Legislature(2005 - 2006)HOUSE FINANCE 519
05/07/2006 12:00 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| D 48 | |
| SB206 | |
| HB316 | |
| SB231 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| = | HB 316 | ||
| SB 48 | |||
| = | SB 206 | ||
| = | SB 160 | ||
| = | SB 231 | ||
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 231(FIN) am
An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, supplemental appropriations,
reappropriations, and appropriations to capitalize
funds; making appropriations under art. IX, sec. 17(c),
Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the
constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for
an effective date.
1:25:11 PM
Representative Stoltze MOVED to ADOPT work draft #24-
GS2034\X, Kane, 5/7/06, as the version before the Committee.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
PETE ECKLUND, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MEYER, highlighted
items in the committee substitute. The Senate added language
to incorporate $182 million for Power Cost Equalization; the
House CS appropriates $73 million for the top three schools
on the construction list in FY 07; another $90 million would
be appropriated in FY 08 for schools number four through
eight. Passage of HB 13 would add funding for urban schools.
There is approximately $66.6 million for municipal energy
assistance, which would be spread based on population. There
is a $40 thousand minimum payment to each municipality.
There are payments for the increased costs of Public
Employees Retirement System / Teachers Retirement System
(PERS/TRS) of $8.8 million; payments would be deducted from
a community would expect under energy assistance and
deposited into their retirement accounts. There are also
appropriations for $170 million of tobacco bond projects (HB
381). The total capital budget is $2.3 billion
1:28:16 PM
Co-Chair Meyer pointed out the top three schools on the
priority list were in Representatives Moses', Krasner's, and
Joule's districts. Schools in Representatives Foster's and
Salmon's district would be picked up in the next year
1:29:38 PM
Co-Chair Meyer encouraged member's to read the language
section of the budget. Mr. Ecklund added that staff should
look for technical corrections.
1:30:27 PM
ART WEEKS, TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE, ANCHORAGE
LIBRARIES, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support for greater funding
for the Anchorage libraries. He provided examples of
efficiencies and needs. He observed that Girdwood project
has received strong community support; it has received, as
much as, 70 percent in local elections. The people of
Girdwood have committed $1 million for the project. Another
$1.5 million is being requested in the current year, which
should be sufficient to fund the project.
1:33:24 PM
Representative Hawker pointed out that the Girdwood portion
was included in the proposed bill.
1:34:00 PM
LYNN MCNAMERA, TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE, GIRDWOOD
COMMUNITY CENTER, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the
Girdwood library project.
1:35:12 PM
RICH POOR, JUNEAU, spoke in support of retaining the $45
million appropriation for Juneau Access. He felt that the
appropriation would not result in more costs to the Alaska
Marine Highway System. He maintained that ferry service was
not cost effective and that its elimination would result in
a savings to the state. He asserted that the Juneau Access
Road would eliminate wait time. The total cost for the State
would be $88 million dollars and includes a state match in
federal dollars. He emphasized that are no replacement costs
for replacement of the existing ferries. He did not believe
the project would result in be at the expense of other
projects. He urged to keep the $45 million dollars in the
bill.
1:39:40 PM
MERRILL SANFORD, JUNEAU, offered to answer questions and
stated support for the Juneau Road Access.
JIM BECKER, JUNEAU, offered to answer questions and stated
support for the Juneau Road Access
RICHARD KNAPP, JUNEAU, offered to answer questions and
stated support for the Juneau Road Access
1:40:48 PM
KEVIN RITCHIE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE,
testified in support of the committee substitute and
emphasized that it would help communities on a number of
issues.
1:41:39 PM
ORIN SEYBERT, TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE, ALASKA AVIATION
MUSEUM, ANCHORAGE, asked reconsideration of the original
request for museum support in order to preserve Alaskan
aviation heritage. Co-Chair Meyer pointed out that the
funding had been restored to the $750 thousand dollar level.
1:43:38 PM
Representative Weyhrauch asked about restoration of Governor
Hammond's airplane. Mr. Seybert felt that the cost to
restore the airplane would be more than $235 thousand. He
felt that the airplane belongs in Anchorage.
1:45:06 PM
PAUL FUHS, KUSKOKWIM ASSOCIATION, commented on consideration
of a formation of a borough in the middle Kuskokwim area in
order to support the mine. They need a local government to
form a tax arrangement with the mine proposal. A draft
borough plan and request has been developed. A borough
feasibility study is needed to move forward, at a cost of
$60 thousand. The Association is working closely with the
department.
1:47:55 PM
EMILY FERR, ALASKA TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIES PROJECT,
JUNEAU, testified on the road access. She referred to the
record of decision from the federal Highway Administration.
Based on the current funding proposal, alternative 2b (the
road/shuttle ferry option) would have a net state cost of
$122 million dollars over $35 years; double the cost of the
no action alternative. The higher net cost is due to the
state match required for federal construction funds. The
state of Alaska's decided to use $57 million in state funds
to supplement federal funds, rather than maximum possible
federal assistance; the State's cost would have been $88
million if federal funds were maximized. She asserted that
the State would not be saved by the Juneau Access road. The
move would double the amount required by the State.
1:50:27 PM
TOM BRICE, LABORERS, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the Juneau
Access Road. He maintained the project would be a
significant addition to the State's transportation portfolio
and would help the economy of Southeast Alaska.
1:51:30 PM
Co-Chair Meyer urged consideration of the bill and
amendments submitted by 5 PM.
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