Nathaniel Herz’s article “Alaska Senate proposes $7.5 Million aid package for struggling fish processors,” published in the ADN, states the Alaska Senate is considering giving $7.5 million to a nonprofit organization, SeaShare.
A quick search on the state’s website shows the state of Alaska approved the Certificate of Authority for a foreign nonprofit corporation on April 17. Five of the six corporation officers live in Washington state. There is no Alaska business license listed. The corporation president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and director are Washington residents, and Hannah Lindoff of Juneau is listed as a director. The article identifies her as the “executive director.”
Once again, the state of Alaska is considering sending $7.5 million to a Washington state corporation to “buy” salmon and pollock from out-of-state processors. Does the Legislature have documentation showing the per pound price to be paid? Will the price be reflective of the very low per-pound price paid to our Alaska fishers in 2023?
Does the Legislature have a list of the Alaska, and out-of-state, food programs and food banks receiving the fish? And what communities will receive new freezers?
How much will SeaShare be paid for “administrative fees?” I hope Alaska fishers will pose these questions to their state legislators.
— K. Darlene Langill
Wasilla
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