Lisa Murkowski: “I think the committee did speak clearly in the actual legislative language of the bill, which requires that the new…”

“I think the committee did speak clearly in the actual legislative language of the bill, which requires that the new investment authority be allocated ``consistent with the resolution of the Trustees adopted March 1, 1999 concerning the Restoration Reserve.'' Among other things, this resolution separates the remaining funds into two distinct ``pots'' of money: a $55 million pot which can be used for habitat acquisition; and a $115 million ``pot'' that will be used for research and monitoring activities. As the Trustees have explained the resolution to me, the cost of administration for habitat acquisition will come from the $55 million and the cost of administration for the monitoring and research will come from the $115 million. Therefore, I am confident that the actual legislative language of the bill is clear and that this was the committee's intent. This provision was very important to me in drafting this bill because I have always been concerned about the tens-of-millions of dollars the Trustees have spent on administration of the funds.”