Send this article to Promobot

OPINION: Northern Waters Task Force submits recommendations

December 23rd 9:02 pm | Sen. Donald Olson Print this article   Email this article   Create a Shortlink for this article

The Northern Waters Task Force (NWTF) recently met last week to submit recommendations and findings to the Alaska Legislature next month. In 2010, NWTF was created to facilitate regional coordination and State of Alaska leadership in the ongoing development of the United States' policies related to the opening of Arctic marine transportation routes, national security, and resource development.

Since implementation, the task force has held hearings in the communities of Barrow, Nome, Bethel, Unalaska, Kotzebue, and Anchorage. By meeting in these regions, the task force members were able to seek guidance and feedback from the residents of these regions which are most likely affected by impacts from increased activity in the Arctic.

With the continued loss of sea ice in the arctic and the increase for worldwide search for natural resources, Alaska's Arctic's future is a prime location for both opportunities and challenges related to marine shipping, mineral extraction, oil and gas development, fisheries, tourism, cultural preservation, and other activities.

The NWTF broke down the recommendation in the following categories:

• Arctic Governance

• Arctic Planning & Infrastructure Investment

• Oil & Gas Development

• Arctic Fisheries

• Marine Transportation

• Arctic Research

During the recent meetings, I was glad to learn the task force will be recommending the need for more ice breakers to assist our coastal communities when situations arise, such as the recent fuel shortage Nome may face this winter. Also, with the teamwork of this task force, I understand many of the recommendations involve responsible development and stewardship of our resources with much respect to our local communities that will be affected by advancement of natural and modern development. A noteworthy recommendation that will be submitted is to have Alaska be a valuable partner with the federal government on Arctic issues. The NWTF recommends the U.S. and Alaska, working both together and independently to seek more cooperation with other Arctic governments. Local residents should have full participation in deciding these Arctic issues.

All in all, I think the NWTF members worked very hard and I'd like to acknowledge Representative Joule and his staff for their hard work coordinating much of the travel and hearings. Their work is very much appreciated.

Along with the NWTF members, I would like to thank the many communities and people throughout the state who welcomed task force members and took the time to help us better understand their communities and the Arctic issues being faced. Additionally, we'd like to express our gratitude to the many accomplished specialists who addressed the task force on their areas of expertise. Without hesitation, presenters sacrificed considerable time and traveled great distances to share their knowledge with us. Their guidance was invaluable in development of final recommendations.

My family and I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. As we reflect on 2011, I hope you will join us in being thankful for all of our many blessings. May the beginning of this New Year fill our lives with new hopes, new opportunities, and new promises as we continue to work together for a better future.

 


Copyright 2012 The Arctic Sounder is a publication of Alaska Media, LLC. This article is © 2012 and limited reproduction rights for personal use are granted for this printing only. This article, in any form, may not be further reproduced without written permission of the publisher and owner, including duplication for not-for-profit purposes. Portions of this article may belong to other agencies; those sections are reproduced here with permission and Alaska Media, LLC makes no provisions for further distribution.