Juneau -- Representative Bill Hudson (R-Juneau) Monday introduced House Bill 108, an act establishing a comprehensive boating safety program in Alaska. Under HB 108's provisions, the State would assume vessel registration responsibilities and regulatory authority over boat safety equipment.

"In 1998, 38 Alaskans lost their lives in boating accidents, and Alaska continues to experience boating fatalities at nearly ten times the national rate," said Hudson, a former career Coast Guardsman. "Current boating safety programs are a combination of Coast Guard, State of Alaska, and private and public efforts, which are not centrally located or coordinated."

Hudson has worked with the last two Coast Guard District Commanders to craft legislation that would comply with The Federal Safe Boating Act of 1971. "I am extremely pleased that Representative Hudson has introduced legislation to formally implement a Boating Safety Program in Alaska", said Rear Admiral Terry Cross, Commander of the 17th Coast Guard District. "Given Alaska's excessive rate of recreational boating deaths - roughly ten times the national average - Alaska needs a state Boating Safety Program."

Currently, Alaska is the only state in the nation that does not have an approved Boating Safety Program. "Because Alaska does not comply with the Federal Safe Boating Act, our State's share of the federal marine fuel taxes that Alaskans pay has not been redistributed back to Alaska," Hudson said. "Passage of HB 108 will assure we are included in the redistribution of these taxes, bringing hundred's of thousands of federal dollars back to the State.

"We have been working closely with Governor Knowles and we are pleased to have the support of his administration on this comprehensive legislation aimed at saving lives throughout Alaska," Hudson said. "Our goal in introducing this important legislation is to reduce deaths, injuries and property loss while making boating more enjoyable for the thousands who, work, recreate and travel on Alaska's waterways."