By Dave Donaldson
A new effort has come forward that could lead to an extension of the state’s Coastal Management program. The development-coordinating program is scheduled for closure July first unless lawmakers come up with an extension.
Until now, Governor Parnell has said that he would not accept any expansion to the program. But Bethel’s Senator Lyman Hoffman says legislators have begun meeting with the Governor and Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan.
We did have a meeting with the governor yesterday on Coastal Zone and I think the direction has moved from a one-year extension or a six-year extension to trying to address the issue this year. I think there’s a sincere effort on the governor’s part.
Both House and Senate committees have worked out compromise plans for the extension. Requests for a response from the governor’s staff have not been answered.
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