Session: State Capitol, Room 417 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2487 Toll Free: (800) 865-2487 Fax: (907) 465-4956 Interim: 112 Mill Bay Road Kodiak, AK 99615 Phone: (907) 486-8872 Fax: (907) 486-5264 (at LIO)

Austerman Responds to Economic Disaster in Western Alaska
Help Available to Local Fishermen

(KODIAK) -- Senator Alan Austerman (R-Kodiak/Southeast Islands) will work with local fishermen facing economic problems because of unprecedented low salmon prices, and, in places, chronic low returns of salmon.

Governor Knowles recently issued an economic disaster declaration for the western Alaska commercial salmon fishery. "The ripple effects are felt throughout the entire state as many fishermen are facing huge bills with a reduced payday," Austerman said.

In an attempt to help fisherman with one of their larger debts-commercial fishing loans with the State of Alaska-Senator Austerman has received packets he requested from the Division of Investments. The Commercial Fishing Extension Applications will enable fishermen to defer or restructure their existing loans. If interest rates have gone down since a person originally got their loan, refinancing is possible on a case-by-case basis according to the Division of Investments.

The packets can be obtained at the Kodiak Legislative Information Office (LIO). "Any additional help that I or my staff can provide in order to acquire more information and help for fishermen is a priority for both my office and Representative Gary Stevens," Austerman indicated.

The LIO is located at 112 Mill Bay Road and is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Both Senator Austerman and Representative Stevens have offices within the LIO.

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