The Alaska Coastal Management Program, commonly referred to as the ACMP, was first established in 1979. In the past, the program allowed coastal districts to create district management plans which guided regional development.
The plans were to be consistent with state and federal law. Once a plan was approved, all development projects within the district must comply with the plan.
The state of Alaska received $2.6 million in federal funding annually for administration of the ACMP. Some of these funds went to local districts for work on coastal management in their area.
In 2003, Gov. Frank Murkowski limited the role of local communities and their meaningful participation in the program. He eliminated the Coastal Policy Board, which included members from communities across the state.
This board had oversight of the Department of Natural Resources' management of the program and final approval of each district's plan.
Murkowski also significantly limited what could be included in the plans. The net effect of these changes removed a legitimate voice for local communities in development decisions.
Currently, the Legislature is once again reviewing the program for several reasons. It will sunset in July of this year if no action is taken and the program will terminate.
Recent reports submitted by the legislative audit division suggest a number of needed improvements. As your senator, I along with other Bush legislators, are seeking more local control.
Some possible amendments we would like to see in the ACMP revert back to prior 2003 modifications. I support the need for an expanded range in enforceable policies in district management plans that guide development.
For instance, the Department of Environmental Conservation carve-out prohibits local districts from enforcing any policies on air and water pollution.
Understanding the cultural values and lifestyles of my constituents and our dependence on our subsistence and responsible stewardship of our local resources, it seems only sensible to offer local policy enforcement.
I also like the idea of reinstating the Coastal Policy Council with memberships from different regions of the state. The diversity of this council would allow impartial authority overseeing statewide policies.
Hopefully, these amendments will be enacted by the legislature and approved by the governor. If successful, the changes will allow local community members, those who live within close proximity to our Alaskan coastlines, to have a strong voice in management decisions that affect their area.
Sen. Donny Olson, D-Golovin, represents Senate District T, which includes communities in the Kotzebue, Barrow, Nome and lower Yukon River regions.
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