Fishermen’S Fund Sets Public Testimony Prior To Closed Claim Hearings In Anchorage

Oct. 15, 2003
No. 04-10

ANCHORAGE – The Fishermen’s Fund Advisory and Appeals Council, a state board charged with assisting workers injured or disabled in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, will hear public testimony on policy issues the first day of its fall conference Nov. 5-8 at the Captain Cook Hotel.

The fund assists fishermen who have incurred emergency medical costs not covered by public or private insurance and related to injury or illness incurred in commercial fishing. Individual worker coverage is limited to $2,500 unless an extension is granted. The program is funded in part through state revenues from the sale of commercial fishing licenses and permit fees.

The council includes commercial fishermen from throughout Alaska. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development administer the program. Director Paul Grossi, head of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, serves as council chair and Fishermen’s Fund Administrator K. Renee Cox is program supervisor.

The council business session will be open to the public, starting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 in suite 1032. The agenda will include a summary of the fund’s financial condition and a review of policies and regulations.

Thirty minutes of public testimony is to follow on Wednesday from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

The balance of the conference will be closed for review of individual claims not approved by the administrator. Cox said individuals with claims would be notified of their review schedule at least ten days in advance of their hearing date.

The state complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities needing auxiliary aids, services, and/or special modifications to participate are requested to contact Fishermen’s Fund Advisory and Appeals Council Administrator Cox by 4 p.m. October 24.

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