Press Release

Rural Action Subcabinet Embarks on Fourth Outreach Trip

November 23, 2009

Anchorage, Alaska - Attorney General Dan Sullivan and other members of the governor's Rural Action Subcabinet flew to the Bristol Bay region this morning as part of an ongoing effort to gather information about the quality of life in the Bush.

Sullivan, the subcabinet chair, leads an entourage that includes Emil Notti, the state commerce commissioner, Click Bishop, the labor commissioner, Joe Masters, the public safety commissioner, Leo von Scheben, the transportation commissioner, and John Moller, Governor Parnell's rural advisor.

Today's activities begin with a tour of Southwest Alaska Vocational and Education Center in King Salmon. A public forum will be held at noon in Dolly's Hall in Naknek, followed by a tour of the Naknek Electric geo-thermal project back in King Salmon.

The group will meet with community leaders in Dillingham for an informal dinner before holding a public forum in the City Council Chambers at 6 p.m. A media availability will be held after the forum, at 8 p.m.

On Tuesday, the subcabinet will hold a variety of meetings in Dillingham, including a lunch at the senior citizens center.

"These outreach trips are proving invaluable as the subcabinet considers the challenges facing rural Alaska," said Attorney General Sullivan. "We appreciate the enthusiastic engagement by local residents that we've seen to date and that we look forward to today."

Previously, Sullivan and other subcabinet members have held events and meetings in Unalakleet, Nome, Kotzebue, Barrow, Tanana, Ruby and Galena. The subcabinet is expected to make long-term recommendations for improving rural life by late December or early January.

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.