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Session: State Capitol, Room 102 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3743 Fax: (907) 465-2381 Send E-Mail Interim: PO Box 56622 North Pole, AK 99705 Phone: (907) 488-1546 Fax: (907) 488-4271 3340 Badger Road, Suite 290 North Pole, AK 99705 Phone: (907) 465-3743 |
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2000
Contact: Representative Jeannette James at (907) 465-3743.
Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Friday passed House Bill 116, sponsored by Representative Jeannette James (R-North Pole).
HB 116 creates The Board of Agriculture and Conservation, a seven-member commission comprised of people involved in grass-roots commercial agriculture. The bill requires that the Board be consulted prior to any disposal of agricultural land.
HB 116 also extends the life of the Agriculture Revolving Loan Fund (ARLF), makes the ARLF interest rate competitive with competing loan programs, gives the new board the flexibility to restructure loans in the event of a disaster, and strengthens the emergency loan program.
"House Bill 116 represents a cooperative effort and years of intensive work by the agriculture industry, the Legislature, and the Administration," James said. "It provides much-needed stability and allows long-term planning and growth for the agriculture industry in Alaska."
HB 116 passed the Senate 18-1. Notice of reconsideration was filed.
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