Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
02/27/2008 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB236 | |
| HB321 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 236 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 321 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 216 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 273 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE BILL NO. 216
"An Act designating the Alaska Highway and portion of
the Richardson Highway as the Purple Heart Trail."
SENATOR JOHNNY ELLIS, bill sponsor, spoke in support of SB
216. This legislation, to establish the Purple Heart Trail,
honors Alaska veterans. He indicated that the idea was
brought to him by a veterans advocate, Ron Siebels. Senator
Ellis pointed out that there are 100,000 active duty
military personnel who consider themselves Alaskans. He
reported that forty two states have designated all or parts
of their interstate highway system as part of the Purple
Heart Trail. The proposal is to designate part of the Alaska
Highway which was built by the U. S. Army during World War
II. Senator Ellis mentioned that large signs would be placed
at Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Tok, and the Canadian Border,
with smaller signs at mid-points between. There would also
be three pullouts with informational displays to educate the
public and visitors. Senator Ellis emphasized that there is
no known objection to this proposal. Co-Chair Stedman
mentioned one fiscal note for $150,000 for the installation
of the signs. Senator Ellis continued that there are letters
of support from other veteran's organizations on file.
KURT SMITH, STATE TRAFFIC AND SAFETY ENGINEER, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY, supported the bill and
intends to install signs that appropriately honor Purple
Heart recipients.
RON SIEBELS, MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART, ANCHORAGE
(TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), supported the SB 216. He
mentioned the widespread support for the Purple Heart Trail
throughout the State of Alaska including the Governor, local
officials, the cities along the route, and Alaska citizens.
He believed it was important for Alaska to visibly show to
the world that it cares about its veterans. Mr. Siebels
reiterated that the Purple Heart Trail already exists in
forty two states plus Guam and he hopes Alaska will not be
the last state to participate. Mr. Siebels believed the
Purple Heart Trail would honor Alaska's veterans and promote
a warm welcome to the visitors to the state who have been
Purple Heart recipients. He emphasized that this is just a
word designation; it will not change any road numbers or any
road names.
10:45:37 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report SB 216 out of Committee
with the individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal
note.
SB 216 MOVED to report out of Committee with the individual
recommendations and accompanying fiscal note.
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