(JUNEAU) - The Senate unanimously agreed to extend the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission until 2014.

The 11 member commission formed back in 1986 is charged with making recommendations to the governor and the Legislature on ways to mitigate constraints on the development of minerals in Alaska.

"Alaska must look toward revitalizing resource development as a keystone to addressing the economic issues we now face," said bill sponsor Sen. Ben Steven (R-Anchorage). "This commission has a long standing; positive record of having its recommendations implemented to the benefit of Alaska."

Stevens cites nearly thirty recommendations made by the commission, which have been implemented. Measures that allow us continued and improved access to our State's natural mineral wealth, while protecting the environment. A few measures Stevens points out are: the 1995 passage of the "Exploration Incentives Act," the 1997 "Sovereignty Protection Act" and the Resolution of the Mental Health Lands issue," also in 1997.

"To be successful in stepping up our efforts of responsible resource development we must have the right tools," said Stevens. "This commission is one of those important tools."

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