Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Passes Aid for Bristol Bay Fishermen

Help is on the Way for Alaskans Hurt in Fisheries Disaster

For Immediate Release: April 2, 1998 Contact: Rep. Ivan Ivan at (907) 465-4942.

Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Thursday passed the House Bill 370, which appropriates $2.3 million in general funds for relief of the 1997 fisheries disaster in Bristol Bay and on the Kuskokwim River. The vote was 25-10.

"This money is a match for the $7 million in federal funds allocated to the region through the Magnuson-Stevens Act," said Representative Ivan Ivan (D-Akiak), Chairman of the House Committee on Community and Regional Affairs, which sponsored the measure. "While the total amount is $2.3 million, the amount actually needed for the State's share is $1.875 million, thanks to in-kind contributions by the communities and the Department of Community and Regional Affairs."

The appropriation funds a loan program to Bristol Bay, Chignik, and Kuskokwim permit holders in financial crisis.

"These loans will go directly to fishers in these areas who need help to get ready for the coming fishing season," said Ivan. "Loan applicants will have to provide collateral such as a permanent fund dividend check," Ivan said.

The funds can also be used for certain community grant programs as well as for economic planning for the Kuskokwim region.

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Broadcasters note: An actuality from Rep. Ivan is available on the House Majority Actuality Line, 1-800-478-6540.
= Ivan Ivan, 49 K, in English = Ivan Ivan, 34 K, in Yupik