I, Tony Knowles, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority granted by art. III
of the Alaska Constitution, and AS 26.23.020(g)(l), make the following orders concerning waiver of state agency fees related to replacement of documents lost by residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and City of Houston during the current wildfire disaster in those regions:

To the Commissioners of all State Departments:

On June 4, 1996, I declared that a condition of disaster exists within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the City of Houston, Alaska, due to the extensive wildland fires within the area. The widespread property damage and disruption of lives resulting from these fires, including total destruction of over 345 homes and other structures, has resulted in the loss of many documents that are important, and even necessary, in the lives and businesses of fire victims.

The Alaska Division of Emergency Services establish a Disaster Recovery Center at the Iditarod Elementary School in Wasilla, Alaska, which will be moved to the Meadowood Mall in Big Lake, Alaska, on June 24, 1996. Two Disaster Recovery Center mobile units are located in the disaster area where victims may get information about or obtain replacements of important documents such as vital statistics, motor vehicle licenses, property records, and others. Many agencies are currently participating in this recovery effort.

The fees associated with replacing important documents is likely to represent a significant expenditure for many who have, perhaps, lost almost everything they may own and such expenses are likely to substantially impede or delay the actions necessary for these people to cope with the disaster.

Pursuant to the authority granted me under AS 26.23.020(g)(1). I am, therefore, requesting that all fees related to replacement of documents lost during this disaster be waived by the respective agencies beginning the day of the disaster declaration and for 60 days thereafter until August 6, 1996, for victims of the disaster area. This order covers all fees which would normally be charged by your respective agencies whether pursuant to statute, regulation, or internal policy, to replace lost documents, to apply for and obtain new substitute documents necessitated by the loss of existing documents, and to record or otherwise refile replacement and substitute documents.

This Order is to be applied retroactively to June 4 1996, the date of the disaster declaration, and effective through August 6, 1996.

Dated this 20 day of June, 1996 at Juneau, Alaska.

S/S Tony Knowles     
Tony Knowles         
Governor