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

Senate Approves Joint Committee on Military Bases

Legislature to Keep tabs on Possible Base Closures

For Immediate Release April 21, 1998 Contact: Rep. Eldon Mulder at (907) 465-2647.

Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Tuesday passed House Bill 356, which establishes a Joint House and Senate Committee on Military Bases in Alaska. The committee is being formed in anticipation of more base realignments and closures for the US Military.

"The military establishment in Alaska accounts for approximately $1.7 billion throughout the Alaskan economy. The threat of closures and downsizings necessitates vigilance and a strong unified response from the Legislature," said the bill's sponsor, Representative Eldon Mulder (R-Anchorage). "Recent closures, such as at the Adak Naval Air Facility and Fort Greely, have shown that Alaska must closely monitor the economic impacts and reuse potential of such base closures. This joint committee would provide that critical focus," Mulder said.

HB 356 changes Alaska Statutes, since this committee must remain in existence for another two years, until the 22nd Legislature convenes, while the federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission performs its work. The Uniform Rules of the Legislature require that a joint committee can be established through concurrent resolution, but may only exist for the duration of the current, 20th, Legislature.

"This committee would monitor the activities of the new Commission, work to strengthen the military presence in Alaska, and, if the BRAC process is reauthorized, work with the Pentagon, the Administration, and affected communities in Alaska to protect our bases from closure," Mulder said.

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