Guest Commentary

I would like to update the community on my recent trip to Washington DC. It was an excellent opportunity to represent the needs and concerns of our community as well as highlight the challenges we share with all rural communities across America.

I was asked to testify in front of the Senate Resource Committee about the importance of the Secure Rural Schools Program (SRS) and the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) programs. Combined these programs bring in well over a million dollars of increased funding to our community each year. Much of these funds are used for the operations of the schools, however, they are also used for general needs such as law enforcement and fire services, roads, and related infrastructure. I can not over-emphasize the importance of the programs to the financial stability of our community.

I spoke on behalf of the over 3000 counties in the US that belong to the National Association of Counties (NACo). This organization paid for my travel related expenses. I believe my testimony went well. The committee members were enthusiastic in their support of ensuring continued and indexed funding. All but one of the senators represented communities that receive SRS and PILT funding so it was an easy crowd to speak to.

Senator Murkowski chairs the committee and is an outstanding advocate for rural America. She spoke eloquently about the disadvantage that isolated communities have when they are surrounded by federal lands. She weaved a narrative that clearly articulated the importance of SRS funding to communities devastated by the downturn in the timber industry. Most importantly, perhaps, she stuck up for Wrangell. Calling us out by name, she stood firm in her resolve that our community deserves these funds, and that the federal government has an obligation to ensure that National Lands towns and boroughs have the same opportunities as communities surrounded by private lands. I also loved that she shared that Wrangell was the town where she spent much of her youth. We are so lucky to have her in DC.

I am hopeful that we will receive full funding for these programs moving forward.

I spent the better part of a day meeting with the congressional delegation. All representatives and their staff were warm and welcoming. The issues I brought up included:

• Alaska State Ferry terminal in Prince Rupert

• Infrastructure funding for water distribution, dams, and road improvements

• PILT and SRS programs

• Transboundary mining issues

• The West Coast Whale Entanglement issue

• Sea otter control

• Assembly support for our landless Natives claims

The representatives had many suggestions on how the community could prepare to be ready should an infrastructure bill be introduced. All voiced support for SRS and PILT. Senator Sullivan has had discussions directly with Canada's Prime Minster Trudeau regarding Alaskans' concerns on transboundary mining in British Columbia. He feels that Canada has heard Alaska's concerns but time will only tell if the issues are addressed.

I believe it makes a difference to sit down with our federal leaders and discuss our concerns and issues face to face. At the end of the day politics is about relationships and clear communication. Networking with the D.C. congressional staff paves the way to partnering to meet Wrangell's needs into the future.

I want to thank Jonathan Shuffield who was my main contact at NACo and our DC lobbyists, Sebastian O'Kelly and Brad Gilman. They spent time preparing me for the visits and provided background details on a variety of topics. Brad and Sebastian are our eyes and ears in DC.

I was proud to represent the community. Thank you for this opportunity.