Yukon should pay non-resident fees

To the editor:

In 2004, Senate Bill 56 sponsored by Sen. Fred Dyson passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law in 2005 by Gov. Frank Murkowski. This law allows Yukon residents to pay the same annual fee for an Alaska sport fishing license and king stamp as Alaska residents pay, which is $24 and $10 respectively. This law was passed without the knowledge of many Alaskans. It is simply wrong and needs to be repealed.

In 2012, Yukon residents purchased 2,465 Alaska sport fishing licenses at $24 for a total amount of $59,160. If they paid non-resident fees at $145, the total amount would be $357,425. This is $298,265 lost revenue. In 2012, Yukon residents purchased 645 king stamps at $10 for an amount of $6,450. If they paid non-resident fees at $100, the total amount would be $64,500. This is $58,050 lost revenue. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is losing revenue on average of $250,000 each year since this bill was signed into law in 2005. The number of Alaska sport fishing licenses and king stamps Yukon residents purchase is increasing every year. If Yukon residents want to fish here in Alaska, they should pay the non-resident annual fee of $145 everyone else pays.

I urge you to contact your representatives in the Alaska Legislature and let them know you want AS 16.05.340(i) repealed. The state of Alaska should not be giving away Alaska resources at reduced prices to citizens of a foreign country.

Marlena Mooring Saupe

Haines