Alaska House Advances Housing Bill for Workforce

0:00In Anchorage, its March 2nd, here's what is happening. Alaska's House of Representatives just advanced the bill to tackle the state's housing crunch by letting the Alaska Industrial Development and Export. Authority Finance, new workforce housing projects, with more than five units each. House Bill 184, passed on a 23-15-vote Friday, with two members absent. The move comes amid a long-standing housing shortage that's hit crisis levels, discouraging workers and businesses alike. Consultants estimate Alaska needs 27,500 new units over the next decade just to keep up, but building has lagged way. Behind supporters, including Bill Sponsored Democratic Representative Andy Story, from Juno, say it'll ease workforce shortages in places like healthcare and resource projects. Even some Republicans, like Ketchikhan's Jeremy Bynum, backed it, citing needs for shipyards and fish processors in Southeast Alaska.

1:00Opponents argued the agency already has the power to fund such housing, like work camps in Prudhoe Bay, and worried the bill could shift its focus. From job creation to general community housing, one Republican tried, but failed to amend it for stricter limits. Now the bill heads to the Senate, where a companion measure is already moving through the Finance Committee. Lawmakers hoped this could finally boost construction and economic growth. This episode is supported by our sponsor. Do not just fall asleep. Drift into what you are listening to, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.