Last week, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker signed an executive order to transfer administrative and research functions of the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

According to a press release from his office, the reorganization will save the state more than $1.3 million a year while continuing to provide appropriate and effective performance of the commission’s core functions.

This is a move that has been suggested and supported by many looking to cut costs in Alaska for several years.

“With a $3.5 billion budget deficit, we are leaving no stone unturned as we look for efficiencies in state government,” said Walker. “By moving administrative functions of the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission to the Department of Fish and Game, we will save over $1.3 million a year. While that alone will not solve our budget challenges, it is another step towards streamlining government and getting the most out of our public dollars.”

According to Juneau Empire, Rep. Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) introduced House Bill 112 last year to abolish the CFEC and transfer its duties to Fish and Game. That bill passed out of the House Fisheries Committee and on to the resources committee, where it was awaiting a hearing when Walker signed the order.