Sponsor Statement for SB 128

The Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation (AADC) is a public entity dedicated to promoting Alaskan leadership in the aerospace industry. The AADC efforts focus on developing the human and economic resources of the aerospace industry, which include business, research and educational aspects.

In the past several years, the AADC has worked closely with local, statewide, and national interests to encourage development of the aerospace industry. Recently, the AADC has completed a satellite ground facility in the Fairbanks area, and has established a rocket launch facility at Kodiak. The AADC has also pursued Global warehousing and manufacturing opportunities in the Anchorage area, and a Challenger Learning Center in Kenai.

While the current board of directors of the AADC have served the interests of the state extremely well during the start-up and design phase of these projects, it is imperative that the board now be restructured to include the financial and management expertise of state business leaders. Originally, the AADC board was created to explore different possibilities for aerospace development in Alaska. The board of directors has fulfilled this role, and should now be revised to include members familiar with the oversight of aerospace operations, and with the subsequent economic implications.

SB 128 will allow the AADC to adjust its membership, and fulfill its growing role in developing construction and operational plans associated with the fruition of projects such as the Kodiak Launch Facility. This project alone requires that the AADC manage a variety of public and private funds totaling over 28 million dollars. With the inclusion of further aerospace projects, the need for a strong industry and business presence on the board will only increase. This bill will permit the AADC board to change, and continue promoting Alaskan leadership and innovation in the aerospace industry.