(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives passed legislation to establish an Interior Rivers Port Authority. HB 562, introduced by the Chairman of the Community and Regional Affairs Committee, Representative Carl Morgan (R-Aniak), passed the House floor by a vote of 29 to 6.

The legislation was drafted to assist the Interior Rivers' Region with economic development and self-sufficiency. The Port Authority would have the power to accept private, municipal, state and federal funds, to issue tax-exempt revenue bonds, to enter into land leases and acquisitions, and to contract for the provision of management services for authority facilities and operations.

Representative Morgan said, "This authority would include twenty-five communities, bordered by the Tanana, Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers. It would take small, unorganized areas and give them a starting point for regionalized planning. We need to empower the people of these villages and allow them to control their own destiny." He went on to say, "We've been talking with communities, village corporations and regional corporations of the state and have received enthusiastic support for the Authority. This is a resource rich area, and railroads, rivers and roads are our access to these resources."

Representative Morgan has worked closely with the Senate to get this legislation introduced. HB 562 now awaits action in the Alaska Senate.

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