News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Senate Passes Bill to Promote In-State Repair of Marine Highway Vessels

For Immediate Release: April 29, 1998 Contact: Senator Robin Taylor at (907) 465-3873.

Juneau -- The State Senate this morning voted to approve a measure (SB 192) sponsored by Senator Robin Taylor that would make it more likely that Alaska Marine Highway vessels will be repaired in Alaska shipyards, not shipyards outside of the state.

"My bill addresses the issue of what's called the interport differential'", said Senator Taylor. "Because of the lack of this provision, a difference of $14,000 on a bid cost an Alaskan shipyard $3 million in service work on an Alaska Marine Highway vessel." That contract went to a Portland, Oregon shipyard instead.

Taylor says the measure will make it more likely that shipyards in Ketchikan and Seward will get the work.

"This measure will put Alaskans to work, and will provide jobs in the Winter when many people in this state are unemployed," said Taylor. The measure now goes to the House.

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Broadcast Note: Radio Actuality available at (800) 478-6540.
= Robin Taylor, 40 K