(JUNEAU) Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) will join with the community of Old Harbor on Thursday, July 8th for the dedication of the Sven Haakanson Sr. Airport. The airport was officially renamed in memory of Mr. Haakanson's numerous contributions to the community when the 23rd Alaska Legislature passed Senate Bill 83, sponsored by Senator Stevens, in April, 2003.

"Sven's diligent lobbying in the Capitol was vital to the Old Harbor airport's construction. Naming the facility in his honor is a fitting tribute to a man who did so much for his community," Senator Stevens commented.

Among Sven Haakanson Sr.'s many contributions to his community were 27 years of service as Old Harbor's mayor, the longest mayoral term in Alaska history. Sven also played a vital role in establishing corporations and associations that have become a familiar and important part of Alaska's corporate and nonprofit world. He was one of the founders of the Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA), Koniag, and served on the boards of several corporations and organizations on Kodiak Island. In 2002, Sven was named the Elder of the Year by the Koniag Native Corporation.

(Please contact Doug Letch in Senator Stevens Office at (907) 486-4925 for more information.)

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