Governor Mike Dunleavy announced a new Disaster Order taken to advance the Alaska COVID-19 Economic Stabilization Plan during a briefing to the public on Tuesday evening. Alongside a disaster order suspending certain fees and fines across state government, Governor Dunleavy highlighted major progress toward the creation of a state-backed loan program run by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority.
The COVID-19 Disaster Order of Suspension No. 2 suspends certain fees and fines within the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, and the Department of Revenue through May 11.
Governor Dunleavy: “This Disaster Order of Suspension will help individual Alaskans and the business community navigate through the economic impacts our state faces as a result of this virus. I have directed the members of my cabinet to find ways to provide support to those who are suffering, and this Disaster Order is just one of the dynamic steps we will be taking.”
On Friday, the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Board unanimously approved the Sustaining Alaska’s Future Economy Guaranty Program. Alaskan businesses with existing lines of credit through any lending institution in Alaska will be able to apply for a loan increase of up to $1 million dollars. These loans will be backed by the state through the Authority.
Governor Dunleavy added: “In the face of the global coronavirus pandemic, we have not forgotten our great Alaskan business community. As I previously announced, the state of Alaska will back loans to businesses of all sizes in order to keep our great Alaskan workers employed. The vehicle for this loan program has now been approved by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. The speed at which we’ve cleared red tape to bring this program into fruition is truly unprecedented.”
During the briefing, Governor Dunleavy was joined by:
- Commissioner Tamika Ledbetter, Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- Commissioner Julie Anderson, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
- Commissioner Corri Feige, Department of Natural Resources
- Commissioner Jason Brune, Department of Environmental Conservation
- Commissioner Kelly Tshibaka, Department of Administration
Several commissioners reiterated the fact that those impacted by COVID-19 should not hesitate to file for help when necessary, and that departments will be much more lenient on fees and licenses.
