(Juneau) - Over 20 Alaska State Senators and Representatives of communities bordering coastal areas have formed a Coastal Caucus to deal with specific issues that face their communities.

They have unanimously selected Representative Jim Elkins (R-Ketchikan) as their Chairman.

The major and overall commitment of this group is to protect and encourage funding for the Alaska Marine Highway as well as to voice the concerns of Alaska's coastal communities.

"I look forward to adding leadership to this important caucus. It is essential that we share our concerns and create solutions to common issues within the coastal community," Representative Elkins said.

In addition to Representative Elkins other members of the Coastal Caucus include, Representatives John Harris (R-Valdez), Richard Foster (D-Nome), Reggie Joule (D-Kotzebue), Mary Kapsner (D-Bethel), Beth Kerttula (D-Juneau), Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Kodiak), Carl Moses (D-Unalaska), Woody Salmon (D-Beaver), Paul Seaton (R-Homer), Bill Thomas (R-Haines), Peggy Wilson (R-Wrangell), Bruce Weyhrauch (R-Juneau), and Senators Kim Elton (D-Juneau), Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel), Albert Kookesh (D-Angoon), Donny Olson (D-Nome), Bert Stedman (R-Sitka), Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), Gene Therriault (R-North Pole).

# # #