Community and Regional Affairs Co-Chairs Bob Herron (Bethel) and Cathy Munoz have collaborated with Representatives Alan Austerman (Kodiak) and Reggie Joule (Kotzebue) to create a Northern Waters Task Force. HCR 22 passed out of the CRA committee today.

Alaska has a unique role and interest in the development of U.S. Arctic policy on navigation routes, resource development, military activity and commerce. With the rapid recession of the Arctic icepack, nations are actively promoting and defending their interests. The Task Force will assess and facilitate the creation of a joint state and federal entity to coordinate United States and Alaska interests.

Trans-arctic shipping, commercial transportation, fishing rights, wildlife protection, emergency response, and port development are a few of the many issues that will be addressed by the Northern Water Task Force.