In 2004, SB 56 sponsored by Senator Fred Dyson, passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law in 2005 by Governor Frank Murkowski. This law allows Yukon residents to pay the same annual fee for an Alaska sport fishing license and king stamp that an Alaska resident pays which is $24 and $10 respectively. This law was passed without the knowledge of many Alaskans and it is simply wrong and needs to be repealed.
In 2012, Yukon residents purchased 2,465 Alaska sport fishing licenses at $24 for a total amount of $59,160. If they paid non-resident fees at $145 dollars, the total amount would be $357,425. This is $298,265 lost revenue. In 2012, Yukon residents purchased 645 king stamps at $10 for an amount of $6,450. If they paid non-resident fees at $100, the total amount would be $64,500. This is $58,050 lost revenue. The ADF&G is losing revenue on average of $250,000 each year since this bill was signed into law in 2005. The number of Alaska sport fishing licenses and king stamps purchased by Yukon residents are increasing every year. If Yukon residents want to fish here in Alaska, they should pay the non-resident annual fee of $145 that everyone else pays.
I urge you to contact your representatives in the Alaska State Legislature and let them know you want AS 16.05.340(i) repealed. The State of Alaska should not be giving away Alaska resources at reduced prices to citizens of a foreign country.
