Gail Phillips Jeff
Groscost Michael
Simpson John
Mercer Walter
Bradley Lynn
Lundquist Mel
Brown Clyde
Ballard Bruce
Hinchey |
Gingrich and Congressional Delegation See Real Alaska Call Tour Eye-Opening Success For Immediate Release: August 29, 1998 Contact: Wendy Lindskoog at (907) 258-8184 or Jerry Ritter at (907) 258-8164. U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich called the second annual Northwest Passage Tour of the western states "an eye-opening experience." Alaska State House Speaker Gail Phillips was among the hosts of this year's educational tour of the western states to Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. "Our goal was to show a U.S. congressional delegation, including Speaker Gingrich, the balance Alaskans must strike between our land and our people and the way federal regulations affect Alaska differently from states in the Lower 48," Phillips said. Throughout the tour, Phillips pointed out the many logistical challenges Alaskans face every day, including our infrastructure and transportation limitations, and the vast distances between cities and villages. Phillips and Congressman Don Young worked together to secure Gingrich's August visit. "Don Young has been telling me for years - come to Alaska and see for yourself. Seeing is believing!" said Speaker Gingrich. "When you realize how far it is to the nearest hospital for some Alaskans, and that many places in Alaska are not connected to the road system, you can see why federal regulations that work for some states may be the opposite of what works for Alaskans," Gingrich said. "In the Information Age, we should be able to maintain a healthy economy and a healthy environment at the same time. The Alaskans I spoke to understand this better than anyone, because the development and protection of their land encompass their entire lives," Gingrich said. Congressmen Clay Shaw and Dan Miller from Florida joined Gingrich on the tour. On the Kenai Peninsula, the Congressional Delegation saw for themselves the Spruce Bark Beetle infestation, which has devastated wide areas of Southcentral Alaska. They also received comprehensive briefings on sport and commercial fishery issues, Kenai River habitat, and riverbank restoration. As they moved northward, the delegation met with local officials in Barrow and participated in Native dances and a traditional blanket toss. They then toured oil and gas facilities in Prudhoe Bay, and learned about advancements in arctic technology and roadless development on the North Slope. In Fairbanks, the members of the tour received a briefing on the regulatory and land access challenges facing the mining industry in Alaska. Alaska State Senator Drue Pearce traveled with the group. She said it is important Speaker Gingrich and other congressional members see in person how Alaskans are developing their resources, because the federal government owns and controls so much of Alaska. "One out of every eight gallons of gasoline used by Americans is refined from oil produced in Alaska," said Pearce. "It's important for members of Congress to see where and how that oil is produced. We showed them the advancements in technology that are the result of Alaskans' passionate stewardship and commitment to environmentally sound development," Pearce said. "No two states are more different than Florida and Alaska in geography, weather, and resources," said Congressman Shaw. "The problems Alaska has in dealing with the federal government certainly underscore the need for Congress to have a better understanding of this far away neighbor, as well as an understanding that more decision making should go to the state and local governments," Shaw said. "Alaskans have a concern for their own environment that Americans from outside their state cannot understand," said Congressman Miller. "Before making decisions about Alaska, people in Washington, D.C. need to listen to their concerns. That's why this trip was so important," Miller said. The Western States Coalition (WSC) sponsored the second annual Northwest Passage Tour. WSC members include elected and appointed local and state government officials. Speakers of State House of Representatives Speakers of nine western states serve on the WSC advisory board. WSC works to heighten awareness of the impact of public policy on the western United States and to advocate decision making at the level of government closest to the people affected. "The overwhelming success of the Speaker's visit to Alaska further convinces me of the on-going need to offer these kinds of educational opportunities to members of Congress," said Phillips. "With the tremendous support of the private sector, we will be able to continue our mission," Phillips said. "Alaska is truly a winner!" # # # Broadcast Note:
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