The Daily Alaska empire. [volume] (Juneau, Alaska) 1926-1964, 1939-08-16
MuIti-miIIion Dollar Plan
EnaCted Into Law al
Last Session
ARMY, NAVY BASES ARE
TO Be ESTABLISHED NOW
PurCh' ase of Reindeer Is
Authorized : Money
Allotted for Deal
BY JOHN L. WHEELER
Associated Press Alaskan Cores
pOndent.l

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16.-A null
ti-million dollar program for the
development of defense of Alaska
was enacted into law at the last
session of Congress. In the words
of bespectacled and energetic A.
j. Dimond, Delegate from Alaska,
the Territory received its most SYM
pathetic treatment in years"
For this legislation, Delegate Di-
mond praised the cooperation and
understanding" of his colleagues.
Defense Program
In terms of dollars, the defense
program ranks first for complete
development of Army and Naval
air bases, Coast Guard bases and
other military facilities.
Ultimately this means expendi-
lures totaling we'll over $20,000,000.
The legislation authorizes con-
struction of Naval air base at Ko-
diak, to cost $8,75O,O0O; enlargement
of the Sitka Naval air base, esti-
mated to cost $2,900,000; building
and improvements to the Dutch
Harbor Naval Radio station to cost
$4,000.
Other Projects
Enacted in due course ,appro-
priations were made for construc-
ton of naval fields with survey par
ties in Alaska working on plans and
specifications in the hope of getting
construction under way in the very
near future.
An appropriation was also made
to start construction on what mill
tary experts say will be a 10000
600 Army air base. The initial
amount is about $4,000,000 and work
on this project will start sometime
this year on the site near Fair
banks, tentatively selected upon
recommendation of two survey par
ties. Major Edward George, who
will be in charge of actual con-
struction and survey, is expected to
arrive in Fairbanks not later than
August 20 with his party to start
work.
Aids To Air Navigation
Plans and specifications of adj
ditional aviation facilities such as
beacons, landing lights and radio
beams, are expected to result from
a survey undertaken soon by the
Civil Aeronautics Authority.
All of these projects will contri-
butte to the defense of Alaska in
time of war and development in
the time of peace.
The Coast Guard will also be aid
ing in defense work by projects an
nounced. Congress authorized the
establishment of a Coast Guard sta
ton and air base at Kodiak esti-
mated to cost $2,733,O0O. The Coast
Guard will also take over regular
maritime police functions.
No funds were appropriated, how
ever, and construction cannot start
before next year when it is expect
ed the money will be provided
Other Measures
There are two other measures
of prime Importance to the Terri
tory bills providing funds for the
purchase and restoration of Alaska
reindeer to native ownership as
means of improving the economic
lot of the Indians and Eskimos, au-
thorizing sweeping investigation
into the Alaska Fisheries with a
view of changing the regulations,
also new deep water resources.
Reindeer Act Fund
Congress appropriated $4,000
plus $4,000 for administrative and
operating expenses to carry out the
provisions of the reindeer act which
directed the Secretary of the In
terror t o purchase all .non-native
Continued on Page Three