Cordova to receive $211,500 in revenue sharing

JOY LANDALUCE

April 18, 2008 at 10:23AM AKST

Gov. Sarah Palin signed the state’s revenue-sharing plan, which will bring $211,500 to Cordova.

The law earmarks $180 million for distribution to Alaska communities during the next three years. Senate Bill 72 cleared the state Legislature in late March and garnered Palin’s signature on April 9.

The law sends $60 million to boroughs, cities and smaller communities in its first year.

Cordova receives $211,500 of the revenue sharing in the first round of distribution.

Clay Koplin, chief executive officer of Cordova Electric Cooperative, said the relief is certainly needed.

"The municipalities around the state are struggling to make ends meet. As with residents, the cost of heating, lighting, and maintaining municipal buildings has risen dramatically," he said.

"Many state-mandated programs are no longer funded by the state, leaving the municipalities to fund them out of local tax structures. This relief comes at a welcome time, and helps distribute a portion of the windfall the State is currently realizing from high oil prices," Koplin added.

Cordova Mayor Tim Joyce said that the city needs the help and is grateful for it.

"I am glad to see the state of Alaska providing support to the communities in the state. Most other states provide some type of revenue sharing even when times are tough," Joyce said.

"The state of Alaska is enjoying the benefits of high oil prices right now, so it was only fair that some of that wealth be spread to some of the communities to ease burden on local government," he added.

The money will be used to offset the high cost of heating oil and fuel that the city has to pay to run snowplows and keep buildings warm, the mayor said.

"I am glad that revenue sharing has be reinstituted after it was abolished by the Murkowski administration, and I hope our Legislature sees fit to continue and increase the program beyond the three-year commitment it just made."

Joy Landaluce can be reached at (907) 424-7181.