Juneau, Alaska – Alaska’s fourth governor’s legacy was honored by the Alaska House of Representatives Monday with the passage of House Bill 130. The bill, sponsored by Representative Paul Seaton, establishes July 21 of each year as Jay Hammond Day.

“Governor Hammond was a great Alaskan and always thought that Alaskans should embrace the ownership of their resources,” Seaton, R-Homer, said. “He was such a great Alaskan that he was named the Alaskan of the Year in 1994 and was awarded the University of Alaska’s Medal of Merit. Hammond’s biggest accomplishment was the creation of the Alaska Permanent Fund in 1976, which continues to benefit the citizens of Alaska today.”

Born on July 21, 1922 in Troy, New York, Hammond served with the United States Navy in World War II and became interested in Alaska during his time as a Marine fighter. After moving to Alaska in 1946, Hammond earned a degree in biological sciences at the University of Alaska. Hammond served as a state representative from 1959 to 1965 and as a state senator from 1967 to 1973. From 1972 to 1974 he served as the mayor of the Bristol Bay Borough. In 1974 he was elected as Alaska’s forth governor and went on to serve two terms.

Following Hammond’s career in public service, he continued his involvement with public issues by serving on the Alaska Humanities Forum, International North Pacific Fisheries Convention Advisory Committee, Alaska Land Use Council, Alaska Airmen’s Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Rifle Association.

HB 130 passed the House by a vote of 35-1 and now moves to the Alaska Senate for consideration.