(JUNEAU) - Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla/Mat-Su) filed legislation Wednesday to merge the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources. The new department would be called the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Kohring said that combining the two departments could save a substantial amount of state funds.

"The idea is to save the state money by consolidating these two departments, which often have duplicate functions and duties," Kohring said. "By eliminating the overlap between these two departments, we can create savings for the state."

Kohring added that if the state wants to save money, its government structure should reflect that goal.

"The idea to combine these departments reflects my philosophy that a more streamlined government is a more efficient government," Kohring said. "In the current period of shrinking state revenues, it is imperative that state government operate efficiently."

House Bill 238 is referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and also has referrals to Resources and Finance.

If passed, the legislation would become effective immediately.

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04-02-03: Rep. Vic Kohring explains why the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Conservation should be merged into one.

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Vic Kohring 36 K

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