February 17, 2004
Tuesday - 12:55 am

Listen to Senator Steven's Address (mp3) -Gavel To Gavel Alaska

Monday Senator Stevens addressed a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature. This address is the 36th of Senator Stevens' career.

Of particular note at this year's address was that Senator Stevens' son, Senator Ben Stevens, President Pro Tempore of the Alaska State Senate presided over the joint session of the Alaska State Legislature.

Highlights of Senator Stevens' address include:

• The importance of a Republican majority in the United States Senate: With a Republican majority in the Senate, Senator Stevens maintains his position at the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate and will become the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Science and Transportation Committee.
• Transportation: Through work with Congressman Don Young, multiple items benefiting Alaska were secured on the FAA reauthorization bill. The bill includes the reauthorization of the Essential Air Service and created the statutory authority to transfer cargo between airlines at Alaska airports. Additionally, the Federal Highway Bill authorizes the Denali Commission to have $180 million to build roads in rural Alaska.
• Education: Alaska's rural schools will be addressing the lack of adequate teacher housing through a number of appropriations requested by Senator Lisa Murkowski. Additionally,
• Coastal erosion in Western Alaska: Senator Stevens will be establishing a commission to identify solutions and make recommendations for how best to respond to the effects of coastal erosion as 184 Alaska Native villages are affected by flooding and erosion, four of these villages are in imminent danger due to erosion.

Source of News:

Office of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens
Web Site

Gavel to Gavel Alaska

 

E-mail your news & photos to editor@sitnews.org

Post a Comment         View Comments
Submit an Opinion - Letter

Sitnews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska