House committee advances resolution backing military infrastructure push

The Alaska House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs advanced a resolution Tuesday supporting military infrastructure development and public-military partnerships.

Senate Joint Resolution 30, sponsored by the Senate State Affairs Committee, expresses gratitude for the United States military and supports increased defense readiness through infrastructure development and public-military partnerships. The committee moved the resolution forward without objection during its second hearing after Rep. Jamie Allard withdrew a brief objection related to language about Alaska's veteran population that she said could be refined in the next committee.

Jason Hoak, executive director of Copper Valley Development Association, told the committee that approximately $23 billion in federal funding is expected to come to Alaska to help build infrastructure that will support the military. He said Sen. Dan Sullivan's office recently informed him that states with supportive legislative and government bodies receive top priority for federal spending.

"I think by showing that the state is a good partner and collaborative with the military will help expedite this money," Hoak said.

Hoak, who also serves as a regional energy ambassador for the U.S. Department of Energy, said he is working with the Denali Commission on a report for the Department of War identifying infrastructure needs and potential development by region across Alaska. He said he plans to travel to Washington, D.C., next week and hopes to bring news that the resolution has been ratified.

Robert Venables, executive director of Southeast Conference and Department of Energy Arctic Energy Ambassador, testified in support of the resolution. He praised the committee's work on the resolution, particularly the expanded description of dual use.

"Our challenge now is to show that this resolution is not just words of appreciation, but is also recognition of the responsibility and resolve to address sufficient quality housing, good schools, sufficient and affordable utilities, infrastructure and services that make Alaska the host it should be as home to the military and not just an assignment," Venables said.

Matty Hall, staff to Sen. Scott Kawasaki, presented the resolution to the committee. He said military community members are an essential part of Alaska's economy and culture.

"There does appear to be a lack of infrastructure, as we have heard from community members, hence this resolution," Hall said. "And this resolution asks Legislature to support infrastructure to meet the growing needs for our servicemen and women."

Allard said the resolution sends a strong message about Alaska's commitment to national defense. "I think it is a great resolution and it does send a really strong message that we are here, we want to protect our country and other countries frankly, like our little buddies up north or east," she said.