Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/15/2008 10:00 AM Senate FINANCE
Audio | Topic |
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Start | |
SB120 | |
SB209 | |
SB243 | |
SB254 | |
Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+= | SB 120 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+= | SB 209 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+= | SB 243 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+= | SB 254 | TELECONFERENCED | |
+ | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 254 "An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska regional economic assistance program; and providing for an effective date." JODI SIMPSON, STAFF, SENATOR HUGGINS, presented SB 254 and read from the sponsor statement: The Alaska Regional Economic Assistance Program was created by the Legislature in 1988 to promote the economic development of Alaska's urban and rural areas. This program enables the creation of Alaska Regional Development Organizations (ARDORs). Each ARDOR is guided and directed by a board of directors composed of the economic development interests in the region. To carry out their mission, the State provides funding in the form of grants for the ARDOR program. In turn, the ARDORs use that money to leverage, on average, eight times the State's investment in private, federal, and other funds. Currently, there are 11 ARDORs across the state. These ARDORs: • Enable local officials and businesses to pool their limited resources and work together on economic development; • Develop partnerships among public, private and other organizations; and • Provide technical assistance via direct links with local citizens. SB 254 is a companion bill to House Bill 272, which is sponsored by Representative Bill Stoltze. The Alaska Regional Economic Assistance Program and its ARDORs are an important part of the economic development of their regions. I ask your support in extending this program to 2013. 10:46:32 AM Senator Dyson noted that Ms. Pat Davidson, Legislative Auditor testified that the standard extension is eight years. He questioned why the provision extends to only five years. Ms. Simpson explained that there was some discussion on decreasing the standard five year extension to three years. The extension remained at five years and she was uncertain if the eight year extension was considered. 10:47:37 AM Senator Huggins explained the standard of eight years relates to boards and commissions which is a different category from programs. Ms. Simpson said there are two fiscal notes from Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. Senator Huggins noted there is a considerable amount of nongovernmental funds that come into play with the organization. Co-Chair Stedman asked if Legislative Budget and Audit (LB&A) reviewed any of the activities of the AIEDEA. Ms. Simpson explained that each ARDOR is responsible for conducting an internal audit. She said Ms. Davidson reported there has not been a Legislative audit in the last 10 years. Co-Chair Stedman asked Ms. Simpson to explain the role of ARDORS as collaborator with other organizations to improve economic conditions. 10:49:41 AM Ms. Simpson deferred to Michael Hanzuk and Mike Catsi who could better explain their relationship with other organizations. 10:50:29 AM MICHAEL HANZUK, DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, ARDOR PROGRAM, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (testified via teleconference) in support of SB 254. Mr. Hanzuk said there has been a great deal of collaboration within the 11 groups, as well as at the local level with economic development groups. Each region works with all entities to determine the regions goals and objectives. 10:52:56 AM MIKE CATSI, SOUTHWEST ALASKA MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE (testified via teleconference), in support of SB 254. He explained that his organization works with a wide range of organizations. He said he was available for any questions. Senator Thomas commented that ARDORS are good coordinators for collaboration on economic development issues. SALLY SADDLER, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, COMMERCE COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, addressed the fiscal note. She explained the fiscal note adds $13.1 thousand of AIDEA receipts to be transferred to the Office of Economic Development via inter-agency receipts for keeping the position funded at 50 percent. Senator Olson emphasized the value of the work done by ARDORS in his district and voiced strong support of SB 254. 10:56:28 AM Senator Huggins emphasized the importance of economic development across the state and the significance of the ARDORS role in assisting communities in that endeavor. Senator Huggins MOVED to Report out of Committee SB 254 with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. AT EASE: 10:57:38 AM RECONVENE:10:58:18 AM
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