Governor calls on university to assist with resource development

At a cabinet briefing on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus on Oct. 6, Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski urged the University of Alaska to use its research expertise to assist the state with resource development initiatives.

“I am asking you to prioritize your research to meet the needs of our state. Tailor your research to help create jobs for Alaskans,” Murkowski said. “The state needs UAF to be a source of expertise to stand up to those who would lock Alaska away from responsible development.”

The governor made his comments at the opening of a meeting between his cabinet and university officials. He urged the university and the state to explore further partnerships for the benefit of Alaskans.

“As President Hamilton reminds us, the university is a tremendous economic engine. University research should supply a solid scientific foundation for the state to establish responsible development policies that can sustain attacks from environmental extremists,” he said.