Alaska State Legislature

News from Senator Robin Taylor

Taylor introduces bill to requre legislative approval
of the sale of M/V Malaspina

For immediate release: February 10, 1997; Contact: Joe Ambrose, 465-4906

JUNEAU -- State Senator Robin L. Taylor (R-Wrangell) today introduced legislation requiring legislative approval of the sale of state facilities or equipment valued at more than one million dollars.

Taylor said Senate Bill 82 is intended to give the Legislature a say on the possible sale of the state ferry MV Malaspina.

"The Department of Transportation has been telling us for months that a decision on the fate of the Malaspina is at least a year away", Taylor said. "On February first, Commissioner Joe Perkins told the Southeast Mayors Conference that a decision will be made this month. I don't understand the need to fast track this decision and I want the Legislature to have a say on the issue".

Taylor said his bill faces a possible constitutional challenge based on the legislature involving itself in an executive function, but pointed out that past administrations have chosen not to contest similar approval requirements.

As drafted, the bill would require legislative approval of the sale by a state agency of a state facility or piece of equipment worth a million dollars or more.

Taylor said passage of SB 82 could also impact any future disposition of facilities such as the hydroelectric dams of the Four Dam Pool and the state-owned ship repair facility at Ketchikan.

"We're talking about valuable assets belonging to the people of Alaska", Taylor said. "I think it's only proper that the Legislature have a say in their sale or disposal."

"This administration told us a decision on what to do with the Malaspina would be made after extensive public comment", Taylor said. "Now they want to short circuit that process and make a decision based solely on their own goals and objectives. I think the people of Alaska deserve a voice in this process and that the Legislature should be that voice".

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