Legislature(2021 - 2022)BARNES 124
05/13/2021 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB95 | |
| SJR13 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 95 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SJR 13 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SJR 13-IMPROVE BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS
8:06:40 AM
CO-CHAIR SCHRAGE announced that the next order of business would
be CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 13(CRA), Supporting
broadband deployment in the state; recognizing the benefits of
broadband; urging facilitation of broadband deployment; urging
engagement with stakeholders; urging the development of a
temporary centralized, technology-neutral broadband and Internet
access working group in the state; urging the United States
Congress to include broadband in 2021 federal infrastructure
legislation; urging broadband providers to use savings from
federal infrastructure legislation to provide broadband service
at a reduced rate to the state and its political subdivisions;
and urging the Alaska delegation in Congress to advocate for
flexible broadband funding parameters.
8:06:59 AM
CO-CHAIR HANNAN moved to adopt the proposed House committee
substitute (HCS) for CSSJR 13(CRA), Version 32-LS0756\G,
Bullard/Klein, 5/10/21, as a work draft.
8:07:13 AM
CO-CHAIR SCHRAGE objected for discussion purposes.
8:07:25 AM
RYAN JOHNSTON, Staff, Representative Calvin Schrage, Alaska
State Legislature, offered a summary of changes made under the
proposed HCS for CSSJR 13(CRA). The summary of changes is
included in the committee packet and read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Page 2, Line 6 8 Add: Whereas a strong broadband
network across the state would provide the robust
command and control infrastructure required for
routine unmanned aircraft operations, such as cargo
and medical supply delivery, to remote communities;
Page 2, Line 16 17 Add: Whereas quality broadband
services are necessary for the support of Alaska
research facilities and centers of higher education
which are critical to the advancement of the state;
Page 3, Line 30: replaces Leon Morgan with James
Cockrell as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of
Public Safety in the recipients list on the
resolution.
8:08:28 AM
CO-CHAIR SCHRAGE removed his objection to the motion to adopt
the proposed House committee substitute (HCS) for CSSJR 13(CRA),
Version 32-LS0756\G, Bullard/Klein, 5/10/21, as a work draft.
There being no further objection, Version G was before the
committee.
8:08:55 AM
DAWSON MANN, Staff, Senator Shelley Hughes, Alaska State
Legislature, presented SJR 13 on behalf of the Senate Community
and Regional Affairs Standing Committee, sponsor, on which
Senator Hughes serves as chair. He presented the sponsor
statement, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
It is well known that in many parts of the state,
internet access is scarce at best. In regions such as
the unorganized borough, the internet can be extremely
limited, slow, and prohibitive in terms of cost. In
order for these regions to grow and increase their
autonomy, an economic base is fundamental. Alaska
certainly faces unique challenges to keep up with the
rest of the developed world, considering that our
communities are often separated by vast distances and
geographical impediments. These facts, combined with
winter weather, relatively low business demand in
certain areas, and limited daylight hours half the
year, are all challenges not only to the initial
deployment of services, but to the ongoing operation
and maintenance which can entail exorbitant costs.
As internet becomes more readily available in
particular regions of the state, we see its benefits
in education, healthcare, and commerce. Improved
broadband in areas of Alaska where the capacity is now
slow and limited could bring us similar benefits.
Senate Joint Resolution 13 aims to address the issue
of broadband access, speed, capacity, and
affordability in the state by urging Congress to
include the "information highway" in any forthcoming
federal infrastructure legislation, just as roads,
bridges, ports, and other projects essential for a
functional and vibrant society are included.
Passage of SJR 13 would send a clear message that the
legislature firmly supports broadband deployment in
the state, recognizes the benefits of broadband, urges
engagement with stakeholders throughout Alaska, and
requests technology-neutral and flexible funding
criteria in federal appropriation legislation to allow
for Alaska's unique terrain and size.
MR. MANN brought attention to the "be it resolved" portion of
the joint resolution, [which is found on page 2, line 18,
through page 3, line 13, of the proposed HCS, Version G, and is
the same as the "be it resolved" portion of CSSJR 13(CRA), which
is found on page 2, line 13, through page 3, line 8, and which
read as follows]:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature
supports widespread broadband deployment in the state
and urges the Governor's administration to support
broadband deployment through right-of-way access and
by streamlining, consistent with state law, the
authorization and environmental permitting and review
processes required for the construction of broadband
facilities; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges the Governor's administration to
ensure that no unnecessary or burdensome fees, such as
increased permit or right-of-way fees, consistent with
state law, become barriers or roadblocks to broadband
deployment; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges the Governor's administration to
engage with and seek input from all stakeholders,
including broadband providers and consumers, in the
state before making policy changes that affect
broadband providers or consumers; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges the Governor's administration to
create a temporary centralized, technology-neutral
broadband and Internet access working group to provide
all Alaskans an equal seat at the table; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges the United States Congress to
include broadband, the "information highway," in 2021
federal infrastructure legislation, along with roads,
bridges, ports, and other projects essential for a
functional and vibrant society; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges broadband providers to use savings
from federal infrastructure legislation that
appropriates public funds for the installation or
improvement of privately owned broadband
infrastructure to provide broadband service at a
reduced rate to the state and its political
subdivisions; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State
Legislature urges the Alaska delegation in Congress to
advocate for flexible broadband funding parameters
given the unique challenges in the state.
MR. MANN concluded by noting where copies of the joint
resolution would be sent [shown on page 3, lines 9-30 of CSSJR
13(CRA) and, with some additions, shown on page 3, lines 14,
through page 4, line 4 of the proposed HCS, Version G].
8:13:12 AM
CHRISTINE O'CONNOR, Executive Director, Alaska Telecom
Association (ATA), offered a PowerPoint presentation [hard copy
included in the committee packet]. She directed attention to
slide 2, which showed a list of ATA's members, Alaska-based
companies that provide landlines, wireless, and broadband
service throughout Alaska. She noted that ATA was formed in
1949 and has been supporting its member companies ever since.
MS. O'CONNOR turned attention to slide 3, "New Last Mile," which
she defined as the connection from the broadband provider to
homes and businesses. As shown on the slide, she said
approximately 60,000 locations had been upgraded or deployed in
recent years. She gave examples of recent projects concluded:
Alaska Communications brought high-speed Internet to 16,000
rural Alaska residents since 2017; Alaska Power & Telephone
completed high-speed deployments in Interior and multiple
locations in Southeast Alaska; Copper Valley Telecom completed a
"fiber to the home" project in Tatitlek, Alaska; and GCI
increased wireless speeds in Dillingham, Alaska, and surrounding
communities. She said this is a small sample of the activity
happening now.
MS. O'CONNOR showed slide 4, "New Middle Mile," and said both
last mile and middle mile is necessary to provide Internet. She
listed some middle mile projects. One was Alaska Power &
Telephone constructing an undersea table between Juneau, Haines,
and Skagway, Alaska, and doubling the capacity of its microwave
network between Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. The company was
recently awarded a grant to run an undersea fiber between Juneau
and Prince of Wales Island. Another example was Cordova Telecom
extending its microwave network in Prince William Sound and
recently being awarded a grant to extend a microwave network to
Yakutat, Alaska. She said GCI added capacity to 42 microwave
sites in Western Alaska and was awarded a grant to run undersea
fiber to Unalaska. She relayed that KPU Telecom completed
"Ketchikan 1," the first undersea connection to Canada.
Matanuska Telephone Association constructed the "Alcan 1"
project, which was the first terrestrial fiber connection from
Alaska into Canada. Finally, she noted that Nushagak
Cooperative completed a major extension of its microwave
network. She pointed out that both the Matanuska Telephone
Association and KPU projects provide new routes from Alaska to
the Lower 48, which not only expands the capacity of the
networks but also "provides important geographic diversity in
case of disaster." She said there are still gaps, but they are
being closed year by year.
8:17:44 AM
MS. O'CONNOR moved on to slide 5, which addresses the proposed
legislation and the topics of rights of way, access, fees,
engagement, and infrastructure. She stated that Alaska
broadband providers are "working at a furious pace to bring
broadband to everyone." She said the proposed legislation
correctly notes that ATA members have invested over $1 billion
in capital expenditures just since 2017. She acknowledged there
is still much to do, and said the proposed legislation makes
important recommendations that would help accelerate deployment
through timely permit approval and reasonable fees; it urges
continued access to rights of way and a streamlined permitting
process; and it recognizes burdensome fees and surcharges hinder
broadband deployment and urges the elimination of these
barriers, which she said is critical.
MS. O'CONNOR said the proposed legislation also urges the
governor's administration to seek input from broadband providers
regarding policy changes, which she said is critical for this
complex landscape. She noted that broadband providers are eager
to share their expertise. She said ATA commends Governor Mike
Dunleavy for the formation of the Governor's Task Force on
Broadband. She said the proposed joint resolution urges
Congress to recognize that broadband is infrastructure and the
congressional delegation to support flexible funding mechanisms
which recognize Alaska's unique circumstances. She said ATA
supports these positions and offers its support.
8:20:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked for confirmation that "the underlying
goal of this is laying fiber optic cables from here to there."
MS. O'CONNOR said the simple answered is, "Yes, wherever
possible." She said fiber optic cable provides "tremendous
capacity and very fast speeds." She said in some parts of
Alaska it has been too expensive to lay fiber optic cable; there
are a lot of microwave networks, which also can provide
highspeed broadband; however, she emphasized the goal is "to run
fiber wherever possible."
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked how this would interface with efforts
to establish a satellite system.
MS. O'CONNOR answered that ATA's networks already have satellite
service embedded, as it is integral to service in many remote
areas. She said she anticipates any upgraded satellite capacity
to be integrated into the networks.
8:22:30 AM
MR. MANN pointed out that the proposed joint resolution is "100
percent technology neutral." It does not make a distinction
between fiber optics and satellite; the term "broadband" refers
to any Internet that is not dial-up. He emphasized the point in
remaining neutral is that the intent of the joint resolution is
to get Internet service to rural areas, not to choose winners
and losers among Internet providers.
8:23:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE noted that Ms. O'Connor had mentioned the
middle mile and last mile, and he asked what the first mile is.
MS. O'CONNOR answered that that depends on the area and
available technology. Connections can change from start to end.
8:25:31 AM
RYAN PONDER, Director, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Matanuska
Telephone Association, paraphrased his letter of support
[included in the committee packet], which read as follows:
Matanuska Telephone Association, Inc. (MTA), supports
Senate Joint Resolution 13 advocating for increased
broadband deployment in the state to improve internet
access.
Established in 1953, MTA is a 100 percent Alaskan
locally owned and operated cooperative serving and
supporting thousands of Alaskans. Headquartered in the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, MTA focuses on providing
and extending reliable broadband connectivity
throughout its service area. Sometimes, it's not only
terrestrial challenges that must be overcome, but also
burdensome fees and cumbersome permitting processes.
That's why SJR13 is so important and so timely.
If adopted and implemented, SJR13 will help MTA's
member-owners stay connected to family, community,
healthcare, education, employment, and commerce and
will ensure this connectivity well into the future.
SJR13 accurately portrays the essential lifeline that
broadband has become for our society and encourages
the removal of state-imposed right-of-way and
permitting roadblocks; seeks broadband providers input
before making policy changes; and calls upon the
United States Congress to include broadband in the
2021 federal infrastructure legislation coupled with
urging our Alaska delegation to advocate for flexible
funding parameters.
The call to action outlined in SJR13 will assist in
future proofing the way Alaskans stay connected. MTA
supports SJR13.
8:27:45 AM
LESIL MCGUIRE, Consultant, OneWeb, testified in support of SJR
13. She stated that OneWeb is the first licensed, low earth
orbit satellite constellation project. It is launching hundreds
of satellites [worldwide] to connect to a network of ground
stations. She explained that the goal is "to deliver resilient,
high-speed, low latency, seamless broadband to the unconnected
and under-connected people all across the globe." She added
that OneWeb is beginning its services in Alaska first, then
completing polar and Alaska coverage with its June 25 launch of
34 more satellites. She expressed OneWeb's appreciation of the
sponsor. She said SJR 13 would make important findings about
the effect an improved broadband infrastructure could have on
Alaskans. Further, it identifies steps Congress can take toward
infrastructure funding, urges the governor's office to seek
input from broadband providers before making policy changes that
impact those providers, and urges the Alaska delegation to
advocate for flexible broadband funding parameters.
MS. MCGUIRE emphasized the important of "that middle mile" that
has eluded so many in Alaska. She said, "It has been since 2019
that the legislature has weighed in on broadband policy in such
a focused and deep manner, and much has changed in that time
period." She said satellite projects, like OneWeb and others,
now are bringing new means of connectivity. She said OneWeb
appreciates the technology neutral approach taken in crafting
SJR 13 and encourages the House Community and Regional Affairs
Standing Committee to pass the proposed joint resolution out of
committee.
8:30:36 AM
CO-CHAIR SCHRAGE opened public testimony on SJR 13.
8:30:48 AM
MARGE STONEKING, Alaska Advocacy Director, AARP Alaska, stated
that AARP, as a nonpartisan/nonprofit organization advocating
for elders and their families, supports the goals of the
proposed joint resolution. She stated, "Ubiquitous, affordable,
reliable, highspeed Internet access can benefit all segments of
our society, including seniors." Elders who have reliable
broadband can age "in place" because they have access to
telehealth, civic engagement, entrepreneurial pursuits,
teleworking, social connection, educational opportunity, and
vital assistance programs. She said older Alaskans have been
falling increasingly behind in digital connectivity, which
negatively effects their health and wellbeing. Poor broadband
functionality not only leads to disconnection from social
services and applications ("apps") that manage chronic
conditions, but also leads to risk of social isolation, which
has been linked to poor health outcomes, reduced quality of
life, and premature death. For these reasons, she said, AARP
urges passage of the proposed joint resolution.
MS. STONEKING recommended the next step be the creation of a
state broadband office in the Department of Commerce, Community
& Economic Development (DCCED) or the Denali Commission, as
recommended in "the 2019 blueprint." She said the Alaska
Broadband Access Task Force previously served the purpose of
bringing stakeholders together to set goals, and the Denali
Commission updated the blueprint in 2019; however, no designated
entity exists to oversee the implementation of the plan, to
engage with both providers and consumers, and "to ensure equity
and accountability in federal funding decisions." She listed
recommendations for the focus of a dedicated broadband office
that could help policy makers make informed decisions about
reducing and ultimately eliminating "the digital divide in
Alaska."
8:33:46 AM
CO-CHAIR SCHRAGE, after ascertaining there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on SJR 13.
[SJR 13 was held over and taken up again later the same day at
the call back to order following a recess to the call of the
chair.]
SJR 13-IMPROVE BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS
9:20:23 AM
CO-CHAIR SCHRAGE announced that the final order of business
would be a return to discussion of CS FOR SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 13(CRA), Supporting broadband deployment in the
state; recognizing the benefits of broadband; urging
facilitation of broadband deployment; urging engagement with
stakeholders; urging the development of a temporary centralized,
technology-neutral broadband and Internet access working group
in the state; urging the United States Congress to include
broadband in 2021 federal infrastructure legislation; urging
broadband providers to use savings from federal infrastructure
legislation to provide broadband service at a reduced rate to
the state and its political subdivisions; and urging the Alaska
delegation in Congress to advocate for flexible broadband
funding parameters. [Before the committee, adopted as a work
draft during the earlier portion of the meeting that day, was
the proposed House committee substitute (HCS) for CSSJR 13(CRA),
Version 32-LS0756\G, Bullard/Klein, 5/10/21 ("Version G").]
9:21:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX recalled when the Rural Alaska Telephone
Network ("RAT-Net") appeared in the 1970s, which changed culture
in villages. He asked the committee to recognize "where we're
going." He pointed out there is "kind of a scar up and down the
Dalton Highway from a fiber optic installation that probably
didn't have enough thought put into it." He said technology is
wonderful, but he asked for recognition that "it is not the end-
all and be-all."
9:22:49 AM
CO-CHAIR HANNAN said while she is not debating or disagreeing
with Representative Prax, she pointed to the global economy of
the Twenty-First Century and its means to provide opportunity
for people to work "from anywhere," if the infrastructure is
provided. She suggested that providing Internet infrastructure
would be more economical in the long term compared to
"transportation, water, and ... electricity." And although
"we're going to still do those things," she said she thinks
increasing Internet and broadband capacity throughout Alaska
would change the economy of remote parts of the state faster.
She stated, "The more Internet-capable we are, the better our
economy can grow."
9:25:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND shared that when schools switched to
online learning because of COVID-19, she saw the huge disparity
in schools' connectivity. She recognized that some communities
do not have water, but pointed out that without Internet
connectivity, [an artist or craftsperson] cannot reach out by
Internet to sell his/her art, for example. She said health,
education, and commerce rely on connectedness, and "the last
thing we want to do ... is force villages to have to consider
... moving to urban Alaska." She added, "We need to bring these
services to them." She mentioned there was a low-cost idea for
bringing electricity across Western Alaska that did not gain
traction. She opined, "We need to be open to these kinds of
technologies." She expressed delight that Congress had named
broadband a critical piece of infrastructure.
9:28:24 AM
CO-CHAIR HANNAN moved to report [HCS CSSJR 13(CRA), Version 32-
LS0756\G, Bullard/Klein, 5/10/21] out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objection, [HCS CSSJR 13(CRA)] was reported out
of the House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.