Walker wants to streamline 3 corporations

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has signed an administrative order aimed at streamlining the operations of three state economic development agencies: the Alaska Energy Authority, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority and the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. The idea is to seek opportunities for operational efficiency and for the consolidation of functions.

“It’s important that members of these economic development agencies play an active role in finding opportunities to improve both effectiveness and efficiencies,” Walker said when announcing the order on March 10. “As the state scales back on spending, we must also diversify our economy. I look forward to seeing the recommendations put forth by AEA, AIDEA and AHFC on the most efficient way to do so.”

The Alaska Energy Authority works to diversify Alaska’s energy portfolio, to assist Alaska rural communities in meeting their energy needs, and to lead strategic energy planning efforts, as well as constructing some energy systems. AEA owns the Bradley Lake hydroelectric project on the Kenai Peninsula and has been leading a project aimed at building a major hydroelectric facility at Watana on the Susitna River. AIDEA advances economic growth and diversity in Alaska by providing financing support for development projects. AHFC was formed to enable Alaskans to obtain affordable housing by maintaining funds that allow low-cost mortgage financing, as well as providing public housing, supporting the construction of special needs housing, and promoting energy efficiency in buildings.

The order requires the commissioners of the Department of Revenue and the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development to work with the boards and management of the three corporations, and with stakeholders in the corporations, to develop recommendations for potential streamlining. Possible options include consolidation of the state’s existing authority, powers and resources; enhancing the use of enterprise-based approaches to further the corporations’ objectives; identifying assets owned by the corporations that might be sold; eliminating non-essential and redundant activities; and transferring and consolidating essential routine and complementary functions between the organizations.

- ALAN BAILEY