HB 316 Summary: Military Facility Zones

• Establishes a new chapter in Alaska statute allowing the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to create military facility zones in areas near military installations that support economic development, housing, and workforce training.

• Municipalities may apply to designate or expand military facility zones within their boundaries if the area meets criteria including proximity to a facility, adequate zoning for industrial/residential/educational use, and inadequate infrastructure.

• Designated zones are effective for 20 years; municipalities may establish up to two zones unless the municipality exceeds 500 square miles; zones can be expanded up to twice per calendar year by up to 50 percent.

• Municipalities and zone authorities in designated zones may receive financing from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority or Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, and priority consideration for state financial assistance.

• The Act takes effect July 1, 2012, with immediate effect for regulatory authority provisions allowing the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to adopt implementing regulations.