Public invited to HB 77 presentation

To the editor:

Department of Natural Resources Deputy Commissioner Ed Fogels will talk about the controversial Resources Bill, House Bill 77, in a pubic work session at the Mat-Su Borough Assembly Chambers at 4 p.m., Jan. 16. Part of the bill affects restoration of our troubled Mat-Su fisheries, to which the Mat-Su Borough Assembly has given its high legislative priority.

Thanks to our borough Fish and Wildlife Advisory Board, effective fish restoration activities and vital research have helped move the effort. The future of our Mat-Su fisheries, along with the food and economic benefits for residents of Cook Inlet and the Mat-Su Borough, depends on all possible measures being taken to restore our once vibrant fish runs. A small part of HB 77 would have a large negative effect on these efforts and it was thoughtfully pointed out in a letter from our board to the governor.

While the assembly itself has not expressed its opinion on HB 77 the mayor (in violation of the rules) wrote a letter to the governor saying we did. So it’s time the Mat-Su Borough Assembly speak for itself and answer the question: what can HB 77 do to encourage maximum possible public participation, public/private partnerships and government support that encourages in-stream flow reservations that are critical to helping restore our fisheries so they can survive and thrive?

Read HB 77 online at bit.ly/1cXlYK4.

The public is invited to hear more at the assembly chambers on Thursday. Our Mat-Su fisheries need all the support possible in order to be restored. Failure is not an option.

Jim Sykes, District 1

Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman