Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/11/2007 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB67 | |
| HB178 | |
| HB155 | |
| HB212 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 155 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 158 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 178 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 212 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 67 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 212
"An Act authorizing the transfer of land from the
Alaska Railroad Corporation to Eklutna, Inc.; and
providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE ANNA FAIRCLOUGH, co-sponsor, introduced the
bill. She explained that Eklutna has had a quarry with a
stockpile of unusable material for a number of years. This
legislation would authorize the Alaska Railroad Corporation
(ARRC) to transfer its interest in the 48-acre quarry back
to Eklutna, Inc. Issues on the conditional use process have
yet to be worked out. She requested support for the bill to
"right a wrong".
Vice Chair Stoltze agreed that this issue needs to be
resolved.
3:22:13 PM
CURTIS MCQUEEN, DIRECTOR CORPORATE AFFAIRS, EKLUTNA
INCORPORATED, related the history of the Alaska Railroad
Corporation's relationship with Eklutna, Inc. He looked
forward to resolving the issue.
JIM ARNESON, LAND AND REGULATORY MANAGER, EKLUTNA
INCORPORATED, explained how the land management agreement
was reached.
Mr. McQueen related support from Mayor Begich as well as
many others.
Representative Hawker asked about who will end up owning the
$1 million worth of inventory. Mr. McQueen explained the
conditional use process used. He spoke of support from the
railroad.
Vice Chair Stoltze described the importance of Eklutna's
holdings and their commitment to education.
3:29:03 PM
PATRICK GAMBLE, PRESIDENT & CEO, ALASKA RAILROAD
CORPORATION, related the history of the problems and
business issues surrounding the quarry. He shared how he
learned of the village's perspective about the issue and the
need for a cultural solution. He spoke of his journey to
acquaint himself with Eklutna's concerns. He gave an
example of the give and take during the process of transfer.
He testified in support of HB 212.
Vice Chair Stoltze pointed out that the Commissioner of
Commerce is a member of the Board of Directors.
3:35:05 PM
DENNIS FENERTY, GROH EGGERS, LLC, stated that his firm
represents Wells Fargo. He related that Wells Fargo owns
adjoining land to the railroad. A spur bisects Wells
Fargo's parcel. He wondered if the railroad will be
finished with the spur after the rock has been extracted.
He stated concern that the bill not take action that would
affect the spur.
DAN ALEX, CHIEF, EKLUTNA, offered to answer questions.
3:39:16 PM
Representative Hawker asked if the $2 million rock triggers
any section 7(i) Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)
consequences for Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated (CIRI).
Mr. McQueen reported that they have worked very close with
CIRI, which supports the cultural approach. CIRI has worked
closely with Eklutna on a river restoration project.
Mr. Arneson thought that in 1998 or 1999 Congress changed
the law regarding section 7(i) to exempt gravel from sharing
amongst corporations. Representative Hawker wondered if
there are any residual consequences for Cook Inlet. Mr.
Arneson could not say.
3:43:41 PM
Co-Chair Chenault suggested that further questions be asked
of the organizations involved.
HB 212 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|