuse of Alaska residents over 60 years of age. HB 420 helps ensure that the goals of the Forest Practices Act are met, to provide adequate protection of fish habitat and water quality, and to support healthy timber and fishing industries. Please visit my web site to find the latest news of more bills that I have signed into law.

Avian Flu Lab Approved.

This week I was very pleased to announce that the Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Health Laboratory is now approved to perform Avian Influenza testing. This is an important step forward for Alaska, because we are at the forefront of any epidemic that is likely to hit the U.S. With millions of birds migrating between Asia and North America through the flyway that includes our state, it is vitally important that we be able to test for bird flu expeditiously. The certification of our lab means samples can be tested in hours rather than the days it would take to send them to the lower 48. This is good news for Alaska.

Flags at Half-Staff.

Earlier this week, Territorial Representative and Constitutional Convention Delegate Burke Riley passed away at a hospice in Washington state, where he had gone for medical care. He was 92 years old, and in his honor I have ordered Alaska state flags to be flown at half-staff through Tuesday, June 20. Burke Riley served on the Constitutional Convention in 1955-56 and in the Territorial House of Representatives from 1955-57. Alaskans truly owe him a debt of gratitude, especially for the work he did on our state's Constitution. Burke Riley was one of a few who, to a great degree, are responsible for the unique Constitution we have today, and it is a testament to their foresightedness that the Constitution endures and serves Alaskans well today.

http://www.gov.state.ak.us/newsletter/newsletter06_16_2006.php