1. (a) Two or more municipalities may consolidate to form a new municipality if, in accordance with AS 29.06.130, the commission determines that the proposed consolidation

   1. (1) meets the standards in 3 AAC 110.240 - 3 AAC 110.245 and

      1. (A) for a proposal to form a consolidated city, meets the standards for incorporation of cities, as set out in the Constitution of the State of Alaska, AS 29.05, 3 AAC 110.005 - 3 AAC 110.042, and 3 AAC 110.900 - 3 AAC 110.970; or
      2. (B) for a proposal to form a consolidated borough, meets the standards for incorporation of boroughs, as set out in the Constitution of the State of Alaska, AS 29.05, 3 AAC 110.045 - 3 AAC 110.067, and 3 AAC 110.900 - 3 AAC 110.970; and
   2. (2) is in the best interests of the state.
2. (b) Separate proceedings are not required for dissolution of the consolidating municipalities. Dissolution occurs automatically at the time of consolidation.
3. (c) If a petition for consolidation proposes boundaries that include lands or submerged lands not currently within the boundaries of the consolidating municipalities, the petition for consolidation must also address and comply with the standards and procedures for annexation of those lands or submerged lands to the new municipality.

4. (d) Absent a specific and persuasive showing to the contrary, the commission will presume that a petition for consolidation promotes

   1. (1) maximum local self-government, as determined under 3 AAC 110.981; and
   2. (2) a minimum number of local government units, as determined under 3 AAC 110.982 and in accordance with art. X, sec. 1, Constitution of the State of Alaska.

(Eff. 7/31/92, Register 123; am 5/19/2002, Register 162; am 1/9/2008, Register 185)