Seward seaport record., 1954-04-09
Governor Proposes Split For Sfofe In Territory

Following is complete text of Governor Hientzleman's letter to Speaker Joseph w. Martin, Jr., on subject of Alaska state hood, Saturday, April 3:
 T am greatly concerned that an enabling bill for statehood for Alaska may not be passed in this sessions of Congress. I know that the people of Alaska are over whelmingly anxious for early statehood. They have demon strated on numerous occasions their readiness to assume the re- sponsibility and certainly the rapid strides which the Territory has made in recent years sup ports in every way their firm belief in themselves and their destiny.
 T regard the enabling bill for Alaska statehood which passed the Senate on Thursday as an excellent one, far more equitable and sound than has ever been proposed before. It will give the new state access to its own re- sources on scale never envi- stoned before, enabling it to meet the costs of government while continuing to foster eco homie development within it's borders.
 Il have noted that the pend- ing measure had the support of thirty three Republicans in the Senate while only nine Repub- licans were opposed to it. There were twenty three Democratic votes for it but it was opposed by nineteen members of the minority party. With an equal number, forty two, of each party voting on the measure, it is plain that the bill passed the Senate only because it had the overwhelming endorsement of the Republican membership of that chamber.
 In the past there has been feeling that Alaska could not carry the financial burden of maintaining statehood. This has been due in large part to the ex- treme vastness of the remote and undeveloped land areas within the present territory in which low productivity is un- likely to be increased in the for seeable future. Nevertheless, these areas, stretching over ap- proximately three hundred thou sand square miles, would have to be administered and policed, with consequent burdens on the resources of the new state dur. ing the most critical period in it's history.
 Rather than delay further the granting of Statehood on this ground, I suggest that it might be we'll to consider for immedi- ate statehood that portion of the Territory that is developed, that embraces all the larger metro politan centers and in which 85 percent of the population resides.
 "In general, this area might well include all the land lying east of Shelikof Strait and the One Hundred Fifty Second Me ridian of Longitude and south of the summit of the Brooks Range, eastward to the Canadian border, and all of Southeastern Alaska. There is within the area The Alaska Railroad, most of the existing industry of Alaska, vir- tually the entire highway net work, and the great bulk of known minerals, arabic land and other natural resources which constitute a strong base for the future development of the new state.
 ''In this area would be approx imately two hundred thousand square miles. It would, of course, include the Kodiak Island group. In our history it has not been unusual to establish states with in the borders of large terri-l tories of the United States.
 If it appears that the above| mentioned plan would enhance| the prospects for the granting off Alaska statehood at this time, n will be pleased to confer with you further on the matter at your convenience.
 Sincerely,
 B. Frank Heintzleman. Fl