Voters Will Have To Weigh Cost Issues With Salmon Initiative

Alaska voters will soon be looking at a ballot initiative aimed to protect salmon habitat. But like many decisions to make, the costs for such a bill to pass will need to be weighed as the Nov. 6 election looms.

Here’s a quick synoposis of Alaska Ballot Measure 1:

“yes” vote supports this measure to establish new requirements and a new process for permits for any projects affecting bodies of water related to the activity and habitat of salmon, steelhead or other anadromous fish, and to prohibit any projects or activity determined to cause significant and unrestorable damage to such fish habitats.
“no” vote opposes this measure to establish new requirements and a new process for permits for any projects affecting bodies of water related to the activity and habitat of salmon, steelhead or other anadromous fish, and to prohibit any projects or activity determined to cause significant and unrestorable damage to such fish habitats.

 

And some details from KTOO: 

Ron Benkert said the Department of Fish and Game would have to hire people to enforcenew regulations if the initiative passes. He’s a habitat coordinator for the department.

“There is a significant impact from a cost perspective,” he said. “Our estimate is about $1.3 million a year annually for at least five years.”