Greetings from Juneau,

Meeting Updates:

1. HB 328: Ban Mixing Zones in Spawning Areas - was rescheduled from Monday, April 3, 2006 to Wednesday, April 5, 2006. The hearing begins in House Resources at 1:00 p.m., room 124 of the Capitol.
2. Exxon Valdez "Reopener for Unknown Injury"
   
   The State of Alaska has arranged public meetings in Cordova, Kodiak, and Anchorage. Please see the schedule below:
   
   Cordova: Thursday, April 6, 2006
      5:30-8:30 p.m.
      Eyak Masonic Hall
      404 First Street
      Cordova, AK 99574
   
   Kodiak: Friday, April 7, 2006
      5:30-8:30 p.m.
      Kodiak Island Borough-Assembly Chambers
      710 Mill Bay Road
      Kodiak, AK 99615
   
   Anchorage: Saturday, April 8, 2006
      12:00-3:00 p.m.
      Loussac Library Assembly Chambers
      3600 Denali Street
      Anchorage, AK 99503
   
   In addition to attending the public meetings, you are encouraged to submit comments in writing to:
   
   Attorney General David W. Marquez
   P.O. Box 110300
   Juneau, AK 99811-0300
   
   or via email: reopener '' @ '' law.state.ak.us

Before submitting comments and attending the meetings, you are strongly encouraged to review a draft report entitled "2005 Assessment of Lingering Oil and Resource Injuries from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill". This report can be found at: http://www.evostc.state.ak.us

Representative LeDoux is unable to attend the meeting in Kodiak due to her duties as a legislator, but will be submitting comments in writing.

Legislation & Regulation Updates:

1. HB 251: Commercial Fishing Multiple Permit Holder - Signed into law by the Governor on 3/30/06. The effective date of the law is 6/28/06. Representative LeDoux was a co-sponsor of this bill.
2. We received news today that DEC has withdrawn proposed processing regulations on cleaning of fish on trips less than three days.

According to a DEC staff person: "UFA met with DEC during our board meeting earlier this month, and submitted written comments opposing the proposed seafood processing regulations. We are aware of many members and other fishermen who also commented and thank you for the team effort."

The proposed regulation change to 18 AAC 34.005 (g), regarding three day trip length threshold on cleaning of fish, has been dropped according to DEC officials.

Best regards, Kim

Kimberly Wallace
Legislative & Fisheries Committee Aide
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux
State Capitol
District 36
Juneau, AK 99801-1121
Phone: 907.465.2487
Fax: 907.465.4956

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