While the complexion of the next Legislature may be different, indications seem to suggest a transformation of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) may be in store.
Shortly after the House Finance Committee rejected a House Transportation Committee recommendation that AIDEA be granted bonding authority for $300 million to do, essentially, whatever it wants within its broad authority, the Senate Finance Committee did the same. Importantly, several key members of the upper chamber suggested more may be in store next year.
Sens. Lyman Hoffman, Donny Olson and Jesse Kiehl, all of whom are likely to be back next year, asked probing questions of AIDEA CEO Randy Ruaro, after a long presentation by two experienced long-time Alaska economists, Gregg Erickson and Milton Barker, who were retained by a Southeast Alaska nongovernmental organization, SalmonState.
Sen….
