"An Act relating to marine safety and security; and providing for an effective date. "

The issues of Marine Safety and Security have become more prevalent since September 11, 2001. Keeping Alaska waters safer from terrorism and marine disasters is the purpose of HB 465. The State of Alaska has set in place the automated secure vessel tracking system to monitor ship traffic of the Alaska Marine Highway and vessels with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. HB 465 expands the monitoring 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

House Bill 465 adds a new section to Alaska Statute 44.35 to implement the Alaska marine safety and security act. This Act will direct the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to cooperate and support the Marine Exchanges Automated Vessel Tracking System and their Marine Center to track the locations of vessels navigating Alaska water. This will compliment and augment the United States Coast Guard and marine industry safety and security initiatives and other services.

HB 465 authorizes the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs to provide funding for the non-profit Marine Exchange of Alaska to expand, maintain, support and operate five automated identification system-receiving sites to track the movements of Marine Vessels. This system could eventually track and monitor all marine vessels and commercial vehicles in Alaska.

Passage of HB 465 will make our waters safer to disaster and terrorism. I welcome your support.

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