Session: State Capitol, Room 514 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Forwarded from FBX: 451-5501 Juneau Phone: (907) 465-3709 Fax: (907) 465-4714 Personal Web Site: www.garywilken.com Interim: 1851 Fox Ave. Fairbanks, AK 99701 Phone: (907) 451-5501 Fax: (907) 456-4714

Sponsor Statement for SB 323
Mandatory Incorporation Of Boroughs

An Act relating to the mandatory incorporation of certain boroughs in the unorganized borough; and providing for an effective date.

The Mandatory Borough Act of 2002 recognizes that there are six regions in Alaska that meet most, if not all, the standards for borough incorporation, and sets in motion a procedure to create six new boroughs by January 1, 2005. The identified areas have the financial capability and stable populations needed to provide a local government with the power to plan, support local schools, and levy and collect taxes.

Senate Bill 323 allows the residents in the identified six locations to initiate borough incorporation proposals, hold extensive public hearings, and work closely with the Local Boundary Commission to determine the desired borough structure until the January 1, 2005 deadline. However, if a borough is not incorporated within each of the six regions by the stated timeframe, the following areas will be incorporated as second class boroughs:

Copper River Basin Region
Glacier Bay Region
Prince of Wales Island Region
Prince William Sound Region
Upper Tanana Basin Region
Wrangell/Petersburg Region

Through the formation of these six boroughs, local residents, many for the first time, will be able to financially support their neighborhood schools. In addition, several school districts will be consolidated to enhance efficiencies and economies of scale. Alaska's K-12 public education system will benefit from the additional financial help and thus Alaska's students will benefit.

The best government is the government closest to the people. Senate Bill 323 continues what the framers of the Alaska State Constitution commenced over forty years ago, and by forming these six boroughs, it provides a way for local area residents to help with their children's education.

I respectfully request your consideration and support for this legislation.

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