Governor Signs Purple Heart Trail, Military Spouse Hiring, and Alaska Coordinate System Bills

Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed several more bills into law Tuesday, two that to support Alaska’s military and veteran community, and a third bill to modernize the state’s coordinate system.

Senate Bill 203 (SB 203), sponsored by Senator Josh Revak, extends the Purple Heart Trail designation. With an estimated 65,000 resident veterans and approximately 21,000 active-duty military, Alaska is home to more resident veterans per capita than any other state. The Purple Heart Trail System is a national project to designate portions of the interstate highway system in honor of service men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. It extends across the country, including from the Alaska-Canada Border to Fairbanks. SB 203 extends the designation from Fairbanks to Homer and along the Alaska Marine Highway System.

The legislation also recognizes Alaska’s Gold Star Families with a memorial monument and dedicates an Anchorage bridge to Insook Baik, a Korean American business owner who has dedicated much of her time to the Mountain View community.

In a press release, Governor Dunleavy said:

“We owe everything to our military families and veterans. By signing these bills, we are doing more than just thanking them for their service – we are taking meaningful action to show Alaska stands beside our service men and women and will continue to support them. I am proud to sign Senate Bill 203 to honor our Purple Heart veterans and Gold Star families.”

Bill sponsor Senator Josh Revak also gave remarks at the signing, saying, “The Purple Heart Trail is a tangible demonstration of Alaska’s appreciation for the sacrifices made by our wounded and fallen soldiers. It has been an honor to partner with my brothers in the Military Order of the Purple Heart, my colleagues, and the Governor on this legislation and an even greater honor to serve those who have paved the way for our freedom.”

House Bill 125 (HB 125), sponsored by Representative David Nelson, adds employment preferences for military spouses and their dependents to ensure military families have every opportunity for success.

“Military families experience higher than average rates of spousal unemployment and underemployment due to the non-permanent residency that often comes with military service. House Bill 125 amends state law to extend private sector hiring preferences to military spouses and dependent children, including spouses and children of military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Governor Dunleavy.

“Governor Dunleavy signing House Bill 125 demonstrates the state’s strong commitment to our military and military families. HB 125 will extend the veteran state employment preference to military spouses,” said Representative Nelson, who went on to say that this legislation makes Alaska the 35th state that help the spouses of those in the military transitioning to Alaska.

Governor Dunleavy went on to thank the legislation sponsors, adding, “By supporting our military families, we make our state and country stronger. I thank Senator Revak, a Purple Heart veteran, and Representative Nelson, Alaska National Guard Second Lieutenant, for their service to our country and their work on these bills to support Alaska’s military population.”

The 3rd bill signed, House Bill 148, modernizes the Alaska Coordinate System to reflect changes in the federal data used as a base for the coordinate system. The updated system will improve the statewide display of geographic data, and dramatically improve the ability to measure elevations in Alaska. HB 148 benefits Alaska’s infrastructure and development through scientists, surveyors, design professionals, GIS specialists, and the geospatial community.