"An Act making special appropriations to promote the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas exploration and development; and providing for an effective date."

House Bill 101 appropriates $1.1 million in general funds to Arctic Power to use in its campaign to secure necessary support in the United States Senate to pass legislation opening ANWR to oil exploration. ANWR language is expected to be included within the Budget Reconciliation Bill. This bill will be considered early this Congressional session and it is important that Arctic Power be active in its promotion of opening ANWR throughout the early part of 2003.

An appropriation of $100,000 in general funds to the native village of Kaktovik is found in section 3 for Kaktovik's community outreach effort to gain support for the opening of ANWR from Congressional members in Washington, D.C.

An additional $100,000 in general funds is included in House Bill 101 for use by the Governor's office. The administration will provide direct support of national efforts to open ANWR.

Our Congressional delegation believes that they may have the support to pass ANWR language this year. The educational efforts provided by Arctic Power could very well tip the scales in Alaska's favor whenever that vote reaches the Senate floor.

With the long-term decrease in state revenue from existing fields, it is imperative that Alaska develop additional new fields in the future. ANWR is an important part of our fiscal future.

This appropriation will assist in reaching that goal.

Last Updated: 03-06-03

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