(Juneau) - Three pieces of legislation were introduced in the Alaska Senate today to create a new borough classification, another reviving the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program and a third establishing a sustainable revenue stream for revenue sharing.

The Alaska Advisory Commission on Local Government crafted the bills after a through examination of the challenges unincorporated areas have with borough formation, a series of public hearings held around the state and advice from a wide spectrum of Alaskans.

Senate Majority Leader Gary Stevens (R - Kodiak) chaired the advisory commission. "Rural communities need a legislative solution that addresses the challenges of forming a new borough. I am excited about how the legislation, crafted by the commission, will encourage financial stability and allow rural Alaskans to finally have some core public services under their direct control," said Sen. Stevens.

SB 246 - Establishes a permanent revenue stream for the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program with earnings from the Amerada Hess sub account of the Alaska Permanent Fund. Amerada Hess sub account earnings are not used in calculating the annual Permanent Fund Dividend checks.

SB 247 - Reestablishes the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program in statute. This funding mechanism will create a dependable and renewable revenue sharing program for Alaskan municipalities. It includes a base funding level for all municipals of various sizes and in addition a per capita funding as well.

SB 248 - Creates a new classification of borough called an administrative borough. The bill encourages areas in the unorganized borough to voluntarily form an administrative borough. Incentives are provided for borough formation.

All three bills have been referred to the Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.

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