PFD money is vital to Mat-Su's economy

Frontiersman editorial board

Alaska's October Christmas is just around the corner, with the largest payday of the year looming on the very near horizon.

That's right, folks, the 2001 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend checks are on their way to their recipients and retailers are counting the days, planning big sales and stocking up on items in preparation. And with good reason.

With checks of just over $1,850 each -- the second-largest payout in the program's 20-year history -- approximately $109 million will be showered on Valley residents.

The amount is a little less than last year's estimated total of $114 million, because of reverses in the stock market.

Overall, $1.09 billion will begin flowing into Alaskans' bank accounts on Oct. 10, direct-deposit day, and after checks go in the mail on Oct. 17.

The effects of this economic booster shot are phenomenal, giving some businesses more immediate cash flow than the normally busy Christmas season.

And, what with the recent horrific events that took place across the country, the boost in morale and the local economy that comes from the annual payout seems well in order.

Money brought to the Valley through the PFD program is vital.

While many people splurge, using their dividend money for big-ticket items such as cars, snowmachines and computers, many others put the money away for their children's college education, invest it, use the money to provide a great Christmas for their families or budget their checks so the money will be available to help them get through the winter months.

Those are the real benefits of the permanent fund program.

The dividends give a little financial breathing room to people who may not ordinarily be able to afford everything their families need.

And the breathing room affords many Alaskans the opportunity to broaden their scope of charity beyond familial bounds.

Now is an especially appropriate time for people to think about taking at least a portion of that check and designating it to a charity of choice, whether it's a locally minded group or one with a more global perspective.

Local and national organizations alike, for example, have been busily gathering funds and lending their support to the families of rescue workers and others who died after the terrorist atrocities that occurred on the morning of Sept. 11 at the Pentagon, New York City's World Trade Center twin towers and in Pennsylvania.

Groups involved in the relief fund-raising effort include the American Red Cross, United Way and Salvation Army.

Whatever you decide to do with your permanent fund dividend, take a moment to remember how lucky we, as Alaskans, are to receive a yearly dividend as compensation for living in such a beautiful state.