Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
02/09/2006 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB 233 | |
| SB218 | |
| HB 243 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 233 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 218 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 188 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 243 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
9:07:20 AM SENATE BILL NO. 233 "An Act making appropriations for capital projects; and providing for an effective date." This was the second hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. The Committee continued hearing overviews on the funding requests. 9:07:42 AM Department of Labor and Workforce Development AVTEC Facilities Deferred Maintenance $2,500,000 general funds Reference No.: 41462 Category: Education Location: Seward Election District: Homer/Seward Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2011 On-Going Project AVTEC has 12 buildings in Seward that are 25-55 years old. The First Lake Facility and the Applied Technology Diesel and Welding Building both need extensive window and windowsill repairs and replacements. Other maintenance on the three Seward campuses includes: replace asbestos coated corrugated exterior panels, paint exteriors, repair mechanical and electrical code violations, repair failed ventilation system, rezone and replace control valves and thermostats, repair/replace deteriorating parking lot asphalt and pot holes, and replace moisture compromised T111 siding on apartment buildings. GUY BELL, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Labor and Workforce Development, overviewed the summary and statement of need. Projects would be located at the dormitories, cafeteria and student apartments of the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC). 9:09:14 AM Senator Bunde appreciated that the project requests were prioritized. Senator Bunde reiterated opinions expressed at previous meetings that supplemental appropriations are intended to address unexpected events that occurred after the original appropriation was made. He asked the reason this deferred maintenance project was submitted as a supplemental request. 9:09:49 AM Mr. Bell replied that although the appropriation could be made at a later time, the intent is to begin the project as early in the summer construction season as possible. Because many of the repairs and replacements are energy-related, the State would benefit from reduced fuel costs. 9:10:26 AM Senator Olson asked the number of students attending AVTEC. 9:10:45 AM Mr. Bell responded that 474 students attend each year. 9:10:53 AM Co-Chair Green understood that some programs are short term. 9:10:59 AM Mr. Bell confirmed that the Center offers both long and short-term programs. The longest program lasts nine months. 9:11:12 AM Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Army Guard Facilities Projects $1,750,000 Total $900,000 Federal Receipts $850,000 G/F Match Reference No.: 38963 Category: Public Protection Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2011 On-Going Project With 237 Alaska Army National Guard buildings at 96 various locations, with an average age of approximately 30 years, deferred maintenance and renewal and replacement are a high priority. Alaska National Guard preventative maintenance is performed on a schedule, yet building components have a limited life requiring eventual renewal and replacement. This project requests $900,000 federal and $850,000 state funds to be applied to over $13 million backlogged deferred maintenance projects statewide. Life safety enhancement end results, ability to protect our citizens and infrastructure, will continue to improve within our performance management framework. JUNO CHANCE, Administrative Services Manager, Administrative Services Division, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, overviewed the summary statement. Runways, parking lots and storage facilities would also be addressed. Ms. Chance directed attention to a prioritized listing of the proposed projects and their estimated costs as well as a collection of photographs showing previous improvements and areas needing maintenance [copies on file]. 9:13:27 AM Senator Dyson suggested that if the Senate Finance Committee were to establish a policy to only provide FY 06 supplemental appropriations to address emergency health and safety needs, those projects requiring "early intervention", and projects that must be completed the summer of 2006, the Department could identify and prioritize those proposed projects. 9:14:46 AM Ms. Chance responded that the item before the members represents the entire annual appropriation request for deferred maintenance projects. No request would be submitted for the FY 07 regular capital budget. The proposed projects could be prioritized to identify those that should receive funding prior to the start of FY 07. 9:15:25 AM Senator Dyson asked why this funding is requested as an FY 06 supplemental appropriation rather than included in the proposed FY 07 regular appropriation. 9:15:40 AM Ms. Chance replied that the Office of the Governor made this decision. However, the Department has some immediate needs that require funding prior to July 1, 2006. 9:16:06 AM Senator Stedman recalled a comment made at the previous meeting in which a departmental representative indicated that the claim that no deferred maintenance requests would be included in the proposed FY 07 budget could be in error. 9:16:32 AM Senator Bunde, qualifying that his statement would not be directed to the current witness, ascertained the issue as a policy difference. His position was to examine the needs compared to the Governor's proposed supplemental budgets, which appear to consider the amount of funds available. 9:17:11 AM Co-Chair Green surmised that the Office of the Governor has chosen this approach. The Committee must decide how to proceed. 9:17:23 AM Senator Dyson asked if the projects proposed in this item require matching funds to secure federal receipts. 9:17:31 AM Ms. Chance answered that State matching funds are required. 9:17:54 AM Co-Chair Green asked about a time limit to receive the federal funds. 9:18:05 AM Ms. Chance replied that no time limit exists. This item represents the Department's annual request. 9:18:42 AM Co-Chair Green announced that handouts should be submitted on the day prior to the meeting. 9:19:21 AM Senator Bunde agreed, noting the need to review materials beforehand. 9:19:31 AM Department of Natural Resources NICO BUS, Administrative Services Manager and Acting Director, Division of Support Services, Department of Natural Resources, testified the Department has submitted requests for eight deferred maintenance projects. These are prioritized from the $50 million in identified needs and the intent is to complete the projects before the upcoming summer tourism season. 9:20:31 AM 41405 Plant Material Center Facility Repair $200,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41405 Category: Natural Resources Location: Palmer (Greater Palmer) Election District: Greater Palmer Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 One-Time Project The Plant Material Center has maintenance issues that have plagued the facility for a number of years. To bring the facilities up to present standards will require sums of money beyond the normal abilities of the PMC operating budget. There are safety issues that were part of an OSHA inspection of the PMC. Other maintenance is necessary to prevent damage to delicate and expensive equipment and inventories. The roof and furnace repairs are critical items. Mr. Bus told of the roof damage that is causing leakage and furnace maintenance needs. The intent is to acquire funding to take advantage of the summer construction season. 9:21:21 AM Senator Bunde asked if the proposed projects would be presented in the order of priority. 9:21:30 AM Mr. Bus answered they would. State Parks Deferred Maintenance $360,000 General Funds Reference No.: 38878 Category: Natural Resources Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 On-Going Project State Parks has identified over $42 million in deferred maintenance needs. This project will promote the department's mission of providing outdoor recreational opportunities by funding deferred maintenance repairs to park units to protect visitor health and safety by providing safe, clean, and well maintained units. Projects will upgrade or replace basic facilities at parks including outhouses, drinking water systems, trails, fee stations, and camping to keep them from becoming an urgent health and safety hazard. Mr. Bus noted that the supporting documentation for this request lists each proposed project. 9:22:14 AM Forestry Buildings Repairs to Correct Fire and Life Safety Deficiencies Phase 3 $100,000 General Fund Reference No.: 38879 Category: Natural Resources Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 On-Going Project This project protects State assets by correcting high priority Building Fire and Life Safety deficiencies identified in the 2002-03 Forestry Building Conditions Survey, and replaces the dilapidated office trailer in Soldotna. The project ensures cost-effective management of state structures with a replacement value exceeding $14 million. Electrical problems such as properly grounding and bonding electrical circuits will be corrected. Seismic bracing for buildings and components will be installed to keep potential earthquake damage to a minimum. The dilapidated trailer in Soldotna, used by Forest Technicians will be replaced in order for staff to meet our mission to develop, enhance, and conserve natural resources. Mr. Bus informed that the request is for the third year of this project. 9:23:02 AM Johnson Lake State Recreation Site Campground Rehabilitation $290,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41421 Category: Natural Resources Location: Soldotna Election District: Kenai/Soldotna Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 One-Time Project Johnson Lake State Recreation Area's campground is located within a 332 acre recreation area near mile 111 of the Sterling Highway and near Kasilof, on the Kenai Peninsula. This campground is heavily used by families and others engaged in sport fishing on the nearby Kasilof River or clam digging at Clam Gulch, several miles away. The oldest section of the campground was constructed in the 1960's, with the most recent major rehabilitation done in the early 1980's. It is a much loved site in dire need of rehabilitation to make it safe, usable for park visitors using the large motor homes and trailers of today, and accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Mr. Bus stated the funding would be utilized primarily to replace toilets and picnic tables and resurfacing the access road. 9:23:34 AM Quartz Lake (and Lost Lake) State Recreation Area Improvements $203,600 General Funds Reference No.: 41422 Category: Natural Resources Location: Delta Junction (Richardson/Glenn Highways) Election District: Richardson/Glenn Highways Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 One-Time Project Quartz Lake State Recreation Area is a 600 acre park ten miles north of Delta Junction which attracts large crowds due to the variety of recreational opportunities. At Quartz Lake there are 16 campsites in the loop and 87 parking and camping sites in the parking lot. Facilities include two boat launches, handicap accessible fishing dock, picnic sites, picnic shelter, swimming area, beach volleyball court, water and toilets. The project would refurbish the campgrounds by upgrading roads, parking areas, boat launches, volunteer housing, and the ranger station as well as improving drainage to eliminate erosion. Mr. Bus noted this request is similar to the previous request. 9:23:59 AM Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park Rehabilitation $288,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41423 Category: Natural Resources Location: Kodiak Election District: Kodiak Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 Phased-New Project Perched on a forested headland on northeastern Kodiak Island, visitors can explore the remains of an artillery fort which commemorates the history of World War II in Alaska. There is a campground, picnic area, freshwater lake, and spectacular ocean views. Located 3.5 miles from Kodiak, this State Historic Park is a remnant of a WWII military installation. Kodiak State Parks Headquarters and Visitor Center are located here along with 13 campsites in the loop and 23 parking sites. The project would refurbish the campsites, upgrade the campground roads, parking areas, boat launches, volunteer housing, and the ranger station as well as replace kiosks and improve drainage to eliminate further erosion. Mr. Bus listed toilets, drinking water and electrical projects, as being addressed with this funding. 9:24:27 AM South Eagle Fork Eagle River Trailhead Improvements $316,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41496 Category: Natural Resources Location: Eagle River (Chugach State Park) Election District: Chugach State Park Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 One-Time Project South Fork Trailhead: The existing trailhead is unpaved and can accommodate ten autos at most. Trailhead counts have shown as many as 43 cares parked in and near the trailhead on busy weekends. A series of phone and e-mail complaints from nearby residents have indicated that neighbors are concerned about the following issues: 1) Uncontrolled parking on the roadway may prevent easy egress by construction vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, and residents. 2) Driveways may be blocked or used as turnarounds by park visitors, causing erosion and potholes. 3) Roadside parking takes place on a steeply banked roadside. 4) Winter roadside parking is limited by snowbanks, and a consequent narrowing of the open roadway. Mr. Bus characterized this need as an access issue. 9:25:00 AM House of Wickersham Building Restoration Phase 1 $200,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41497 Category: Natural Resources Location: Juneau Areawide Election District: Juneau Areawide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2008 Phased-New Project The House of Wickersham project consists of building restoration which will allow this significant state historic park to be, once again, open to public. The requested general funds will provide required match for a FY 03 National Park Service "Save America's Treasures" grant earmarked to the Wickersham House by Congress. The first and second floors will exhibit the Wickersham collection and be used by the public for meetings and receptions. Site development will improve storm water drainage and accessibility. The project will develop and converse a historic park property. Mr. Bus told of the electrical and plumbing repairs. The foundation must be replaced. The federal grant is contingent upon an equal amount of matching funds. Upon completion, the facility would be open for self-guided tours and the on-going expense of staffing would be eliminated. 9:26:03 AM Co-Chair Green asked if fees would be collected. 9:26:07 AM Mr. Bus affirmed that admission fees would be assessed to pay the utilities and maintenance costs. 9:26:17 AM Senator Bunde asked which of the Department's requests were "time sensitive". He also asked if additional funding requests would be included in the Governor's proposed FY 07 capital budget. 9:26:41 AM Mr. Bus responded that the regular FY 07 capital budget would include no other deferred maintenance funding requests. 9:26:56 AM Department of Public Safety Facilities Deferred Maintenance $800,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41788 Category: Public Protection Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 12/31/2007 On-Going Project This funding is for facilities maintenance for Department of Public Safety occupied state-owned buildings throughout Alaska. Without adequate funding to store evidence, protect department-owned equipment, and provide employees with good working conditions, the department cannot meet its mission or accomplish stated results. DAN SPENCER, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Public Safety, testified he would provide an updated prioritized list of deferred maintenance projects. He deferred to the Office of the Governor to speak to the inclusion of this item as a FY 06 supplemental request rather than the regular FY 07 capital budget request. If this entire request were granted, the Department would submit no future requests for FY 07 because it would be unable to undertake additional projects during that time. 9:29:04 AM Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Co-Chair Green announced she had directed the Department to only address deferred maintenance project requests. Airport Deferred Maintenance $750,000 General Funds Reference No.: 30633 Category: Transportation Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 09/30/2007 On-Going Project To repair the backlog of maintenance items that cannot be done through the operating budget funding levels. Typical items are pavement repairs, lighting repairs, fencing repairs, and bird and animal controls. This project contributes to the Department's Mission by reducing injuries, fatalities and property damage and by improving the mobility of people and goods. NANCY SLAGLE, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, explained this funding would mostly be utilized for brush cutting, some surface repairs, and seaplane gate replacements. The Department has identified approximately $12 million in deferred maintenance needs for rural airports. She listed proposed projects and locations. 9:32:33 AM Senator Hoffman asked if the Department was aware of the situation at the Napakiak Airport, which was eroding between 25 and 70 feet each year and would be lost to the Kuskokwim River in approximately five years if no action were taken. He asked the Department's plan to address this. 9:32:50 AM FRANK RICHARDS, State Maintenance Engineer, Transportation Management and Security, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities testified that erosion along the Kuskokwim River is a problem. When the Department learns of situations, it takes action to mitigate the damage. 9:33:55 AM Senator Hoffman asked how the Department becomes aware of these occurrences. He requested that the Napakiak situation be investigated. 9:34:30 AM Mr. Richards responded that he would review the matter and report on a plan of action. 9:34:38 AM Senator Bunde asked if the proposed projects were listed in priority order. 9:34:44 AM Ms. Slagle affirmed. 9:34:47 AM Senator Bunde asked which items were time sensitive. 9:35:13 AM Ms. Slagle replied that the State's liability for items that do not function properly to protect the safety of travelers is the concern. 9:35:35 AM Highway Deferred Maintenance $3,000,000 General Funds Reference No.: 30631 Category: Transportation Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 09/30/2007 On-Going Project The current backlog of deferred maintenance is over $200 million. The program will address some of the needs that cannot be funded in the operating budget maintenance funds (M&O--Maintenance & Operations). Typical items are surface and embankment repairs, drainage culverts and ditch repairs, guardrail repairs, marking and sign repairs, and brushing. This project contributes to the Department's Mission by reducing injuries, fatalities and property damage and by improving the mobility of people and goods. Ms. Slagle informed that the prioritized list of deferred maintenance items is approximately $74 million. Projects undergoing during this fiscal year include road repairs at Tokotna, the Steese Highway, Nome, Juneau and Skagway. The requested funds would be utilized for projects at Soldotna, Taslina, Hatcher Pass, Tok, and the Thane Road in Juneau. 9:37:35 AM Facilities Deferred Maintenance and Critical Repairs $2,000,000 General Funds Reference No.: 30632 Category: Transportation Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 09/30/2007 On-Going Project To address the most critical deferred maintenance needs at the Department of Transportation maintained facilities. This project contributes to the Department's Mission by reducing injuries, fatalities and property damage and by improving the mobility of people and goods. Ms. Slagle reported the Department is responsible for maintaining approximately 640 buildings. Deferred maintenance needs have been prioritized, with the replacement of some maintenance stations, replacing siding and the boiler at the Nome State office building, replacement of the roof and insulation at the Soldotna maintenance system listed as highest priorities. 9:39:57 AM Co-Chair Green understood that funds would not be requested for FY 07 for deferred maintenance projects. 9:40:03 AM Ms. Slagle replied that no request would be submitted for these deferred maintenance items. 9:40:14 AM Co-Chair Wilken noted that the Department of Administration requested approximately $9 million for deferred maintenance projects to the facilities it oversees while the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities requested $2 million. He asked the calculated total roof sizes of the facilities overseen by each department for comparison purposes and to possibly justify the higher funding requested by the Department of Administration. 9:41:11 AM Ms. Slagle would provide this information, noting the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is responsible for over 4 million square feet of building space. 9:41:48 AM Co-Chair Wilken offered assistance in securing additional funding if requested. 9:41:58 AM Ms. Slagle responded that the Department has identified $24 million of high priority deferred maintenance needs. 9:42:10 AM Co-Chair Green requested additional explanation on specific proposed projects. 9:42:30 AM Ms. Slagle stated that she would provide this. 9:42:35 AM Harbor Deferred Maintenance $500,000 General Funds Reference No.: 7090 Category: Transportation Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 09/30/2007 On-Going Project To address backlogged deferred maintenance for state-owned harbors. This project contributes to the Department's Mission by reducing injuries, fatalities and property damage and by improving the mobility of people and goods. Ms. Slagle stated that a regular maintenance component has not been included in the operating budget. Ownership of the harbors identified for these repairs are unlikely to be transferred to a local government because no such governments exist in the areas where the facilities are located. The top priority is the harbor at Papus Landing near Petersburg. This facility was constructed in 1961 and supporting logs are waterlogged. The logs would be replaced and the facility would be made accessible under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. 9:44:25 AM Senator Olson noticed the condition of harbors transferred to local governments has deteriorated. He asked if the Department planned to assist the local governments to repair and maintain the harbors, given their importance to the communities. 9:44:52 AM Ms. Slagle was not aware of a plan of the Departments, although "potential" legislation was under consideration. 9:45:07 AM Senator Stedman informed that such legislation was pending. Efforts were underway with the Department to address the issue of "sinking funds" established by larger governments. Problems with smaller governments were different. 9:45:57 AM Senator Olson asked the appropriation of revenues generated from marine fuel taxes levied in some locations. 9:46:24 AM Ms. Slagle replied that the revenues were deposited to the general fund. 9:46:30 AM Senator Stedman furthered his comments, emphasizing the need to reach a consensus with the Murkowski Administration about funding sources appropriate for use to repair and maintain harbors transferred from State to local ownership. This issue has yet to be resolved. 9:47:02 AM Alaska Marine Highways: Vessel Deferred Maintenance $1,250,000 General Funds Reference No.: 42001 Category: Transportation Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 09/30/2007 On-Going Project To repair the backlog of vessel maintenance items that can not be done through the operating and overhaul budget funding levels. Vessels have been added, new safety related systems have been installed, and costs in general have increased. Typical items that need attention are replacement of fire, bilge and sprinkling pump systems on our seven oldest vessels. This project contributes to the Department's Mission by reducing injuries, fatalities and property damage and by improving the mobility of people and goods. Ms. Slagle stated this is a new item. She listed specific projects that would be undertaken with this funding as replacement of the fire control system on the M/V LeConte, replacement of the car deck fire sprinkling system piping on the M/V Tustemena and M/V Malaspina, refurbishment or replacement of the ventilation fans and motors on the car deck and through out the vessel passenger areas on the M/V Tustemena and M/V Matanuska. 9:48:18 AM Senator Dyson asked if asbestos issues must be addressed. 9:48:24 AM Ms. Slagle was unsure. 9:48:32 AM Alaska Marine Highways: Facilities Deferred Maintenance $1,250,000 General Funds Reference No.: 42002 Category: Transportation Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 09/30/2007 On-Going Project To repair the backlog of shore facilities maintenance items that can not be done through the operating and overhaul budget funding levels. The 18 state-owned shore facilities, from Homer to Ketchikan, consist of the terminal buildings, transfer bridges, hydraulic ramps, mooring structures, and staging areas. Typical items are sand blast and recoat catwalks, gangways, bridges and pontoons at various terminals. This project contributes to the Department's Mission by reducing injuries, fatalities and property damage and by improving the mobility of people and goods. Ms. Slagle stated that the original FY 06 capital appropriation for this item was insufficient to address all the needs. 9:49:40 AM Co-Chair Green noted a substantial increment appropriated in the regular FY 06 capital budget and asked if this request was intended to supplement the funding already received. 9:50:14 AM Ms. Slagle clarified the initial appropriation was directed to new or expanded facilities. The deferred maintenance needs included in this supplemental request are not included. 9:50:30 AM University of Alaska Required Renewal and Renovation for Program Delivery $10,000,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41500 Category: University Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2011 Phased-New Project This request will provide the necessary funding to renew and renovate the facilities needed to deliver programs at the University's main and community campuses. These projects will support the university in its goal to increase the number of graduates in Alaska high demand degree programs. PAT PITNEY, Director of Budget Development and Institutional Planning, University of Alaska, testified to the importance of putting the request included in this bill in perspective with the Board of Regent's request because it represents only a portion of the total. She noted information distributed to members [copy on file.] 9:51:29 AM Ms. Pitney made a statement as follows. The Board of Regents clearly stated their highest priority for capital funding for this year to be maintaining existing facilities. That request that the Board of Regents made to the Governor totaled $98 million. That's $98 million of a total deferred maintenance renewal and replacement need of $440 million at the University. Ms. Pitney directed attention to a page in the distributed information titled, "University of Alaska - Facilities Fact Sheet". The University has 379 facilities, of which almost 60 percent are more than 30 years old. The gross square footage of these facilities is almost 6 million and the value of the facilities is $1.4 billion. The annual renewal and replacement for these facilities is approximately $45 million a year. However, over the past seven years an average of $7 million has been appropriated. As a result an accumulated backlog in deferred maintenance needs has occurred. Of the identified deferred maintenance needs, $400 million is necessary to address this backlog. This realization prompted the Board of Regent's decision to give deferred maintenance the highest priority. Ms. Pitney stated that the total Board of Regents' request is included in SB 231, the Governor's FY 07 proposed capital budget. She referenced the page titled, "University of Alaska, FY 07 Capital Budget Request Introduction", which lists $8.6 million for "Addressing Critical Building Deficiencies", $8.6 million for code compliance at the main campuses, $2.2 million for code compliance at community campuses, and funding for required renewal and renovation for program delivery as some of the funding requests. In addition, the proposed FY 06 supplemental capital appropriation legislation requests $10.2 million for the required renewal and program delivery. Ms. Pitney highlighted the proposed remodel of the Dental Clinic, which is outdated. The Clinic has an almost 100 percent graduation and employment rate. Ms. Pitney also spoke to the proposed UAA Community Campus Science Lab Renewal, a project that is vital for those students to meet core requirements. Ms. Pitney described other proposed projects, noting that although they don't qualify as "leaky pipe" priorities, their importance is of no lesser significance. 9:57:56 AM Senator Bunde noted the intent that the University would determine which projects it undertakes after funding was appropriated. The projects should be determined beforehand. 9:58:28 AM Ms. Pitney stated she would provide information indicating which projects would be addressed, although the intent is to undertake all the proposed projects. 9:58:39 AM Senator Bunde asked why some requests are included in the FY 06 supplemental appropriation legislation and others in the FY 07 regular capital appropriation legislation. Ms. Pitney responded that this was the Governor's decision. 9:59:22 AM Senator Hoffman asked when the requests were last submitted. 9:59:53 AM Ms. Pitney replied that the projects specified in this request represent a small portion of the total needs. The detailed budget proposal released by the Board of Regents, commonly referred to as the Red Book, contains the complete list. 10:00:54 AM Senator Hoffman asked whether each rural campus would agree that they had been contacted to determine all their needs. 10:01:06 AM Ms. Pitney affirmed and outlined the process in which the chancellor of each campus submits requests, which are then prioritized to identify the highest needs. 10:02:03 AM Senator Hoffman commented to the few rural campuses addressed in this proposal. He questioned whether they were "out of sight, out of mind". 10:02:21 AM Senator Olson asked the status of aviation programs and whether they were included in this funding request. 10:02:27 AM Ms. Pitney replied that they were not. 10:02:40 AM Senator Olson asked if the ERA Aviation facility was still owned by the University. 10:02:44 AM Ms. Pitney affirmed the University has ownership of the facility. 10:02:51 AM Alaska Court System Court Security Projects $750,00 General Funds Reference No.: 41588 Category: Law and Justice Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2010 On-Going Project Address the most critical needs for security system replacement. DOUG WOOLIVER, Administrative Attorney, Office of the Administrative Director, Alaska Court System, told of the immediate needs of the Anchorage courthouses. Several systems have failed completely. One system was repaired but is at risk of failing again. The original equipment is no longer manufactured or serviced. These needs must be addressed within the next couple of weeks. 10:04:12 AM Building Equipment and Systems Replacement to Extend Life of Facilities $400,000 General Funds Reference No.: 41589 Category: Law and Justice Location: Statewide Election District: Statewide Estimated Project Dates: 03/15/2006 - 06/30/2011 Phased-New Project Replace major components in court buildings where replacement of components cannot be covered with annual maintenance funds. Mr. Wooliver informed that the fire system at the Palmer courthouse no longer complies with safety codes. Pipes at the Anchorage courthouse are exploding. An offsite storage facility requires heating systems maintenance. Mr. Wooliver emphasized that each request represents the highest priority critical needs. 10:05:26 AM Senator Bunde asked if the identified needs include the new building located in Anchorage. 10:05:41 AM Mr. Wooliver affirmed, noting the facility is ten years old. 10:05:51 AM Senator Bunde ascertained that the State often purchases equipment and products that fail before their anticipated lifespan and that the manufacturers are not held responsible for providing warranty coverage. He asked if this applies to these identified projects. Mr. Wooliver thought such action was pursued but would research the matter. AT EASE 10:06:24 AM
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