(a) In the performance of contracts awarded by the state in an area impacted by an economic disaster, residents of the area shall be employed where they are available and qualified so that the economic effects of alleviating the disaster will be maximized. If resident labor is not available, the contractor shall inform the Department of Labor and Workforce Development of the number of additional workers needed, the positions to be filled, and the efforts made at recruitment in the area. If the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is satisfied that a good faith effort has been made by the contractor to hire residents of the area, it may issue a certificate allowing other hire for designated positions. A clause requiring these provisions shall be part of each state contract awarded.
(b) Wages paid for employment under this section shall be in conformance with the minimum rates of pay schedule published by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in accordance with AS 36.05.030.