AK SB155

Creates the Port of Alaska Authority as a public corporation under the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development with separate legal existence to manage and operate the Port of Alaska in Anchorage.

Establishes a 9-member board of directors consisting of 2 state commissioners and 7 public members appointed by the governor, legislature, Anchorage mayor, and Anchorage Assembly, with specific qualifications including port management experience and labor representation.

Authority manages port finances on a self-sustaining basis, can issue revenue bonds with legislative approval, prescribe rates and tariffs, hire employees, and exercise eminent domain for port purposes.

Municipality of Anchorage shall transfer Port of Alaska property (specified land tracts, tidelands, and tidal waters) and related funds to the authority within 180 days of the effective date; authority assumes all rights, liabilities, and obligations.

Authority employees are not state employees, are exempt from state personnel law, but retain collective bargaining rights; authority property is exempt from state and local taxes except Municipality of Anchorage may require payment in lieu of taxes based on adjusted plant value.