Photos by Judy Patrick portation is fundamental in attracting new business as well as technology so folks can move their goods and supplies safely and efficiently. Julie Sande: We first tried to figure out where’s the greatest needs were. There were things we identified right away, particularly in licensing where, post COVID, we had challenges. We also tried to evaluate where we are affecting economic development. We found that there’s not really an economic development arm that is specific to marketing. This is important. Somebody is telling Alaska’s story, but it’s not us. This evolved into the $5 million appropriation to get marketing initiatives underway. We’re so excited about the ability to tell Alaska’s story ourselves. Emma Pokon: For DEC, the key component is to ensure projects have a clear path towards compliance with state and federal requirements. We are working with companies to develop good, sound permits that will withstand scrutiny. It’s not just getting the permits out but in having permits that are legally defensible. It’s also working with small businesses and individual Alaskans to ensure that they don’t get lost in the regulatory maze. John Boyle: DNR has been pushing carbon. We were successful in working with the Legislature to get carbon offsets passed this last session. We’re going back next session with carbon capture utilization and storage. I see that as a potential sea change for the opportunities associated with carbon utilization and storage. With forestry, my vision is to have a billion-dollar forest products industry. We can get there through better management of our forests, and working with producers to ensure they have adequate timber supply. — COMPILED BY TIM BRADNER www.AKRDC.org 27
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