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Office of U.S. Senator Mark Begich

Alaska :: March 2012

Official website :: http://begich.senate.gov

Southeast Update

Promotes Resource Development in Southeast Alaska Introduced legislation to exempt the Tongass from the Roadless Rule as part of his continuing

efforts to promote timber sales, mining and hydroelectric projects.

Has repeatedly requested that the USDA and USFS expedite permitting for the Greens Creek,Kensington, Niblack, and Bokan mines. Strongly supports mining, with its good paying jobs

as a key to economic revitalization in communities throughout Southeast Alaska.

Supports the Sealaska billfinalizing this issue will allow development to move forward. Supports expansion of energy resources, including hydro and biomass. Has asked federal agencies to coordinate biomass development efforts with each other, local

and state governments, and private sector companies like Sealaska.

Is pushing for better-funded vocational training to prepare Alaskansfor good jobs in the maritime and resource development sectors.

As Chairman of Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere,Fisheries and Coast Guard, is working to stop illegal fishing and to

ban genetically-engineered salmon, called Frankenfish.

Supports the Alaska Marine Highway SystemStrongly supports the Alaska Marine Highway System. Recently co-

sponsored an amendment to the transportation bill to authorize funding for the construction

of ferries and ferry terminal facilities in Alaska and other states. Supports construction of the

Alaska Class ferries in Ketchikan, and believes the recent acquisition of the shipyard business

by Vigor Industries will enhance that and other opportunities.

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90% of State general fund revenue

comes from oil production taxes.

Oil production on the North Slope

is falling 6% a year.

Supports Secure Rural Schools Program Is working to renew the Secure Rural Schools program, which is designed to compensate rural

communities for declining timber harvests as a result of federal policies. Knows how

important this program is to schools and communities throughout the region. Recently

supported amending the transportation bill to extend the Secure Rural Schools program and

PILT for one year; the amendment passed 82-16 on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis.

Supports Alaska Oil and Gas Development Introduced legislation to streamline the regulatory and

permitting process to develop Alaskas energy potential

and refill state coffers.

Brought federal decision-makersInterior Secretary KenSalazar and NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchencoto

Alaska to better understand how we responsibly develop our resources.

Working to make a natural gas pipeline a realityimproving construction training programspushing for federal loan guarantees and right-of-way permits, and making sure federalregulators understand Alaskas unique market conditions.

Making progress on CD-5, off-shore development in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas; andcontinuing to push for opening ANWR to oil and gas development.

Promotes Alaska Tourism Co-founded the Senate Tourism Caucus to promote policies which reduce travel barriers and

raise awareness of the importance of the travel and tourism industry.

Co-sponsored and passed the Travel Promotion Act to promote travel to all destinations inthe U.S. Thanks to this bill, a new global marketing campaign will launch this spring.

Pushed for a streamlined visitor visa process to cut the backlog of international touristswaiting to visit the United States.

Helps Small Businesses Grow Supported the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act which increased lending to small businesses

and allowed for increased deductions on business investments and health care costs.

Introduced the Bi-Partisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act with Senators Ron Wyden andDan Coats. The goal is to reduce the small business tax rate to a flat rate and allow small

businesses to expense all equipment and inventory costs in a single tax year. Successfully worked to repeal burdensome 1099 requirements for small businesses.Please contact the Ketchikan office at (907) 225-3000 or the Juneau office at (907) 586-7700 if

you have any questions, comments or need assistance working with a federal agency.