Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/22/1999 08:10 AM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 52
An Act making and amending capital appropriations and
reappropriations and capitalizing funds; and providing
for an effective date.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Family Services Field Safety, Equipment $200,000
JANET CLARKE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, stated that the
request would provide communication equipment for workers in
the field. That balance of the request would be used for
vehicle purchases.
Co-Chair Therriault asked what type of vehicles were being
purchased. Ms. Clarke replied that State equipment rates
were used. She added that some old State Trooper vehicles
were purchased.
Juvenile Offender Management Information System
$1,500,000
Ms. Clarke explained that these are funds had already been
earmarked. They would allow for the juvenile justice
correction system to establish a MIS system to partner with
in the schools. Co-Chair Therriault asked if that system
could plug into the overall system. Ms. Clarke replied that
this had been too late of an addition to that system and
that these federal funds would not require a match.
Deferred Maintenance, Renewal, Replacement and Equipment
$850,000
Ms. Clarke noted that the component would address deferred
maintenance projects and that these projects have been
prioritized.
Fairbanks Youth Facility Fire Alarm Replacement
$336,000
Ms. Clarke stated that this would be a major project. The
original system has been in place since 1981. The two
systems used do not integrate well. She noted that the
alarm has had to be desensitized to a low level, which
places it at a much lower protection level. She noted that
the original system was 18 years old and the second one is
10 years old.
Public Health Nursing Network and Computer Upgrade
$100,000
Ms. Clarke pointed out that this component is a request to
upgrade a computer system which public health nursing
currently uses. The requested money would be used to
purchase new hardware.
Anchorage Public Assistance "One Stop" Re-Configuration
$281,400
Ms. Clarke noted that the request would use both federal
funds and general funds. A One-Stop Center is used for
public assistance and would require a realignment of office
space.
Representative Austerman asked if funding would complete
this office. Ms. Clarke stated it would. She commented
that there is only one main office in Anchorage.
State Medical Examiner Imaging Equipment $25,000
Ms. Clarke commented that the request would buy additional
digital cameras and equipment for law enforcement officers.
This would greatly advantage law enforcement procedures.
She noted that in the new Anchorage space, the medical
examiner would have a facility space and that they do not
have access to this equipment at this time.
API 2000 - Facility Replacement $9,000,000
Ms. Clarke provided a handout. [Copy on File]. The handout
addresses Community Implementation Projects. The project
has been going on for 10 years. Currently, three options
have been identified in the downsizing process. The options
identified are:
* Build a new facility on the existing site with
the existing plan;
* Purchase Charter North Hospital and some nearby
land parcels;
* A public/private partnership with Providence
Hospital.
She stressed that Option 2 is the Department's most possible
consideration. The request before Committee members would
help with the demolishment of the old facility. The
Department believes that it is a dangerous situation to
retain that facility.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if the $9 million dollars would be
enough funding to go ahead with the construction. Ms.
Clarke replied that more money would be needed.
API Stop - Gap Repairs $225,000
Ms. Clarke spoke to the problems of maintaining that
facility in order for it to continue to function. Co-Chair
Therriault inquired if this was the standard request for
that past couple years. Ms. Clarke replied that this was
more because more pipes have been breaking and leaking.
These pipes are padded with asbestos.
Representative G. Davis asked future plans for the facility.
Ms. Clarke replied the plan is to demolish this facility.
The State is not paying rent to the Alaska Mental Health
Trust Fund.
Housing Modifications for People with Special Needs
$400,000
Ms. Clarke noted that the request would provide for
modifications for ramps, bathrooms, etc, in order to provide
care levels so that people can stay in the group homes. Co-
Chair Therriault asked if there was a formula used to
determine the match. Ms. Clarke replied that this would not
be a required match, but negotiated with the Governor's
Office.
Program Facilities Deferred Maintenance ADA Upgrades
$500,000
Ms. Clarke discussed that the request would be used for
grants for competitive bidding to be used for improvements
to the facilities.
Mental Health Trust Beneficiary Equipment $150,000
Ms. Clarke explained that this funding request would provide
for an additional competitive grant for equipment such as
wheelchairs for disabled individuals, etc. She stated that
the Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA) had submitted all
these requests.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Worksite Chemical Exposure Analysis Equipment$49,200
REMOND HENDERSON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, stated that this equipment
would be used in the field to test for Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA). This would allow testing
of samples on location. Vice-Chair Bunde asked if the
request would this put more equipment in Fairbanks. Mr.
Henderson stated that the equipment would be placed in
Fairbanks and Juneau.
LAURA BAKER, ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER, DIVISION OF LABOR
STANDARDS AND SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, responded to
Vice-Chair Bundle's question regarding project turn around
time. She noted that the sampling would be done in
Anchorage and that the frequency of Juneau testing is not
available at this time.
Representative Austerman asked if the equipment could
address concerns in other communities. Ms. Baker stated
that the equipment could be taken to other communities.
Equipment Replacement $455,600
Mr. Henderson noted that the request would be used for
equipment replacement. Programming is currently difficult
to maintain. The new system will enable the Division to
establish a system to allow a direct fund deposit and
Internet inquiries, which would be more available to the
employers. These funds would be contracted out to set up
equipment for software application. Co-Chair Therriault
questioned if this would obligate the State for out year
expenditures. Mr. Henderson replied that would be a
different obligation.
Unemployment Insurance Tax System Redesign $2,600,000
Mr. Henderson noted that this request would be used to
replace desktop equipment. The request would fund the first
year of that amount. These would be federal funds and are a
continuation of FY97 funding.
MIKE NOEL, INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER, DATA PROCESSING,
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, explained that it would be an ongoing
process. Mr. Henderson stated that this would use a
combination of general funding and federal funds.
Co-Chair Therriault asked if there would be a state match
required. Mr. Henderson replied that there would, however,
a general fund match would not be required.
Representative Austerman asked how many desktops would that
amount buy. Mr. Henderson stated it would buy 180 desktops
computers for that Division. Co-Chair Therriault asked how
current were those prices. Mr. Noel explained that the
average cost would be $2500 dollars per computer and that it
would include networking equipment. He emphasized that
there is more software associated with the cost.
MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Air Guard Facility Maintenance $1,000,000
NICO BUS, PROJECT COORDINATOR, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND
VETERANS AFFIARS explained that the money would be used for
projects for the Air Guard facility. Co-Chair Therriault
asked if it would be a 5-year project. He stated that $250
thousand dollars general funds would allow for a $750
federal dollar match over a five to ten year period.
Army Guard Deferred Maintenance and Renewal and Replace
$1,350,000
Mr. Bus stated that this would be a similar request most, of
which would be 100% federal funding. He added that this
request is minimal with the amount of deferred maintenance
that needs to be addressed.
(TAPE CHANGE HFC 99-96, Side 2)
In response to Representative Foster, Mr. Bus noted that the
village area deferred maintenance would be 100% federal
funded.
Army Guard Facilities Planning and Construction
$1,500,000
Mr. Bus explained that the request would be federally
funded. By authorizing this project, the State would be in
a good position to receive money from the federal
government. Representative J. Davies asked what "planning"
meant. Mr. Bus replied that if there is plan ready to go,
sometimes, if the Feds have surplus money, they would
allocate it to various states. Representative J. Davies
inquired the types of projects that would be up. Mr. Bus
suggested projects such as the Juneau armory renovation.
The request would place authorization if money became
available.
Federal Scout Armories $1,421,900
Mr. Bus noted that the each year the federal government
authorizes full funding for three scout armories. That
money could be used for replacement or new facilities. Air
Guard facilities are located in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Front Section - DNR Reforestation Projects $350,000
Mr. Bus spoke to reforestation timber revenues to be used
for this in Interior and North Central Alaska which could
use reforestation. The money is currently in that fund.
Each year that fund collects between $800 thousand and $1
million dollars.
Co-Chair Therriault requested back up information on that
request.
Land Status Geographic Information Systems $300,000
Mr. Bus noted that this request was the highest priority for
the Department. The Division is currently on target and
that the last group system was the most complex. He
acknowledged that this would be the last year for the on-
going request.
State Park Emergency Repairs $400,000
Mr. Bus pointed out that these funds would be used in
repairing state park sites. Co-Chair Therriault pointed out
that the request is for $400 thousand dollars, whereas, out
years indicate funding in the amount of $1 million dollars.
Mr. Bus explained that there are $35 million dollars worth
of needs in the State for parks. Representative J. Davies
agreed that there should be a substantial deposit made into
that account given the need.
Recorder's Office Equipment & Aperture Card Filming
$250,000
Mr. Bus indicated that this requested amount would be from
program receipts. The equipment is antiquated. The project
would use $150 thousand dollars for equipment, additionally,
a camera and copying machine would be bought. The State did
appropriate $150 thousand dollars for microfiche from the
pipeline era. Vice-Chair Bunde suggested that the
Recorder's Office requires more money that it makes. He
suggested that the money be taken from the operating budget
of the Department. Mr. Bus replied that the operating
budget is very tight, and added that this money was program
receipt funding.
Airborne Geophysical and Geophysical Mineral Inventory
$250,000
Mr. Bus stated that the request would be used for the next
phase of the project. These projects are proposed to the
review board. He pointed out that this is a lesser amount
than is normally requested. Co-Chair Therriault questioned
why the number was so low in relationship to what was
previously asked. Mr. Bus noted that even though the need
was great, the Department recognizes the condition of the
State's budget. It is hoped that they can receive a federal
match. Representative J. Davies asked if this was the actual
amount requested. Mr. Bus noted that the request was for
$500 thousand dollars and that the Office of the Governor
had reduced that request.
Oil and Gas Royalty Accounting System, Phases II and III
$150,000
Mr. Bus stated that this request would be 100% general fund
usage. He stated that the request would provide funding to
contract the service to provide more accurate time and
calculations by rewriting the calculations and providing
better accounting services. Having such services would
limit litigation on disputes.
Snowmobile Trails Development $120,000
Mr. Bus stated that this funding would utilize training
involving safety and etiquette for snowmobile driving.
Additionally, it will serve the group in developing
snowmobile trail system and safety guidelines. This would
form a commission which would be 100% general fund dollars.
Mr. Bus noted that a process will be started and a
coordinator will be hired to identify trails and identify
easements, and that $60 thousand dollars would be used for
staffing costs. Committee members questioned how much money
would be generated. Representative Kohring asked the
percentage of urban versus rural Alaska snowmobile usage.
Mr. Bus replied that would be addressed in the driver
education safety program which would be an important aspect
of the request.
Mt. McKinley Meat Plant Processing Facility Wall Repair
$200,000
Mr. Bus noted that the request would be 0% general fund
dollars. The request would provide money for rebuilding the
facility wall repair. The project would be funded out of
the Agricultural Revolving Loan fund and would repair four
walls at that facility. An engineering firm did provide
that price for the steel wall.
National Recreational Trails Federal Program $650,000
Mr. Bus pointed out that this request would be a federally
funded project through a grant to maintain trails. The
Department of Natural Resources has been elected as a go-
between for these funds.
Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Federal Program
$1,500,000
Mr. Bus discussed that the request would address contracts
in the Mat-Su Valley and projects in the Juneau area mine
caps. These would be 100% federally funded undertakings.
Cooperative Forestry Pass-Through Federal Grants
$500,000
Mr. Bus noted that the U.S. Forest Service provides grants
for local governments. Department of Natural Resources acts
as the administrator of these grants.
National Historic Preservation Fund and Federal Grants
$640,000
Mr. Bus explained the request is 60% federal funds and a 40%
match by local communities. Co-Chair Therriault asked for a
list of these requests.
Agricultural Land Disposals $125,000
Mr. Bus spoke to the request which would dispose of
inventory properties. Last fall, $100 thousand dollars was
invested into the Mat-Su area. This request would authorize
the Department to undertake the same project again in FY00.
The parcels would need to be reappraised. The money would
be used for contractual services on land which has sometimes
been subdivided. He noted that the likelihood for selling
large parcels is not high. Mr. Bus explained that the
receipts from sales automatically return to the Agricultural
Revolving Loan fund.
Rika's Landing Erosion Control $1,175,000
Mr. Bus commented that this request would address the
erosion problem and would help to save guard the structure.
There are two options which would include federal funding or
a grant through the Army Corps of Engineers. He reiterated
that this is a historical site and could possibly be funded
through the Historical Preservation grant, requiring a 40%
match.
(TAPE CHANGE HFC 99-97, Side 1).
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOS) Small
Acquisitions $626,800
Mr. Bus noted that this request would be 0% general funds
and would be used to buy an area which would access to a
tidal area for the residents in Valdez. These would be EVOS
funds. Co-Chair Therriault acknowledged that in the past,
these projects have come before the LBA Committee and that
the Legislature criticized that policy.
TRACY KRAMER, EXXON VALDEZ OIL TRUST COUNCIL (EVOS), stated
that the request money would be used to upgrade one of the
trails running through the parcel of land. The acquisition
of land is a means of restoring the services and resources
that were spoiled during the oil spill. The parcel has high
value to EVOS in addressing salmon spawning. Additionally,
it would increase access to the tidal flats for the City of
Valdez. The trustees of the council have approved this
action. Currently, that program is based on the appraised
value.
Vice-Chair Bunde believed that anything that interfered with
fish spawning would not be allowed to be built.
Representative Grussendorf asked if property tax was being
paid on the EVOS holdings. Ms. Kramer replied that the
State of Alaska, not the Trustee Council, owned the land and
that the land acquisition was a high public support point.
Co-Chair Therriault pointed out that there are no larger
parcel purchases to be made by the Council in the future.
Representative Williams asked why the property was being
purchased. Representative Grussendorf voiced concern with
property taxes not being paid. Co-Chair Therriault asked
what the parcel was currently being used for. Ms. Kramer
suggested that the real question should be how the land is
being managed for public use. Representative G. Davis
voiced concern that the State will own this land and not
have control of it.
Mental Health Trust Office Land Management and Enhancement
$660,000
Mr. Bus addressed the request to be used for appraisal and
surveying of the Mental Health Trust land properties for the
Department of Natural Resources. The Trust Authority would
be the manager of this funding.
HB 52 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
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