November 04, 2009
Wednesday

Anchorage, Alaska ­ Governor Sean Parnell marked his 100th day in office as the state's chief executive by reaffirming his commitment to growing Alaska's economy and strengthening families.

"One hundred days ago, I pledged to position Alaska for investment and economic growth, and to train and educate more Alaskans for jobs," Governor Parnell said. "We're making progress."

Quoting a news release, the Parnell-Campbell administration has been a strong advocate for responsible oil and gas development in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) of Alaska. In meetings with the secretary of the Interior, White House officials, trade groups, and others, Governor Parnell has argued that such development would be in the best interests of Alaska and the nation and that the significant oil and gas potential of the Alaska OCS could be developed without harming the environment.

The news release also noted that the governor has urged strong support for construction of a natural gas pipeline from Alaska's North Slope through Canada to the Midwest. And, he has worked to keep in-state gas options open. Governor Parnell's advocacy for a gasline has ranged from Alaskans to the White House, to members of Congress, among oil and gas companies, and to Lower 48 consumers and regulators.

Noting that jobs in resource development and related fields could be jeopardized through misuse of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Governor Parnell directed the Department of Law to file two legal briefs to reject the listing of the polar bear as threatened.

Governor Parnell has also recognized the need for a better-trained workforce for Alaska's future according to a news release. Recently, he proposed a sweeping new scholarship program for Alaska students based on academic achievement. The program is designed to better prepare them for college and job training, and encourage them to stay in Alaska for their post-secondary education and careers.

The quality of life in rural Alaska is another top concern of the Parnell administration. Work continues on enhancing the Village Public Safety Officer program, securing a federal disaster declaration for poor chinook salmon returns on the Yukon River and ensuring that villages have sufficient gas supplies for the winter.

On the Web:

More on Governor Parnell's first 100 days in office
http://gov.state.ak.us/pdf/AKGovernorSeanParnell-100Days.pdf

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

 

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