Alaska travel industry up for financial boost

JUNEAU - Alaska's travel industry could get more financial support from the state in coming years.

The Senate has passed a House bill that will require the Alaska Travel Industry Association to match 30 percent of state funds with industry money.

That's a plus because the match requirement used to be 50 percent.

The association came to the state this year saying a 50-50 match would not enable the marketing group to sustain the $10 million program.

Plus, travel officials complained that private sector money became tougher to attract.

House Bill 147, sponsored by House Speaker John Harris, R-Valdez, limits the state contribution to $9 million.

If signed by Gov. Sarah Palin, the bill would go into effect July 1. It expires in 2011.