AIDEA votes $16 million to state.

• Position: Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority - Brief article

At its recent meeting, the board of directors of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) voted to make available the sum of $16.65 million as the annual dividend to the state.

After reviewing the 2005 audited financials showing increased revenues and a robust operating profit, the board approved a dividend nearly twice the amount of last year's of $8.8 million.

Gov. Frank H. Murkowski praised the authority. "I commend the board and staff for AIDEA's financial performance. It is good for the state as a whole, and sends a strong signal to investors that a robust business climate exists with financing opportunities in Alaska," he said.

The dividend will be available for appropriation by the...