Kodiak – Earlier today, Alaska Governor Bill Walker announced the appointment of V. Fate Putman to the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC). Putman will fill the seat being vacated by Benjamin Brown. Putman will serve the remainder of Brown’s term, which expires in early March of 2019.
I know that many commercial fishermen, residents, and businesses in my district were deeply affected by disastrous pink salmon returns in 2016. Pink salmon fishing is the mainstay of our seine fleet and the effect on families and the economy was devastating. I want to provide an update of where we are in the process of securing funding from the Federal Government for hard-working fishermen.
First off, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter! Secondly, the agenda for this e-news is: an update on fisheries bills, followed by some Kodiak and Yakutat student artwork, and finally an update on budget issues.
Juneau – On Monday, Representative Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) introduced House Bill 199, the “Wild Salmon Legacy Act.” The bill updates Alaska’s fish habitat protection and permitting law to create a balanced and efficient permitting system that protects Alaska’s wild salmon runs, promotes responsible development, and gives Alaskans a greater voice in major permitting decisions that impact wild salmon streams.
Greetings from rainy Juneau! I am delighted to have such an active role in fisheries and marine transportation issues. However, since the budget is our top priority this year, my newsletters will begin with a budget update. These proposals are simply a starting point, so please con-tact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas. I want to hear from you!
First and foremost on the minds of most Alaskans is solving the State’s budget deficit, which is expected to be over $3 billion. Governor Walker is proposing a fiscal plan this year dubbed “The New Sustainable Alaska Plan.
Juneau – Representative Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) applauds last week’s decision by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker to accept the State of Alaska’s request for a disaster declaration for the pink salmon fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska.
Anchorage – Representative Dan Ortiz (I-Ketchikan) applauds the new Statement of Cooperation on the Protection of Transboundary Waters between the State of Alaska and British Columbia. The statement was signed today by Alaska Lt. Governor Byron Mallott, the British Columbia Minister of Energy and Mines, and the British Columbia Minister of Environment.
