Juneau -- Friday the Senate and House Rules Committees introduced concurrent bills (SB 291 and HB 434) which would rename the Anchorage International Airport in honor of Senator Ted Stevens. The airport would be renamed the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

"The importance of the Anchorage airport as Alaska's transportation lynchpin is only exceeded by the magnitude of the contributions and accomplishments Senator Stevens has made to Alaska," said Senator Tim Kelly (R-Anchorage), Chair of the Senate Rules Committee. "It is only fitting that the airport should honor and bear the name of Alaska's foremost statesman."

"Senator Stevens has served in the United States Senate with distinction for over 31 years and ranks second in seniority among Republicans and sixth in seniority overall," said House Speaker Brian Porter (R-Anchorage). "Senator Stevens was instrumental in stewarding the legislation creating the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, working for Congressional approval of the Trans-Alaska pipeline, and protecting Alaska fisheries and expanding economic opportunities in the state through the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act."

"Senator Stevens has always recognized the importance of the air transportation industry in a state one-fifth the size of our country," said Senate President Drue Pearce (R-Anchorage). "He initiated by-pass mail and numerous other measures which have elevated Alaska's transportation standing to the air crossroads of the world. He increased the Anchorage International Airport's funding threefold and doubled airport improvement program funds for our state."

"In his many years of public service, Senator Stevens has been an economic engine for this state. His efforts have ensured that the airport will be the transportation engine for Alaska well into the twenty-first century," said Senator Jerry Ward (R-Kenai/Anchorage), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

"The rewards of public service are often weighed down by the great responsibilities of guiding and protecting this state," said Representative John Cowdery (R-Anchorage), Chairman of the House Rules Committee. "When I think that Senator Stevens has served Alaska for over 30 years - and much of that time far away from the home that he loves - I am pleased to be able to honor the legacy that this great man has created."

If passed, this legislation would be passed on to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration for implementation.

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