Sponsor Statement for SB 10

An Act naming Mountain View Road in Gustavus

I introduced this legislation last session, at the request of the Community of Gustavus. The bill made it all the way to the Senate Calendar but got lost during the end of session shuffle.

I am greatly impressed with the community spirit and community efforts that have gone into creating this legislation and developing the necessary backup for our records. Included in your packets are a signed petition, a letter from the Gustavus Community Association, and various letters of support.

Alaska Statute Sec. 19.10.085 requires that highway names be given through legislation. Based on my contacts with the community and the petition which is included in each of your files, it is obvious that if Gustavus could have accomplished this task locally, the sign would read "Mountain View Road" today.

In the late 1950's Eugene and Ann (Chase) Gregg acquired their homestead land which contained 160 acres and another 50 acres from Archie Chase. The Chase family, at that time, named the road "Mountain View Road." Today, the road is referred to in a variety of ways including, "Main Road," "Airport Road" and "Park Service Road." I respect the communities' efforts in pursuing this name which has substantial "historic value" to them.

The Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has prepared a zero fiscal note. This new sign was coordinated into an existing project on the road last summer.

SB 10 has given the Gustavus community a common purpose. Students and adults have received a positive view and an informational view of the legislative process.