February 21, 2008
Thursday

Ketchikan, Alaska - Sen. Albert Kookesh (D-Angoon) is fighting the proposed annexation by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough (KGB) of more than four thousand square miles of uninhabited land lying outside its boundaries. Senator Kookesh is sponsoring Senate Joint Resolution 15, which calls for the annexation to be stopped.

"Annexation of land is a serious issue with long term consequences that can permanently affect a community," said Kookesh. "This proposed annexation was defeated more than ten years ago and I still don't see any good reason for it to go forward."

The annexation plan is deeply opposed by people living in the unorganized borough because it will take away $1.2 million in education funding and other state revenues while not delivering any level of public services in return. Senator Kookesh is also concerned about inconsistencies in the Local Boundary Commission's decision in favor of the annexation and the lack of public support on this matter.

SJR 15 moved out of the Senate Community & Regional Affairs Committee and Senator Kookesh has requested a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee

SJR 15 has a companion resolution in the House, HJR 30, sponsored by Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines).

Related Information:

KGB Annexation Petition Information
http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/planning/planning.htm

Source of News:

Office of Sen. Albert Kookesh

 

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