Bill would allow GMC to charge for use

Senate Bill 170, introduced by Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, would allow the Geological Materials Center in Anchorage to charge for the use of its services.

Steven Masterman, state geologist and director of the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Geological & Geophysical Services, told Giessel in a Feb. 16 letter that charging for services was considered from the beginning as plans were made for the new facility. Similar facilities in the United States and Canada charge for services, he said, and their fee schedules have been reviewed.

He said the facility will not charge to accept donations; it will waive or greatly reduce fees for other government agencies and for academic research; and fees will be mid-range compared to similar facilities.

In her sponsor statement Giessel noted that the GMC “offers a critical service” as “the main repository for geologic materials from all over Alaska.”

The GMC is currently prevented by law from charging for its services. SB 170 would enable the division to set and collect fees for the use of its facilities, and would direct those fees back to the division “and by extension” to the GMC, rather than into the general fund.

The bill was amended at a Feb. 29 hearing before Senate Resources to waive fees for educational opportunities and moved from the committee. The bill’s next referral is to Senate Finance.

- Petroleum News