Sec. 30.05.010. Subsidies to freight carriers.

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities may pay a sum of money not to exceed $30,000 a year to the owner or charterer of a vessel of American registry who operates the vessel as a common carrier of freight and mail to and from points the department designates.

History. (§ 2 ch 169 SLA 1962; am § 1 ch 90 SLA 1969; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977))

Collateral references. —

62 Am. Jur. 2d, Post Office, § 61 et seq.

Sec. 30.05.020. Payment of subsidies.

The subsidy shall be paid in the installments the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities thinks proper, after proof is submitted that the conditions of the contract or subsidy are fulfilled up to the time of payment. The inability to touch at a point along the route designated by the department due to a lack of proper docking or harbor facilities or to stress of weather does not prevent the owner or charterer from receiving the money otherwise earned, and is not a cause for reducing the amount of the subsidy. If the subsidized vessel is lost, wrecked, or damaged, the department may permit the contractor to carry out the service temporarily with another vessel or ship of American registry that meets with its approval.

History. (§ 3 ch 169 SLA 1962; am § 2 ch 90 SLA 1969; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977))

Sec. 30.05.030. Tariff of rates.

The owner or charterer of the vessel awarded the subsidy must adopt and publish a tariff of freight rates to be approved by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The tariff must be reasonable, and the operator of the vessel may not charge more than provided for in the tariff. The tariff must be published before services are performed under the subsidy.

History. (§ 4 ch 169 SLA 1962; am § 3 ch 90 SLA 1969; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977))

Collateral references. —

Posting of rates, validity and construction of statute or ordinance requiring. 89 ALR2d 952.

Sec. 30.05.040. Report by owner or charterer.

It is a condition in awarding of the subsidy that the contractor agrees to make a report under oath, in form and manner designated by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities at the end of each year, giving the following information:

1. tariff sheet of freight rates for the route covered;
2. total tonnage carried;
3. gross earning from freight and mail service rendered, segregating the two amounts;
4. a statement in detail of all expenses incurred and on what account, the names and addresses of all persons employed, and the gross earnings and gross expense of the route covered.

History. (§ 5 ch 169 SLA 1962; am § 4 ch 90 SLA 1969; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977))

Sec. 30.07.010. Radiotelephone installation requirements for vessels in excess of 200 gross tons.

In addition to applicable federal statutes and regulations, a person may not operate a vessel of any type in excess of 200 gross tons in the territorial waters of the state unless a licensed VHF radiotelephone installation equipped with at least five channels, including standard VHF calling and distress frequencies, or a standard marine radiotelephone equipped with at least five channels, including standard radiotelephone calling and distress frequencies, is installed and capable of being operated from the bridge or wheelhouse of the vessel. While the vessel is underway the radiotelephone shall be monitored at all times on the applicable standard calling and distress frequency by a person qualified to operate radio equipment of the type required by this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 80 SLA 1972)

Sec. 30.07.020. Regulations.

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities may adopt regulations, not in conflict with federal law or regulations, that establish standards for marine communications in the state.

History. (§ 2 ch 80 SLA 1972; am E.O. No. 39, § 5 (1977))

Sec. 30.07.030. Penalties.

A master or owner of a vessel in operation that is in violation of this chapter, or a regulation adopted under it, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000. Each day the violation continues constitutes a separate offense under this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 80 SLA 1972)

Sec. 30.13.010. Creation of authority.

1. The residents of each area of the state within the boundaries of a regional housing authority established under AS 18.55.996 that is located in whole or in part in the unorganized borough of the state may create a public body corporate and politic under the name and style of the “Resource Development Authority” with all or any significant part of the name of the region of the state inserted. The boundaries of the authority created shall be coterminous with the portion of the applicable regional housing authority that lies in the unorganized borough. Creation of an authority is initiated by a petition filed with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and a statement submitted to the governor. The petition must include the proposed name of the authority, its boundaries, and a statement of the facilities proposed to be provided by the authority. The petition must be signed by 15 percent of the total number of residents in the portion of the applicable regional housing authority that lies in the unorganized borough who cast votes in the preceding general election. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development shall review petitions for content and signatures. If the department determines that the petition is adequate, it shall transmit the petition to the director of elections.
2. The statement required under (a) of this section to be submitted to the governor must include the purposes for which the authority is to be created, the goals and potential projects the authority intends to accomplish, and an analysis of alternative methods of accomplishing the goals and projects of the proposed authority.  The governor shall determine whether the accomplishment of the goals and potential projects of the proposed authority would be advantageous to the economic growth of the region and the state and whether the creation of the proposed authority would be an appropriate and desirable method of accomplishing those goals and projects. The governor shall submit findings under this subsection to the division of elections within 90 days after receipt of the statement.
3. The director of elections shall order an election in the area of the proposed authority to determine whether the voters desire the creation of the authority if the director has received the petition and
   1. the governor has submitted affirmative findings to the director under (b) of this section; or
   2. more than 90 days have elapsed since the statement was submitted to the governor under (a) of this section and the governor has failed to submit negative findings to the division of elections.
4. An order for an election shall be made within 30 days after the requirements of (c) of this section have been met.  The election shall be held not less than 30 nor more than 120 days after the date of the election order.  To the extent practicable, the election shall be held on a date coinciding with the date for other elections in the region.  The election order must specify the dates after which nomination petitions for election of initial officers may be filed.
5. A registered voter who has been a resident within the area of the proposed authority for 30 days before the date of election may vote.
6. If creation of an authority is approved, the director of elections shall, within 10 days of certification, order an election to choose the five initially elected members of the board of governors of the authority.  The election shall be held not less than 60 or more than 90 days after the date of the election order.  The initially elected members of the board of governors shall take office on the first Monday following certification of their election.  Two of the initially elected members shall be designated by lot to serve for a term expiring on the first day of the second November after the date of their election; two of the initially elected members shall be designated by lot to serve for a term expiring on the first day of the third November after the date of their election; and one of the initially elected members shall be designated by lot to serve for a term expiring on the first day of the fourth November after the date of election.
7. Nominations for elected members are made by petition. The petition must be in the form prescribed by the director of elections and include the name and address of the nominee and the statement of the nominee that the nominee is qualified under this chapter for the office of member of the board of governors of the authority.  A nomination petition must include the signature and resident address of 20 voters in the area of the authority.  The director of elections shall supervise the elections in the general manner prescribed by AS 15 (Alaska Election Code). The state shall pay all election costs under this chapter.
8. A copy of each petition for the creation of an authority and of the certificate of the director of elections as to the election shall be filed in the office of the director of elections.  Upon proof of filing the authority referred to shall, in any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of, or relating to, any contract or obligation or act of the authority, be conclusively presumed to have been lawfully and properly created as a public body corporate and politic and established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers under this chapter.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983; am § 8 ch 43 SLA 1994; am § 32 ch 58 SLA 1999)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2004, in (a) of this section, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development” in two places, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Sec. 30.13.020. Board of governors.

1. The authority shall be governed by a board of governors consisting of eight members, five of whom shall be elected and three of whom shall be appointed by the governor.  Elections of members to succeed those initially elected under AS 30.13.010(f) shall be held on the first Tuesday of October of each year in which a term expires. Terms of elected members shall be two years.
2. Nominations for elected members to succeed those initially elected under AS 30.13.010(f) shall be in accordance with the procedures set out in AS 30.13.010(g) .
3. The three members appointed by the governor shall be the commissioner of transportation and public facilities and the heads of two other principal departments of the executive branch.
4. The members of the board of governors shall elect a chairperson and a vice-chairperson from among its members. Five members of the board of governors, one of whom shall be a member appointed under (c) of this section, constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.  Action may be taken and motions or resolutions adopted by the board of governors at a meeting at which a quorum is present by vote of a majority of the members present, unless the bylaws of an authority require a larger number.  The board of governors may delegate to one or more of its officers, agents, or employees the powers and duties that it considers proper.  The board of governors may appoint persons as officers it considers advisable, including an executive director, and may employ professional advisors, counsel, technical experts, agents, and other employees it considers advisable.
5. A member of the board of governors of an authority may not vote on a resolution of the board relating to any agreement to be entered into by the authority under this chapter if the member is a party to the agreement or has a direct ownership or equity interest, beneficially or of record, exceeding one percent in, or is employed by, a firm, partnership, corporation, or association that is a party to the agreement. A resolution of the board that is approved by a majority of all the members who are not barred from voting under this subsection is a valid action of the authority for all purposes.
6. The board of governors may hold meetings by teleconference.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.030. Purpose of an authority.

The purpose of an authority shall be the improvement, establishment, and development of facilities in its district for transportation purposes in connection with natural resource enterprises, either directly or by agreement with any public or private entity or person.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.040. Powers of an authority.

Subject to AS 30.13.050 and AS 30.13.130 , in furtherance of its corporate purposes under AS 30.13.030 , an authority has the power to

1. sue and be sued;
2. have a seal and alter it at its pleasure;
3. adopt and amend bylaws for its organization and internal management;
4. adopt regulations governing the exercise of its corporate powers;
5. acquire, rent, hold, use, and dispose of projects and other real and personal property necessary, useful, or convenient for its purposes upon the terms and conditions the authority may consider advisable;
6. provide for and secure the payment of bonds and the rights of the holders of them, and to purchase, hold, and dispose of bonds;
7. accept gifts, loans, or grants, including organizational grants, from, and enter into contracts or other transactions regarding them with, any federal, state, municipal, or other agency or instrumentality, private organization, or other person;
8. deposit or invest its funds, subject to agreements with bondholders;
9. charge and collect only those rents, rates, fees, or other charges that are necessary to pay for capital, maintenance, and operating costs of the services and facilities of the authority and for the establishment of reserves to secure, and for the payment of, bonds or notes or interest on bonds or notes;
10. enter into contracts or other transactions with any federal, state, municipal, or other agency, or instrumentality, private organization, or person consistent with the exercise of any powers under this chapter; and
11. do all things necessary and convenient to carry out its corporate purposes and exercise the powers granted in this chapter.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.050. Limitation on powers.

An authority has only those powers expressly granted in this chapter, reasonably implied from this chapter, or reasonably necessary or convenient to carry out its corporate purposes and to exercise the powers expressly granted in or reasonably implied from this chapter. An authority does not have powers of eminent domain, taxation, land use planning, zoning, permitting, or other similar governmental powers. An authority may not use state grants, appropriations, or other transfers from the state to satisfy bond obligations or otherwise establish collateral or security for bonds issued by the authority. An authority may not use rents, rates, fees, or other charges collected through operation of a facility owned by the authority to finance the improvement, establishment, and development of unrelated facilities.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.055. Consideration of projects to be financed.

1. Before issuing bonds for any project under this chapter, an authority must find, on the basis of all information reasonably available to it, that
   1. the project and its development under this chapter will be economically advantageous to the state and the general public welfare and will contribute to the economic growth of the state and the region within which the authority may exercise its powers;
   2. the project is financially sound and can be expected to produce revenue adequate to repay the bonds with which it is financed; and
   3. the scope of the project is sufficient to provide a reasonable expectation of a benefit to the region and the economy of the state.
2. An authority shall give fair and reasonable consideration to a project presented to it for financing.  When the authority determines whether to finance or assist in the financing of the project, the authority shall state the reasons for its determination in a written resolution upon request by a person who presented the project to the authority or a person who presented opposition to the project.  The authority shall base its reasons on the information presented to it concerning the project and on other information considered appropriate by the authority.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.060. Bonds of an authority.

1. Subject to the provisions of AS 30.13.055(a) , an authority may borrow money and may issue revenue bonds, including but not limited to bonds on which the principal and interest are payable
   1. exclusively from the income and receipts or other money derived from the project financed with the proceeds of the bonds;
   2. exclusively from the income and receipts or other money derived from designated projects whether or not they are financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of the bonds; or
   3. from the income and receipts or assets generally, or a designated part or parts of them, of the authority or of any other person.
2. Bonds shall be authorized by resolution of the authority, and be dated and shall mature as the resolution may provide, except that no bond may mature more than 40 years from the date of its issue.  Bonds shall bear interest at the rate or rates, be in the denominations, be in the form, either coupon or registered, carry the registration privileges, be executed in the manner, be payable in the medium of payment, at the place or places, and be subject to the terms of redemption which the resolution or a subsequent resolution may provide.
3. All bonds, regardless of form or character, shall be negotiable instruments for the purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code.
4. All bonds may be sold at public or private sale in the manner, for the price or prices, and at the time or times that the authority may determine.
5. The superior court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine suits, actions, or proceedings relating to an authority, including without limitation suits, actions, or proceedings brought to foreclose or otherwise enforce a mortgage, pledge, assignment, or security interest or brought by or for the benefit or security of a holder of its bonds or by a trustee for or other representative of the holders.
6. Before issuing bonds for a project under this chapter an authority shall submit to the state bond committee a description of the bond issue and an independent economic feasibility analysis of the project and expected revenues. This information may be contained in a preliminary prospectus, offering circular, or official statement relating to the bond issue.  Bonds may not be issued unless the state bond committee finds, based upon the information submitted by the authority under this subsection and other information that is reasonably available to it, that the project revenues can be reasonably expected to be adequate for payment of the principal and interest on the bonds to be issued if the bonds are to be secured by project revenues alone, and in any event that issuance of the bonds by the authority would not be expected to adversely affect the ability of the state or its political subdivisions to market bonds.
7. The total principal sum of bonds issued under this section for all authorities formed under this chapter is $400,000,000 exclusive of refunding bonds.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.070. Trust indentures and trust agreements.

In the discretion of the authority, an issue of bonds may be secured by a trust indenture or trust agreement between the authority and a corporate trustee, that may be a trust company, bank, or national banking association, with corporate trust powers, located inside or outside the state, or by a secured loan agreement or other instrument or under a resolution giving powers to a corporate trustee, after this in this section referred to as “trust agreement”, by means of which the authority may

1. make and enter into the covenants and agreements with the trustee or the holders of the bonds that the authority determines necessary or desirable, including, without limitation, covenants, provisions, limitations, and agreements as to
   1. the application, investment, deposit, use, and disposition of the proceeds of the bonds of the authority or of money or other property of the authority or in which it has an interest;
   2. the fixing and collection of rents or other consideration for, and the other terms to be incorporated in an agreement with respect to a project;
   3. the assignment by the authority of its rights in a mortgage or other security interest created with respect to a project to a trustee for benefit of bondholders;
   4. the terms and conditions upon which additional bonds of the authority may be issued;
   5. the vesting in a trustee of rights, powers, duties, funds, or property in trust for the benefit of bondholders, including, without limitation, the right to enforce payment, performance, and all other rights of the authority or of the bondholders, under a lease, contract of sale, mortgage, security agreement, or trust agreement with respect to a project by mandamus or other proceeding or by taking possession of by agent or otherwise and operating a project and collecting rents or other consideration and applying the same in accordance with the trust agreement;
2. pledge, mortgage, or assign money, leases, agreements, property, or other assets of the authority either presently in hand or to be received in the future, or both; and
3. provide for any other matters that in any way affect the security or protection of the bonds.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.080. Validity of pledge.

It is the intention of the legislature that a pledge made in respect of bonds is perfected and valid and binding from the time the pledge is made; that the money or property so pledged and thereafter received by an authority is immediately subject to the lien of the pledge without physical delivery or further act; and that the lien of the pledge is valid and binding against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the authority whether or not the parties have notice. Neither the resolution, trust agreement, nor any other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded or filed under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code to be perfected or to be valid, binding, or effective against the parties. This section does not affect title to or conveyances of real property, and does not limit the applicability of AS 40.17.080 .

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983; am § 7 ch 161 SLA 1988)

Sec. 30.13.090. Nonliability on bonds.

1. Neither the members of an authority nor a person executing the bonds are liable personally on the bonds or are subject to personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance of the bonds.
2. The bonds issued by an authority do not constitute an indebtedness or other liability of the state or of a political subdivision of the state, but shall be payable solely from the income and receipts or other funds or property of the authority. The authority may not pledge the faith or credit of the state or of a political subdivision of the state, except the authority, to the payment of a bond, and the issuance of a bond by the authority does not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the state or a political subdivision of the state to apply money from, levy or pledge any form of taxation to the payment of the bond.
3. An authority issuing bonds shall print the language in (b) of this section in substantial form on the face of the bonds and in any offering circular or statement issued in connection with the bonds.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.100. Pledge of the state.

The state pledges to and agrees with the holders of bonds issued under this chapter and with the federal agency which loans or contributes funds in respect to a project, that the state will not limit or alter the rights and powers vested in an authority by this chapter to fulfill the terms of a contract made by the authority with the holders or federal agency, or in any way impair the rights and remedies of the holders until the bonds, together with the interest on them with interest on unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with an action or proceeding by or on behalf of the holders, are fully met and discharged. The authority is authorized to include this pledge and agreement of the state, insofar as it refers to holders of bonds of the authority, in a contract with the holders, and insofar as it relates to a federal agency, in a contract with the federal agency.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.110. Exemption from taxation.

The real and personal property of an authority and its assets, income, and receipts are declared to be the property of a political subdivision of the state and, together with any project financed under this chapter, are exempt from all taxes and special assessments of the state or a political subdivision of the state. All bonds of an authority are declared to be issued by a political subdivision of the state and for an essential public and governmental purpose and to be a public instrumentality, and the bonds, and the interest on them, the income from them and the transfer of the bonds, and all assets, income, and receipts pledged to pay or secure the payment of the bonds, or interest on them, shall at all times be exempt from taxation by or under the authority of the state, except for inheritance and estate taxes and taxes on transfers by or in contemplation of death. Nothing in this section affects or limits an exemption from license fees, property taxes, or excise, income, or other taxes, provided under any other law, nor does it create a tax exemption with respect to the interest of any business enterprise or other person, other than the authority, in any property, assets, income, receipts, project, or lease whether or not financed under this chapter.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.120. Bonds as legal investments for fiduciaries.

The bonds of an authority are securities in which all public officers and bodies of the state and all municipalities and municipal subdivisions, all insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business, all banks, bankers, trust companies, savings banks, savings associations, including without limitation savings and loan associations and building and loan associations, investment companies and other persons carrying on banking business, all administrators, guardians, executors, trustees and other fiduciaries, and all other persons who are now or may afterward be authorized to invest in bonds or other obligations of the state may properly and legally invest money including capital in their control or belonging to them. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the bonds of an authority are also securities that may be deposited with and may be received by all public officers and bodies of the state and all municipalities and municipal subdivisions for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of the state is now or may afterward be authorized.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.125. Audit.

The legislative auditor shall audit or shall cause to have audited annually the financial records of an authority. The legislative auditor may prescribe the form and content of the financial records of an authority and shall have access to these records at any reasonable time.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.130. Equal use and access.

If an authority owns, leases, or otherwise operates or controls, or participates in the financing of, a facility, the authority shall, to the maximum extent possible, provide for equal rights of access to and use of the facility by members of the public and other persons or entities upon terms and conditions that are fair and reasonable. However, this section does not prevent an authority from establishing fair and reasonable limitations on use of or access to a facility to the extent the limitations are necessary in connection with the nature of the facility or the demand for use of or access to the facility. This section applies to the establishment of rates and rate structures as well as all other factors, terms, and conditions relating to the use of or access to the facility, including without limitation the design and location of the facility. The members of the authority shall make a written finding concerning compliance of the facility with the provisions of this section. A written finding signed by at least three of the five elected members and two of the three appointed members that the facility complies with the provisions of this section shall constitute a conclusive presumption of compliance.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.140. Not subject to Transportation Commission jurisdiction. [Repealed, § 53 ch 30 SLA 1996.]

Sec. 30.13.150. Succession.

Whenever a borough of the first or second class or a home rule municipality is created with an area coterminous with or inclusive of the area of an authority, the authority shall be integrated into the borough or home rule municipality within one year of incorporation. On integration the borough or home rule municipality succeeds to all the rights, powers, duties, assets, and liabilities of the authority, except that any indebtedness of an authority does not constitute a general obligation of the borough or home rule municipality payable from taxes levied by the borough or home rule municipality. The borough or home rule municipality may not levy any taxes to pay the indebtedness.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.13.900. Definitions.

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,

1. “authority” means a public body created under AS 30.13.010 ;
2. “bonds” means bonds or other obligations issued under this chapter;
3. “cost” includes the cost of acquisition or construction of all or any part of transportation facilities and of all or any property, rights, easements, and franchises considered by an authority to be necessary, useful, or convenient, including without limitation reimbursements to the authority or any other person of money expended for the purposes of the authority and interest or discount on bonds to finance those expenses, engineering and inspection costs and legal expenses, the cost of financial, professional, and other advice, and the cost of issuance of bonds;
4. “district” means the area within the boundaries of an authority;
5. “person” includes a corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, organization, business trust, society, state or agency or subdivision of the state, municipality of the state, or an authority, as well as a natural person;
6. “transportation facilities”, or “facilities”, or “projects” means harbor, port, shipping and transportation facilities of all kinds, including harbors, channels, turning basins, anchorage areas, jetties, breakwaters, waterways, canals, locks, tidal basins, wharves, docks, piers, slips, bulkheads, public landings, warehouses, terminals, refrigerating and cold storage plants, rolling stock, car ferries, tugs, boats, conveyors, tunnels, bridges, highways, roads and railroads, and appliances of all kinds for the handling, storage, inspection, and transportation of freight and natural resource products; it also includes all property, rights, easements, and franchises relative to a facility and necessary or convenient for the acquisition, construction, or operation of the facility, but does not include airport facilities.

History. (§ 2 ch 98 SLA 1983)

Sec. 30.15.010. State grants for port facilities construction.

To the extent funds are appropriated by the legislature, or from the proceeds from the sale of bonds, the state may make grants to municipalities to finance a portion of the cost of constructing local, regional, or state port facilities. The state shall participate only in those projects approved by the governor on recommendation of the commissioner.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977))

Opinions of attorney general. —

It is the decision of the municipality whether it wants to apply for a grant pursuant to AS 30.15 et seq. or whether it wishes to proceed under AS 35.15.080 . May 29, 1981 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 30.15.020. Criteria for establishing eligibility.

1. Before a grant may be awarded under this chapter, the commissioner shall determine that
   1. the grant is for a feasible project;
   2. the project is endorsed by resolution of the governing body of the sponsoring municipality on its own behalf, or on behalf of a service area in an organized borough if a service area is established to finance and construct port facilities and operate and maintain them once constructed; and
   3. the municipality can clearly demonstrate its ability to finance the local share of project costs.
2. A grant may not be awarded under this chapter for a port facility development project until a study of its feasibility is conducted and submitted with the application for the grant.  The project also must be justifiable on the basis of public convenience and necessity.  The study shall be conducted by consultants, engineers, or other technical experts, who may be officers or employees of the municipality in making application for a grant.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977))

Sec. 30.15.030. Limitation on grants.

Grants for the development of port facilities may not exceed

1. 90 percent of project costs for municipalities under 5,000 population;
2. 80 percent of project costs for municipalities 5,000 population and over.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974)

Sec. 30.15.040. Disposition of state land for port facilities development projects.

The division of lands in the Department of Natural Resources, subject to the applicable provisions of AS 38.05 and AS 38.10, may convey title or other interests in state land, provide for the exchange of state land, or make other arrangements with respect to state land that may be necessary to complete a project for which a state grant is approved under this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974)

Sec. 30.15.050. Combined port and ferry terminal facilities.

A grant may be awarded under this chapter for a port facilities development project that includes, or combines, state ferry terminal facilities as a part of the project. However, the state shall pay the proportionate project costs attributable to the ferry terminal including but not limited to vehicle staging areas, transfer spans and aprons, passenger terminal facilities and offices, docks and other docking facilities for ferry vessels.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974)

Sec. 30.15.060. Regulations.

The commissioner shall adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) that the commissioner considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977))

Sec. 30.15.070. Definitions.

In this chapter,

1. “commissioner” means the commissioner of transportation and public facilities;
2. “port facilities” means docks, wharves, bulkheads, seawalls, landfills, warehouses, staging areas, transfer spans and aprons, lifting equipment and similar structures together with the necessary equipment and facilities required to accommodate waterborne commerce and shipping, including but not limited to combined port and ferry terminal facilities;
3. “project costs” means the cost of financing or borrowing, site acquisition and rights-of-way, planning, engineering and designing, construction, equipment acquisition and installation, but does not include the cost of operation or maintenance of the port facilities once constructed or the cost of feasibility studies required in making application for a grant under this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977); am § 88 ch 74 SLA 1985; am § 41 ch 32 SLA 1997)

Revisor’s notes. —

The paragraphs in this section were renumbered in 1996 and 2008 to reflect the repeals of former paragraphs (3) and (2), respectively.

Sec. 30.15.080. Short title.

This chapter may be cited as the Port Facilities Development Act.

History. (§ 1 ch 85 SLA 1974)

Sec. 30.17.010. Creation of authority.

There is created the Adak Reuse Authority. The authority is a public corporation of the state and a body corporate and is an instrumentality of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, but with separate and independent legal existence.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “Department of Commerce and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Community and Economic Development” in accordance with § 88, ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, in this section, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development”, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Sec. 30.17.020. Membership of authority.

1. The membership of the authority consists of
   1. the commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development;
   2. two other persons selected by the governor who serve as the heads of principal departments of the executive branch of state government; and
   3. four public members appointed by the governor, two of whom must be residents of the area that is within the boundaries of the Aleut Corporation, a Native regional corporation established under 43 U.S.C. 1606 (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act).
2. If a member described in (a)(1) or (2) of this section is unable to attend a meeting of the authority, the member may, by an instrument in writing filed with the authority, designate a deputy or assistant to act in the member’s place as a member at the meeting. For purposes of this chapter, the designee is a member of the authority at the meeting.
3. Members of the authority described in (a)(2) and (3) of this section serve two-year terms but serve at the pleasure of the governor.
4. If a vacancy occurs in the membership of the authority, the governor shall immediately appoint a member for the unexpired portion of the term.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “commissioner of commerce and economic development” was changed to “commissioner of community and economic development” in accordance with § 88, ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, in this section, “commissioner of community and economic development” was changed to “commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development”, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Sec. 30.17.030. Chair and vice-chair.

The members of the authority shall elect a chair from among themselves. A vice-chair may be elected by the authority from among its other members. The vice-chair presides over all meetings in the absence of the chair and has other duties that the authority may prescribe.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.040. Meetings, compensation, and employees.

1. A majority of the members of the authority constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business or the exercise of a power or function at a meeting of the authority. Action may be taken and motions and resolutions may be adopted by the authority only upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the full membership of the authority. The authority may meet and transact business by electronic media if (1) public notice of the time and locations where the meeting will be held by electronic media has been given in the same manner as if the meeting were held in a single location; (2) participants and members of the public in attendance can hear and have the same right to participate in the meeting as if the meeting were conducted in person; and (3) copies of pertinent reference materials, statutes, regulations, and audio-visual materials are reasonably available to participants and to the public. A meeting by electronic media as provided in this subsection has the same legal effect as a meeting in person.
2. The public members of the authority are entitled to $100 compensation for each day spent on official business of the authority and may be reimbursed by the authority for actual and necessary expenses at the same rate paid to members of state boards under AS 39.20.180 .
3. The authority may not hire employees but may contract with individuals or entities to serve in capacities it considers advisable, including service as an executive director, executive secretary, professional advisor, legal counsel, technical expert, agent, and in other positions. A contractor hired under this subsection is not a state employee for any purpose. A contract under this subsection may not exceed two years’ duration.
4. The authority shall keep minutes of each meeting and send a certified copy to the governor and to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.100. Purpose of the authority.

The purpose of the authority is to develop and implement a comprehensive reuse and redevelopment plan for the territory encompassed by the Adak Naval Air Facility in a manner that will attract business, create jobs, and advance the general prosperity and economic welfare of the people of the state by

1. administering in a manner consistent with the purpose of the authority the assets transferred to the authority by the federal government, including facilities and other real or personal property, located at the Adak Naval Air Facility;
2. entering into necessary agreements with the federal government for operation of the facilities comprising the Adak Naval Air Facility;
3. operating or contracting with others to operate enterprises and other facilities located at the Adak Naval Air Facility; and
4. cooperating and acting in conjunction with other organizations, public and private, the objects of which are the promotion and advancement of economic use of the facilities located at the Adak Naval Air Facility.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.110. Powers of the authority.

In furtherance of its corporate purposes, the authority may, in addition to other powers that it may have by law,

1. sue and be sued;
2. have a seal and alter the seal at its pleasure;
3. adopt and amend bylaws for its organization and internal management;
4. adopt regulations governing the exercise of its corporate powers;
5. subject to AS 30.17.130(c) , accept title to, or other interest in, assets transferred to the authority by the federal government, including facilities and other real or personal property, located at the Adak Naval Air Facility;
6. lease to others a project acquired by it for the rentals and upon the terms and conditions the authority may consider advisable, including, without limitation, provisions for options to purchase or renew;
7. issue and secure the payment of bonds, including revenue bonds; provide for the rights of holders of the bonds; and purchase, hold, and dispose of bonds;
8. sell, by installment sale or otherwise, exchange, donate, convey, or encumber in any manner by mortgage or by creation of any other security interest, real or personal property owned by it, or in which it has an interest, including a project, when, in the judgment of the authority, the action is in furtherance of its corporate purposes;
9. accept gifts, grants, or loans from, and enter into contracts or other transactions regarding them with, a federal agency or an agency or instrumentality of the state, a municipality, a private organization, or other source;
10. deposit or invest its funds, subject to agreements with bondholders;
11. acquire, manage, and operate projects as the authority considers necessary or appropriate to serve a public purpose;
12. enter into contracts or other transactions with a federal agency, with an agency or instrumentality of the state or of a municipality, or with a private organization or other entity consistent with the exercise of any power under this chapter;
13. charge fees or other forms of remuneration for the use or possession of the projects described in (11) of this section in accordance with the agreements described in (12) of this section, other agreements pertaining to the projects, covenants, or representations made in bond documents pertaining to the projects, or regulations of the authority pertaining to the projects.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.120. Administrative procedure.

The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act regarding the adoption of regulations under AS 44.62.040 — 44.62.319 apply to the authority.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996; am § 6 ch 7 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective August 1, 2018, substituted “AS 44.62.040 – 44.62.319 ” for “AS 44.62.040 – 44.62.320 ” near the end.

Sec. 30.17.130. Limitation on powers.

1. The authority has only the powers expressly granted in this chapter, reasonably implied from this chapter, or reasonably necessary or convenient to carry out its corporate purposes and to exercise the powers expressly granted in or reasonably implied from this chapter.
2. The authority does not have powers of
   1. eminent domain;
   2. taxation;
   3. land use planning;
   4. zoning;
   5. permitting; or
   6. other similar governmental powers.
3. The authority may not accept transfer by the federal government of title to, an interest in, control over, or responsibility for a facility or other real or personal property located at the Adak Naval Air Facility unless sufficient federal or other money is available to the authority to manage the property or operate the facility at a minimal level for two years after the date of the transfer. The director of the office of management and budget shall determine whether sufficient money is available to the authority with respect to each proposed transfer subject to this subsection, and approve or disapprove the proposed transfer.
4. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the authority may not enter into a trust indenture or contract that has the effect of precluding the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the authority to a successor.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.200. Consideration of projects to be financed.

1. Before issuing bonds for a project under this chapter, the authority must find, on the basis of all information reasonably available to it, that the
   1. project and its development under this chapter will be economically advantageous to the state and the general public welfare and will contribute to the economic growth of the state;
   2. project is financially sound and can be expected to produce revenue adequate to repay the bonds with which it is financed; and
   3. scope of the project is sufficient to provide a reasonable expectation of a benefit to the region and the economy of the state.
2. The authority shall give fair and reasonable consideration to a project presented to it for financing. When the authority determines whether to finance or assist in the financing of a project, the authority shall state the reasons for its determination in a written resolution upon request by a person who presented the project to the authority or a person who presented opposition to the project. The authority shall base its reasons on the information presented to it concerning the project and on other information considered appropriate by the authority.
3. The authority may not issue bonds to finance or assist in financing a project unless the authority has received legislative approval to do so for a specified project.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.210. Bonds of the authority.

1. Subject to the provisions of AS 30.17.200 , the authority may borrow money and may issue revenue bonds, including bonds on which the principal and interest are payable
   1. exclusively from the income and receipts or other money derived from the project financed with the proceeds of the bonds;
   2. exclusively from the income and receipts or other money derived from designated projects whether or not they are financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of the bonds; or
   3. from the income and receipts or assets generally, or a designated part or parts of them, of the authority or of any other person.
2. Bonds issued under this chapter shall be authorized by resolution of the authority, and shall be dated and shall mature as the resolution may provide, except that a bond may not mature more than 40 years from the date of its issuance. The bonds shall bear interest at the rate or rates, be in the denominations, be in the form, either coupon or registered, carry the registration privileges, be executed in the manner, be payable in the medium of payment, at the place or places, and be subject to the terms of redemption that the resolution or a subsequent resolution may provide.
3. Bonds issued under this chapter, regardless of form or character, shall be negotiable instruments for the purposes of the Uniform Commercial Code.
4. Bonds issued under this chapter may be sold at public or private sale in the manner, for the price or prices, and at the time or times that the authority may determine.
5. The superior court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine suits, actions, or proceedings relating to the authority, including suits, actions, or proceedings brought to foreclose or otherwise enforce a mortgage, pledge, assignment, or security interest or brought by or for the benefit or security of a holder of its bonds or by a trustee for or other representative of the holders.
6. Before issuing bonds for a project under this chapter, the authority shall submit to the state bond committee a description of the bond issue and an independent economic feasibility analysis of the project and expected revenue. This information may be contained in a preliminary prospectus, offering circular, or official statement relating to the bond issue. Bonds may not be issued under this chapter unless the state bond committee finds, based upon the information submitted by the authority under this subsection and other information that is reasonably available to the committee, that the project revenue can be reasonably expected to be adequate for payment of the principal and interest on the bonds to be issued if the bonds are to be secured by project revenue alone, and in any event that issuance of the bonds by the authority would not be expected to adversely affect the ability of the state or its political subdivisions to market bonds.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.220. Trust indentures and trust agreements.

In the discretion of the authority, an issue of bonds may be secured by a trust indenture or trust agreement between the authority and a corporate trustee, which may be a trust company, bank, or national banking association, with corporate trust powers, located inside or outside the state, or by a secured loan agreement or other instrument or under a resolution giving powers to a corporate trustee, after this in this section referred to as “trust agreement,” by means of which the authority may

1. make and enter into the covenants and agreements with the trustee or the holders of the bonds that the authority determines necessary or desirable, including, without limitation, covenants, provisions, limitations, and agreements as to
   1. the application, investment, deposit, use, and disposition of the proceeds of the bonds of the authority or of money or other property of the authority or in which it has an interest;
   2. the fixing and collection of rents or other consideration for, and the other terms to be incorporated in, an agreement with respect to a project;
   3. the assignment by the authority of its rights in a mortgage or other security interest created with respect to a project to a trustee for benefit of bondholders;
   4. the terms and conditions upon which additional bonds of the authority may be issued;
   5. the vesting in a trustee of rights, powers, duties, funds, or property in trust for the benefit of bondholders, including, without limitation, the right to enforce payment, performance, and all other rights of the authority or of the bondholders under a lease, contract of sale, mortgage, security agreement, or trust agreement with respect to a project by appropriate judicial proceeding or by taking possession of by agent or otherwise and operating a project and collecting rents or other consideration and applying the same in accordance with the trust agreement;
2. pledge, mortgage, or assign money, leases, agreements, property, or other assets of the authority either presently in hand or to be received in the future, or both; and
3. provide for other matters that affect the security or protection of the bonds.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.230. Validity of pledge.

1. It is the intent of the legislature that a pledge made in respect of bonds issued under this chapter is perfected, valid, and binding from the time the pledge is made; that the money or property so pledged and thereafter received by the authority is immediately subject to the lien of the pledge without physical delivery or further act; and that the lien of the pledge is valid and binding against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the authority whether or not the parties have notice. Neither the resolution, trust agreement, nor any other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded or filed under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code to be perfected or to be valid, binding, or effective against the parties.
2. This section does not affect title to or conveyances of real property, and does not limit the applicability of AS 40.17.080 .

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.240. Nonliability on bonds.

1. Neither the members of the authority nor a person executing the bonds are liable personally on the bonds issued by the authority or are subject to personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance of the bonds.
2. The bonds issued by the authority do not constitute an indebtedness or other liability of the state or of a political subdivision of the state, but shall be payable solely from the income and receipts or other funds or property of the authority. The authority may not pledge the faith or credit of the state or of a political subdivision of the state, except the authority, to the payment of a bond, and the issuance of a bond by the authority does not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the state or a political subdivision of the state to apply money from, levy, or pledge any form of taxation to the payment of the bond.
3. The authority shall print the language of (b) of this section in substantial form on the face of all bonds issued and in any offering circular, or statement issued in connection with the bonds.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.250. Pledge of the state.

The state pledges to and agrees with the holders of bonds issued under this chapter and with the federal agency that loans or contributes funds in respect to a project, that the state will not limit or alter the rights and powers vested in the authority by this chapter to fulfill the terms of a contract made by the authority with the holders or federal agency, or in any way impair the rights and remedies of the holders until the bonds, together with the interest on them with interest on unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with an action or proceeding by or on behalf of the holders, are fully met and discharged. The authority may include this pledge and agreement of the state, insofar as it refers to holders of bonds of the authority, in a contract with the holders, and insofar as it relates to a federal agency, in a contract with the federal agency.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.260. Exemption from taxation.

1. The real and personal property of the authority and its assets, income, and receipts are declared to be the property of a political subdivision of the state and are exempt from taxes and special assessments of the state or a political subdivision of the state. Bonds of the authority are declared to be issued by a political subdivision of the state and for an essential public and governmental purpose and to be a public instrumentality, and the bonds, the interest on them, the income from them, and the transfer of the bonds, and all assets, income, and receipts pledged to pay or secure the payment of the bonds or interest on them shall at all times be exempt from taxation by or under the authority of the state, except for inheritance and estate taxes and taxes on transfers by or in contemplation of death.
2. This section does not affect or limit an exemption from license fees, property taxes, or excise, income, or other taxes, provided under any other law, nor does it create a tax exemption with respect to the interest of any business enterprise or other person, other than the authority, in any property, assets, income, receipts, project, or lease whether or not financed under this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.270. Bonds legal investments for fiduciaries.

The bonds of the authority are securities in which public officers and bodies of the state; municipalities and municipal subdivisions; insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business; banks, bankers, trust companies, savings banks, savings associations, including savings and loan associations and building and loan associations, investment companies, and other persons carrying on banking business; administrators, guardians, executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries; and other persons who are now or may afterward be authorized to invest in bonds or other obligations of the state, may properly and legally invest money, including capital in their control or belonging to them. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the bonds of the authority are also securities that may be deposited with and may be received by public officers and bodies of the state and municipalities and municipal subdivisions for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of the state is now or may afterward be authorized.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.280. Enterprise development account.

1. The enterprise development account is established in the authority. The enterprise development account is a trust fund for the uses and purposes of this chapter. The enterprise development account consists of money or assets appropriated or transferred to the authority and other money or assets deposited in it by the authority.
2. The authority may establish in the enterprise development account the accounts it considers appropriate.
3. Money and other assets of the enterprise development account may be used to secure bonds of the authority issued to finance the purchase of loans for projects or may be used to purchase participation in the loans for projects.
4. A loan participation purchased by the authority with assets of the enterprise development account or with proceeds of bonds secured by assets of the enterprise development account
   1. may not be purchased unless
      1. the project applicant is not, or, if the applicant is not a single proprietorship, all members of the business enterprise or enterprises constituting the project applicant are not, in default on another loan made by the state or by a public corporation of the state;
      2. the project applicant has, or, if the applicant is not a single proprietorship, all members of the business enterprise or enterprises constituting the project applicant have, paid all taxes due to the state, has satisfied financial requirements for state tax cases that are under appeal, and is current on all payment schedules relating to state taxes or settlement of tax disputes with the state; and
      3. at least 20 percent of the principal amount of the loan is retained by the loan originator;
   2. may not be purchased if the loan to be purchased exceeds the cost of the project or 75 percent of the appraised value of the project, whichever is less, unless the amount of the loan in excess of this limit is federally insured or guaranteed or is insured by a qualified mortgage insurance company;
   3. may not be purchased if the participation in the loan to be purchased is for a term longer than three-quarters of the authority’s estimate of the life of the project or 25 years from the date the loan is made, whichever is earlier; however, in the case of a loan participation for a power transmission intertie, the term may not be longer than 50 years from the date the loan is made;
   4. may be made only if the participation in the loan to be purchased contains amortization provisions; the amortization provisions
      1. must be complete and satisfactory to the authority and require periodic payments by the borrower;
      2. may allow the loan originator to amortize the portion of the loan retained by the loan originator using a shorter amortization schedule than the amortization schedule for the portion of the loan held by the authority if
         1. in the authority’s opinion, the project financed can support the increased debt service; and
         2. the accelerated amortization schedule is required to induce the originator to make the loan;
   5. may be made only if the participation in the loan to be purchased is in the form and contains the terms and provisions with respect to insurance, repairs, alterations, payment of taxes and assessments, default reserves, delinquency charges, default remedies, acceleration of maturity, secondary liens, and other matters the authority prescribes; and
   6. may be made only if the participation in the loan to be purchased is secured as to repayment by a mortgage or other security instrument in the manner the authority determines is feasible to assure timely repayment under a loan agreement entered into with the borrower.
5. The authority may adopt regulations for the administration of the enterprise development account including provisions for fees and agreements relating to application, loan commitment, servicing, and origination of loans by other lenders.
6. The authority may enter into agreements as to the use of the money in the enterprise development account including trust or custody arrangements with banks or trust companies. It may also pledge, assign, or grant the agreement, interests under an agreement, or interests in the enterprise development account as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for payment and security for bonds of the authority issued to finance the purchase by the authority of loans for projects.
7. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the authority may waive or modify the requirements of this section as it considers appropriate and prudent in order to finance a project if the authority intends to own the project or in order to finance a power transmission intertie project.
8. The provisions of this section apply only with respect to a loan participation purchased by the authority for projects under this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.300. Audit.

The legislative auditor shall audit or shall cause to have audited annually the financial records of the authority. The legislative auditor may prescribe the form and content of the financial records of the authority and shall have access to these records at reasonable times.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.310. Equal use and access.

If the authority owns, leases, or otherwise operates or controls, or participates in the financing of, a facility, the authority shall, to the maximum extent possible, provide for equal rights of access to and use of the facility by members of the public and other persons or entities upon terms and conditions that are fair and reasonable. However, this section does not prevent the authority from establishing fair and reasonable limitations on use of or access to a facility to the extent the limitations are necessary in connection with the nature of the facility or the demand for use of or access to the facility. This section applies to the establishment of rates and rate structures as well as all other factors, terms, and conditions relating to the use of or access to the facility, including without limitation the design and location of the facility. The members of the authority shall make a written finding concerning compliance of the facility with this section. A written finding signed by a majority of the authority members complies with the provisions of this section and shall constitute a conclusive presumption of compliance.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.320. Succession.

The authority is dissolved one year after the date of incorporation of a municipality, other than a second class city, that has an area coterminous with or inclusive of the area formerly encompassed by the Adak Naval Air Facility. Upon dissolution of the authority, the municipality succeeds to the assets and liabilities of the authority and succeeds to the rights, powers, and duties of the authority under contracts to which the authority is a party on the date of dissolution. Except for this section, this chapter is not applicable to a municipality that succeeds the authority.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.330. Purchase of project and leases.

1. This chapter does not prevent the inclusion in a lease or other agreement relating to a project of a provision granting the right to purchase the project, or to renew or extend the lease or agreement, upon the terms and conditions that may be provided for in the lease or agreement.
2. A lease with respect to a project may provide for two or more lessees with the legal relationship between themselves and the authority that the authority may approve, including provisions to the effect that the obligations of the lessees under the lease for payment of rental or otherwise between themselves and the authority are several, joint, or joint and several and that the lessees lease the project as tenants-in-common, or otherwise.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.340. Conflicts of interest.

1. A member of the authority may not vote on a matter relating to a lease or contract entered into or to be entered into by the authority under this chapter if the member is a party to the lease or contract or has a direct ownership or equity interest in a firm, partnership, corporation, or association that may be a party to the contract or lease. A matter relating to a lease or contract that is approved by a majority of the members who are not barred from voting under this section is a valid action of the authority for all purposes.
2. Members of the authority are subject to AS 39.52 (Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act).

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.350. Operation of certain statutes excepted.

1. The authority may not be considered to be or constitute (1) a political subdivision of the state as the term is used in AS 37.10.085 , (2) a municipal corporation or political subdivision of the state as the terms are used in AS 29, or (3) except as provided in AS 30.17.360 , a state agency as the term is used in AS 37, but for all other purposes the authority constitutes a political subdivision and an instrumentality of the state as provided in this chapter.
2. The funds, income, or receipts of the authority may not be considered to be or constitute money of the state, nor may real property in which the authority has an interest be considered land owned in fee by the state or to which the state may become entitled or in any way land belonging to the state, or state land referred to in art. VIII, Constitution of the State of Alaska.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.360. Compliance with Executive Budget Act; finances.

1. The operating budget of the authority is subject to AS 37.07 (Executive Budget Act).
2. To further ensure effective budgetary decision making by the legislature, the authority shall
   1. annually review the authority’s assets to determine whether assets of the authority exceed an amount required to fulfill the purposes of the authority as defined in this chapter; in making its review, the members of the authority shall determine whether, and to what extent, assets in excess of the amount required to fulfill the purposes of the authority during at least the next fiscal year are available without
      1. breaching an agreement entered into by the authority;
      2. materially impairing the operations or financial integrity of the authority; or
      3. materially affecting the ability of the authority to fulfill the authority’s purposes; and
   2. present to the legislature by January 10 of each year a complete accounting of all assets of the authority and a report of the review and determination made under (1) of this subsection; the accounting shall be audited by the auditor who conducts the audit required by AS 30.17.300 , including income earned on assets of the authority during that period.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.370. Reports and publications.

By January 10 of each year, the authority shall publish a report for distribution to the governor, legislature, and the public. The authority shall notify the legislature that the report is available. The report shall be written in easily understandable language. The report must include a financial statement audited by an independent outside auditor, a statement of the authority’s investments under this chapter, including an appraisal of the investments at market value, a comparison of the authority’s performance with the goals of the authority, and other information the members of the authority believe would be of interest to the governor, the legislature, and the public. The annual income statement and balance sheet of the authority shall be published in at least one newspaper circulating in each judicial district. The authority may also publish other reports it considers desirable to carry out its purposes.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.17.900. Definitions.

In this chapter,

1. “authority” means the Adak Reuse Authority created by this chapter;
2. “bonds” means bonds or other obligations issued under this chapter;
3. “business enterprise” means a single proprietorship, cooperative, corporation, firm, partnership, or other association of persons organized in any manner, for any creditworthy business purpose;
4. “facility” means real property, whether above or below mean high water, or an interest in it, and the buildings, improvements, and structures constructed or to be constructed on or in it, and may include fixtures, machinery, and equipment on it or in it, and tangible personal property, regardless of whether the tangible personal property is attached to or connected with real property, if the owner has agreed not to remove the tangible personal property permanently from the state for the period the authority sets; “facility” does not include work in process or stock in trade;
5. “federal agency” means the United States and any officer, department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States;
6. “lease” includes, when used as a noun, an interest in, or, when used as a verb, the transfer of an interest in, property less than fee simple title, including, when used as a noun, agreements to use or occupy property;
7. “person” includes a corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, organization, business trust, society, state or agency or subdivision of the state, municipality of the state, and a resource development authority, as well as a natural person;
8. “project” means
   1. a facility used or intended for use in connection with making, processing, preparing, transporting, or producing goods, products, or substances of any kind or nature or in connection with developing or using a natural resource, or extracting, smelting, transporting, converting, assembling, or producing minerals, raw materials, chemicals, compounds, alloys, fibers, commodities and materials, products, or substances of any kind or nature;
   2. a facility used or intended for use in connection with a business enterprise;
   3. commercial activity by a small enterprise;
   4. a facility demonstrating technological advances of new methods and procedures and prototype commercial applications for the exploration, development, production, transportation, conversion, and use of energy resources;
   5. infrastructure for a new tourism destination facility or for the expansion of a tourism destination facility;
   6. a facility, other than a facility described in (D) of this paragraph, for the generation, transmission, development, transportation, conversion, or use of energy resources;
9. “project applicant” means a business enterprise or enterprises proposing to
   1. use or occupy a project; or
   2. agree to permit others to use or occupy a project;
10. “real property” means land and rights and interests in land, including interests less than full title such as easements, uses, leases, and licenses.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1996)

Sec. 30.30.010. Abandonment of vessel unlawful.

1. A person may not store or leave a derelict vessel
   1. on the waters of the state or on state or municipal property without the consent of the state agency or municipality having jurisdiction over the water or property; or
   2. at any private property without the consent of the owner of the property.
2. Except as provided under AS 30.30.110 — 30.30.150 , a state agency, municipality, or peace officer may impound a derelict vessel subject to this chapter.
3. This section may not be construed to contravene any applicable federal law or regulation.
4. [Repealed, § 34 ch 111 SLA 2018.]
5. The department or a municipality may report a violation of this section to the attorney general, who may institute the proper proceedings to enforce the criminal penalties provided in (f) of this section.
6. A person who violates this section, upon conviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable by one or more of the following:
   1. a fine of not less than $5,000 or more than $10,000;
   2. imprisonment for a period of not more than 90 days;
   3. forfeiture of the person’s vessel.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 65 SLA 2013; am §§ 9 — 12, 34 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Revisor’s notes. —

Subsection (d) was enacted as (e) and relettered in 2013, at which time (e) was relettered as (d).

Subsection (e) was enacted as (f); relettered in 2018 to conform to the style of the Alaska Statutes, at which time (e) was relettered as (f) and an internal reference was conformed.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 25, 2013, added (a)(1) and (2) designations; in (a)(1) substituted “on the waters of the state” for “upon any public water”, inserted “or a municipality” preceding “without the consent”, substituted “state agency or municipality having jurisdiction over” for “agency having jurisdiction of”; in (b), substituted “A state agency, municipality or peace officer may remove a derelict vessel from waters of the state” for “The department or a peace officer may remove a derelict vessel from public water in any instance”; added (e) (now (d)); made related and stylistic changes.

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, in (a), in the introductory language, substituted “a derelict vessel” for “a vessel in a wrecked, junked, or substantially dismantled condition or abandoned”, in (a)(1), substituted “on state or municipal property” for “at a port or harbor of the state or a municipality” and “over the water or property” for “over the water, port, or harbor”, in (a)(2), deleted “docked” at the beginning; rewrote (b), which read, “A state agency, municipality, or peace officer may remove a derelict vessel from waters of the state when the vessel obstructs or threatens to obstruct navigation, contributes to air or water pollution, or in any other way constitutes a danger or potential danger to the environment”; repealed (d); rewrote (e) [now (f)]; added (f) [now (e)].

Sec. 30.30.015. Civil penalties.

1. The department, a municipality, or an aggrieved person may institute a civil action against a person who violates AS 30.30.010 . In addition to injunctive and compensatory relief, a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 may be imposed for each violation. An action to enjoin a violation may be brought notwithstanding the availability of any other remedy. On application for injunctive relief and a finding that a person has violated AS 30.30.010 , the superior court may grant the injunction. Each day that a violation occurs constitutes a separate violation.
2. The department may provide for the payment of a civil penalty under this section by mail.

History. (§ 13 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.020. Disposition of certain abandoned vessels.

History. [Repealed, § 34 ch 111 SLA 2018.]

Sec. 30.30.030. Limitation on applicability.

A vessel does not constitute a derelict vessel under this chapter if the

1. department provides written authorization for the owner to anchor, moor, store, or otherwise leave the vessel within 14 days after the owner anchors, moors, stores, or leaves the vessel; and
2. vessel is anchored, moored, stored, or otherwise left unattended for more than 14 days
   1. outside of an organized municipality where it is the custom, common, or accepted practice to anchor, moor, store, or otherwise leave a vessel in a port or harbor or in waters of the state;
   2. because climatic conditions make use of the vessel impracticable; or
   3. because other applicable provisions of law prohibit use of the vessel during that period of time.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 5 ch 65 SLA 2013; am § 14 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 25, 2013, deleted “public” preceding “waters”, deleted “a period of” preceding “more than 30 days”, substituted “AS 30.30.010 — 30.30.100 ” for “AS 30.30.010 — 30.30.020 ”.

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, rewrote the section.

Sec. 30.30.040. Pre-impoundment notice and hearing.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, at least 20 days before impounding a vessel, the state agency or municipality responsible for impounding the vessel shall post a written notice  on the vessel , if possible, and  on the Alaska Online Public Notice System or the municipality’s official website. A copy of that notice  must be sent by  certified mail, with a return receipt, to the  owner of the vessel at the  owner’s last known address  or the address on record with the United States Coast Guard or the Department of Administration and to all lienholders shown on the records of  the United States Coast Guard or a state  agency.
2. The notice must contain the
   1. name or number of the vessel, if known;
   2. name and address of the owner, if known;
   3. intended action against the vessel; and
   4. hearing procedure under (c) of this section.
3. Except as provided in  AS 30.30.065 , the owner of a vessel may file a written demand for a pre-impoundment hearing with the state agency or municipality that sent the notice within 15 days after the postmark date of the notice required under (a) of this section. If the written demand is made by a person who is not the owner of the vessel, the written demand must establish that the person requesting the hearing has an interest in the vessel.  An owner or a person with a financial or security interest in a vessel who fails to request or attend a scheduled hearing waives the right to a hearing.
4. A pre-impoundment hearing must be conducted within 10 business days after the receipt of a written demand for a pre-impoundment hearing unless the person requesting the hearing consents to a later date.
5. An individual who has authority to direct the impoundment of a vessel at issue in a pre-impoundment hearing may not serve as the hearing officer. The hearing shall be conducted in an informal manner. The provisions of  AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) do not apply to a hearing conducted under this section.
6. The state agency or municipality responsible for impounding a vessel has the burden of showing substantial evidence that the vessel is derelict. After the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision of whether there is substantial evidence that the vessel is derelict.  A copy of the decision shall be provided to the vessel owner and the person requesting the hearing, if other than the vessel owner.
7. If the hearing officer determines that there is substantial evidence establishing that the vessel is derelict, then the state agency or municipality may impound the vessel and proceed with disposition of the vessel as provided under  AS 30.30.055 .

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 6 ch 65 SLA 2013; am § 15, 16 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 25, 2013, in the third sentence substituted “state agency” for “state department”.

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, rewrote (a), added (b) – (g).

Sec. 30.30.045. Notice of disposition of derelict vessel.

1. After impounding a derelict vessel, the state agency or municipality shall post a notice of disposition on the Alaska Online Public Notice System or the municipality’s website and, if possible, on the vessel itself at least 20 days before disposing of the vessel.
2. A duplicate of the notice must be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, on
   1. the owner of the vessel, if known, at the address on record with the United States Coast Guard or the Department of Administration; and
   2. all lienholders who have filed a financing statement indexed in the name of the owner or who are shown on the records of a state agency or the United States Coast Guard.
3. The notice of disposition must include
   1. a description of the vessel;
   2. the name or number of the vessel, if known;
   3. the name and address of the owner, if known;
   4. the location of the vessel;
   5. the means of disposition; and
   6. the location, date, and time of a public auction if an auction will be held to dispose of the vessel.

History. (§ 17 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.050. Public auction.

History. [Repealed, § 34 ch 111 SLA 2018.]

Sec. 30.30.055. Impoundment and disposition of derelict vessel.

1. A state agency or municipality may impound a derelict vessel by
   1. securing the vessel in place;
   2. towing or sailing the vessel to a secure mooring in a location that is authorized by the state agency or municipality; or
   3. removing the vessel from the water and placing it in storage.
2. The state agency or municipality that impounds a vessel may sell, donate, or destroy the vessel if the vessel is not repossessed by the owner or a person with a financial or security interest in the vessel within 20 days after the postmark date of the notice mailed under AS 30.30.045(a) . The sale of a vessel may be by public auction or by sealed bids or, if no bids are received, by negotiated sale.
3. A state agency or municipality may, by regulation or ordinance, adopt sale or disposal methods that are consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
4. A state agency or municipality shall apply the proceeds from the sale of a vessel under this chapter in the following order:
   1. to the administrative costs associated with impounding the vessel;
   2. to the costs of towing, handling, and storing the vessel;
   3. to the administrative costs of conducting the sale;
   4. to a lienholder to the extent of the lien;
   5. to the owner of the vessel if the owner can be found; if the owner cannot be found, the balance shall be deposited into the derelict vessel prevention program fund under AS 30.30.096 .
5. A state agency or municipality shall disperse the proceeds of the sale of a vessel at a public auction under federal law in accordance with federal law.
6. The state agency or municipality or its designees, employees, or agents are not liable for the disposition of a vessel to the owner, operator, or any lienholder of the vessel.
7. The transfer of title and interest by sale under this section is a transfer by operation of law. However, a bill of sale executed by an authorized seller is satisfactory evidence authorizing the transfer of the title or interest.

History. (§ 18 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.060. Possession by interested party.

An owner or a person having a financial or security interest in a derelict vessel may take possession of it before the date of the public auction, destruction, or donation of the vessel upon payment to the state agency or municipality of all port or harbor use fees, towing, handling, storage, appraisal, advertising, and any other expenses incurred by the state agency or municipality in connection with the vessel.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 7 ch 65 SLA 2013; am § 19 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 25, 2013, substituted “state agency or municipality” for “department” three times, and made a stylistic change.

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, rewrote the section.

Sec. 30.30.065. Impoundment of derelict vessels posing imminent clear and present danger.

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a state agency or municipality may impound a derelict vessel immediately if the vessel constitutes a clear and present danger to public health, safety, or general welfare.
2. When action is taken to impound a derelict vessel under (a) of this section, the state agency or municipality impounding the vessel shall, after 24 hours of the impoundment, provide notice of the action and the opportunity for a post-impoundment hearing by hand-delivery or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of the vessel if the name and location of the owner is known.
3. The owner of the vessel or a person with a financial or security interest in the vessel may file a written demand for a post-impoundment hearing within 15 days after the postmark date of the notice of impoundment under (b) of this section. An owner or a person with a financial or security interest in the vessel who fails to request or attend a scheduled post-impoundment hearing waives the right to the hearing.
4. The state agency or municipality that impounded the vessel shall conduct a post-impoundment hearing within 48 hours after receiving a written demand for a post-impoundment hearing. The 48-hour period does not include Saturdays, Sundays, days that the state agency or municipality that impounded the vessel is officially closed, and legal holidays. The state agency or municipality shall conduct the post-impoundment hearing in an informal manner. The provisions of AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) do not apply to a post-impoundment hearing.
5. A post-impoundment hearing officer shall determine whether there is substantial evidence establishing that the derelict vessel constituted a clear and present danger. If the hearing officer determines that there is substantial evidence to impound the vessel, the state agency or municipality or its designee may proceed to dispose of the vessel as provided under AS 30.30.055 . If the hearing officer determines that there was not substantial evidence to impound the vessel, the state agency or municipality that impounded the vessel
   1. shall release the vessel to the owner;
   2. may not require the owner to pay the towing, storage, impoundment, or abatement charges; and
   3. shall refund or reimburse any towing, storage, impoundment, or abatement charges previously paid by the owner.

History. (§ 20 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.070. When public auction not required.

History. [Repealed, § 34 ch 111 SLA 2018.]

Sec. 30.30.075. Liability for derelict vessels.

Except as provided in AS 30.30.065(e) , the owner of a vessel and a person entitled to possession of a vessel impounded under this chapter are jointly and severally liable for all costs incurred by the state agency or municipality in connection with the impoundment, storage, and removal of the vessel.

History. (§ 21 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.080. Effect of sale.

History. [Repealed, § 34 ch 111 SLA 2018.]

Sec. 30.30.090. Derelict vessel.

A vessel is a derelict vessel if

1. the vessel is sunk or in immediate danger of sinking, is obstructing a waterway, or is endangering  public health, safety, property , or the environment;
2. the vessel has been  anchored, moored , stored, abandoned, or otherwise left in the waters of the state or on  state  or municipal property contrary to law;
3. the vessel’s certificate  number or marine document  number has expired and the  owner no longer resides at the address listed in the vessel registration or marine document records of a state agency or the United States Coast Guard;
4. the last  owner of record disclaims ownership and the current owner’s name or address cannot be determined;
5. the vessel identification numbers and other means of identification have been obliterated or removed in a manner that nullifies or precludes efforts to locate or identify the owner;
6. the vessel registration records of a state agency and the marine document records of the United States Coast Guard contain no record that the vessel ever has been registered or documented, and the owner’s name or address cannot be determined; or
7. the vessel has been anchored, moored,  stored, abandoned, or otherwise left unattended on private property  without authorization by the owner or occupant of the property.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 10 ch 65 SLA 2013; am § 22 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 25, 2013, in the introductory language substituted “unattended for more than 24 consecutive hours” for “left unattended for a continuous period of more than 24 hours”; in the introductory language in (2), substituted “by a state agency or municipality” for “by the department”, and made stylistic changes; in (2)(A) and (2)(D), substituted “agency” for “department”.

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, rewrote the section.

Sec. 30.30.095. Duties and powers of the department.

The department shall, to the extent that funds are available from the derelict vessel prevention program fund ( AS 30.30.096 ),

1. establish and administer the derelict vessel prevention program to prevent and deter the abandonment and operation of derelict vessels in the waters of the state and on state, municipal, and private property and to ensure that all state and municipal entities have the authority to identify, remove, and discourage derelict vessels from being stored, operated, or abandoned on the waters of the state and on state or municipal property;
2. establish
   1. education and community outreach programs, derelict vessel disposal programs, and funding options for derelict vessel removal efforts; and
   2. a derelict vessel advisory council to implement education and community outreach programs that inform and incentivize the removal of derelict vessels from the waters of the state;
3. develop and maintain a publicly available database of known derelict vessels in the state.

History. (§ 23 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.096. Derelict vessel prevention program fund.

1. The derelict vessel prevention program fund is created in the general fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide a source from which the department may
   1. reimburse state agencies and municipalities for expenses related to removal of derelict vessels from waters of the state and from state or municipal property;
   2. pay for development and implementation of programs that incentivize compliance with this chapter;
   3. subsidize projects directly related to the derelict vessel prevention program; and
   4. pay the costs of administering the fund.
2. The fund consists of money appropriated to the fund, including
   1. donations;
   2. money received from the sale of a vessel under this chapter;
   3. income from the fund and other program receipts;
   4. money collected under  AS 05.25.096(a)(5) and (6);
   5. civil penalties collected under  AS 30.30.015 .
3. Appropriations to the derelict vessel prevention program fund do not lapse.
4. Money appropriated to the fund may be used by the department for the purposes of the fund without further appropriation.
5. Nothing in this section creates a dedicated fund.

History. (§ 23 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.100. Disposition of derelict vessel.

History. [Repealed, § 34 ch 111 SLA 2018.]

Sec. 30.30.110. Disposition of vessels by persons in vessel storage or repair business.

When a person abandons a vessel on the premises of a vessel storage or repair business, the owner of the business or the business owner’s authorized representative may

1. sell or dispose of the vessel under AS 30.30.110 — 30.30.150 ; or
2. notify a state agency, municipality, or peace officer that the vessel is a derelict vessel subject to impoundment under AS 30.30.010 — 30.30.090 .

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 24 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, in the introductory language, inserted “storage or” preceding “repair business”, added (2), and made related changes.

Sec. 30.30.120. When vessel abandoned.

A vessel is abandoned on the premises of a vessel storage or repair business when all of the following conditions have been satisfied:

1. the service requested or required by a person whose vessel is towed or brought to a vessel storage or repair business, including towing and rendering estimates of the cost of repairs, has been performed;
2. no authorization is given to perform any further service with respect to the vessel, but the vessel is left on the storage or repair business premises;
3. the owner of the storage or repair business or the business owner’s authorized representative has given notice by registered or certified mail, with a return receipt, to the registered owner of the vessel at the address on record at the vessel storage or repair business and the address on record in a state agency or the United States Coast Guard, and to any person with a recorded interest in the vessel, stating that, if the vessel is not repossessed within 30 days after the mailing of the notice, it will be sold or disposed of; the notice also must contain a description of the vessel and its location, and it need not be sent to an owner or a person with an unrecorded interest in the vessel whose name or address cannot be determined; and
4. the vessel is not repossessed within the 30-day period specified in (3) of this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 12 ch 65 SLA 2013; am § 25 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 25, 2013, in (3), substituted “agency” for “department” following “on record in a state”.

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, inserted “storage or” preceding “repair business” throughout the section, in (1) deleted “but not limited to” preceding “towing and rendering”.

Sec. 30.30.130. Sale or disposition of vessel.

When a vessel is abandoned, the owner of the vessel storage or repair business, or the business owner’s authorized representative, after one public advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation in the state, may negotiate a sale of the vessel or dispose of it. However, the vessel may not be sold or disposed of within less than 30 days after publication of the advertisement.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 26 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, in the first sentence, inserted “storage or” preceding “repair business”, in the second sentence substituted “30 days” for “five days” following “within less than”.

Sec. 30.30.140. Disposition of proceeds.

The authorized seller of the abandoned vessel is entitled to the proceeds of the sale to the extent that compensation is due to the seller for services rendered with respect to the vessel, including reasonable and customary charges for towing, handling, storage, and the cost of notices and advertising required by AS 30.30.130 . A lienholder shall receive priority of payment from the balance of the proceeds to the extent of the lien. Any remaining balance shall be forwarded to the registered owner of the vessel, if the registered owner can be found. If the registered owner cannot be found, the balance shall be deposited with the commissioner of administration and shall be paid out to the registered owner of the vessel if a proper claim is filed for it within one year from the execution of the sale agreement. If no claim is made within that year, the money shall escheat to the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975)

Sec. 30.30.150. Effect of transfer of title.

The transfer of title and interest by sale under AS 30.30.140 is a transfer by operation of law. However, a bill of sale executed by an authorized seller is satisfactory evidence authorizing the transfer of the title or interest.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975)

Sec. 30.30.160. Regulations. [Repealed, § 14 ch 65 SLA 2013.]

Sec. 30.30.165. Enforcement authority.

1. The following persons are peace officers of the state for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter and regulations adopted under this chapter on the waters of the state:
   1. an employee of the department or other person authorized by the commissioner of natural resources;
   2. an employee of a municipality authorized by the chief executive officer of the municipality; or
   3. a peace officer, as that term is defined in AS 01.10.060 .
2. A person designated in (a) of this section, when enforcing the provisions of this chapter or a regulation adopted under this chapter, may
   1. execute a warrant or other process issued by an officer or court of competent jurisdiction;
   2. administer or take an oath, affirmation, or affidavit; and
   3. issue a citation or arrest a person who violates a provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted under this chapter.
3. A citation issued under (b) of this section must comply with the provisions of AS 12.25.175 — 12.25.230 .

History. (§ 27 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 39, ch. 111, SLA 2018 makes this section effective January 1, 2019.

Sec. 30.30.170. Definitions.

In this chapter,

1. “abandoned” means a vessel has been left unattended on private, state, or municipal land or waters of the state without the consent of the landowner or lessee for more than 30 days;
2. “department” means the Department of Natural Resources;
3. “municipality” has the meaning given in AS 29.71.800 ;
4. “owner” means a person who
   1. has a property interest, other than a financial or security interest, in a vessel;
   2. is the last named owner of a vessel with the Department of Administration or the United States Coast Guard; or
   3. is designated as having an interest in a vessel in an agreement with a municipality, state agency, or political subdivision of the state;
5. “state agency” means a department, agency, division, or office in the executive branch of state government;
6. “vessel” means every description of watercraft, floating facility, or other artificial contrivance, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on or through the water;
7. “waters of the state” means the navigable waters within the territorial limits of the state, and the marginal sea adjacent to the state, as defined in AS 44.03.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am E.O. No. 39, § 11 (1977); am § 88 ch 74 SLA 1985; am § 30 ch 32 SLA 1997; am § 13 ch 65 SLA 2013; am §§ 28, 29 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1996 and 2018, the terms in this section were renumbered to maintain alphabetical order. Also in 2018, sec. 29, ch. 111, SLA 2018, enacted a new definition for “state agency” even though the term was already defined in this section; under AS 01.05.031 , the revisor of statutes has chosen to treat the enactment of the new definition as a repeal of the former definition of “state agency”.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 25, 2013, deleted the definition of “department”, added the definitions of “municipality” and “state agency”, and made related changes.

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, in (3) [now (6)] inserted “, floating facility,” following “description of watercraft”; added (5) [now (1)], (6) [now (2)], (7) [now (4)], and (8) [now (5)].

Sec. 30.30.180. Short title.

This chapter may be cited as the Derelict Vessels Act.

History. (§ 1 ch 131 SLA 1975; am § 30 ch 111 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, deleted “Abandoned and” following “may be cited as”.

Sec. 30.50.010. Interfering with buoys and beacons.

A person who moors a vessel, boat, skiff, barge, scow, raft, or part of a raft to a buoy or beacon placed in the navigable waters of the state, or in a bay, river, or arm of the sea bordering the state by the authority of the United States Coast Guard, or who hangs on with a vessel, boat, skiff, barge, scow, raft, or part of a raft to the buoy or beacon, or who wilfully removes, damages, or destroys the buoy or beacon, or who cuts down, removes, damages, or destroys a beacon erected on land in the state by authority of the United States Coast Guard is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $200, or by imprisonment in a jail for not less than one month nor more than six months, or by both.

History. (§ 65-14-2 ACLA 1949; am § 22 ch 166 SLA 1978)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 11.65.020. Renumbered in 1978.

Sec. 30.50.020. Discharging ballast into navigable waters.

A person, whether or not an officer of a vessel, who discharges the ballast of a vessel into the navigable portion or channel of a bay, harbor, or river of the state, or within the jurisdiction of the state, so as to injuriously affect the navigable portion or channel, or to obstruct the navigation of the navigable portion or channel, upon conviction, is punishable by imprisonment in a jail for not less than three months nor more than one year, or by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.

History. (§ 65-14-1 ACLA 1949; am § 22 ch 166 SLA 1978)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 11.65.010 . Renumbered in 1978.

Cross references. —

For ballast water discharge, see AS 46.03.750 .