Legislature Supports Denali Commission

(Juneau) - The Alaska State Senate today unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 46, urging the federal government to support reauthorization of the Denali Commission. HJR 46 is a priority of the Legislature's Bush Caucus.

It's unfortunate that it's the only regional commission that is not presently authorized. I strongly encourage congress to re-authorize the Denali Commission as an independent federal agency for the benefit of all Alaskans.
~ Rep. Bob Herron

The House Community & Regional Affairs Committee sponsored the resolution to persuade Congress, the White House and members of the President's Cabinet to reauthorize the Denali Commission for another five years.

"The Denali Commission has proven over a decade that it's vital to supporting Alaska," C&RA Co-Chair Bob Herron, D-Bethel, said. "It's unfortunate that it's the only regional commission that is not presently authorized. I strongly encourage congress to re-authorize the Denali Commission as an independent federal agency for the benefit of all Alaskans."

Re-authorization by Congress will allow the Commission to continue its mission of community development in Alaska.
~ Rep. Cathy Munoz

"The Federal-State partnership has been essential to the success of the Denali Commission," C&RA Co-Chair Cathy Muñoz, R-Juneau, said. "Re-authorization by Congress will allow the Commission to continue its mission of community development in Alaska."

HJR 46 now goes to the governor's office for signature.