The proposed plan to shut down multiple DMV locations in rural parts of Alaska is hitting a road block. On Wednesday, the House Department of Administration Finance Subcommittee voted against shutting down facilities in six rural areas as part of a budget plan. The proposed plan would close offices in Homer, Eagle River, Tok, Haines, Delta Junction and Valdez which is designed to save money.
In making the proposal, companies would be given the opportunity to start up public-private partnerships with Alaska. Residents also would have pay fees charged by that company or just go online for those services, but the issue with that was some services need to be conducted in person.
In a video posted to her social media page, District 31 Rep. Sarah Vance says, “Just for the public, there’s been confusion about the administration closing the DMVs regardless of our decision. I’ve asked that question specifically because it’s come up in Homer, thinking that the DMV is closed. I just wanted to let the public know that the administration has told me that they will not close the DMVs without approval of the Legislature. While they may have that authority, they are respecting the fact that we represent the people and will honor our wishes. I just wanted to make that clear and appreciate the extent that the Department of Administration is going to be able to listen to our policy decision on this issue.”
Vance also said that in voting no on the closures, she introduced House Bill 140, which would reduce 2 of the 5 in-person DMV requirements to lessen the burden on residents. That decision was made after lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle and residents across the Kenai Peninsula voice opposition to the idea saying that it would negatively impact the community.