Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/20/2001 04:03 PM Senate RES
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SB 115-EXTEND BD. OF STORAGE TANK ASSISTANCE CHAIRMAN TORGERSON announced SB 115 to be up for consideration. MS. HEATHER BRAKES, staff to Senator Therriault, said that SB 115 amends Title 44 to extend this particular board an additional two years from June 30, 2001 to June 30, 2003. She said a Legislative Audit Report found that the board should be reestablished as it plays an integral role in addressing complaints throughout the state with federal regulations related to specifications for underground storage tanks (UST). Such complaints are important in promoting public health in that [awareness of problems] protects underground drinking water supplies from pollution and provides funding necessary to remediate pollution brought on by the leaking tanks. The independent board has been instrumental in mediating disputes between the DEC and UST owners and operators. The board has enhanced cooperation, which promotes compliance with regulations related to the tanks. The Division of Legislative Budget and Audit recommended extending the board to 2003. The audit made no findings or recommendations about the board's operations. MS. PAT DAVIDSON, Legislative Auditor, joined the committee. CHAIRMAN TORGERSON complimented her on doing a good job and said the committee is dealing with another bill that sunsets the grant program on June 30, 2004. He said that both boards last for one year after they are confirmed so they would both coincide, but he asked if this one should be extended for the sake of consistency. MS. DAVIDSON replied that the statutory responsibilities of that program are what drove her to choose 2003 as the termination date of the grant program. She thought the board could help develop the regulations for the revolving loan fund and get those going. It depends on whether the Legislature wants to give the board an extra year to get the revolving loan up and running smoothly. MR. JOHN BARNETT said he thought that Legislative Audit would start another process to evaluate the situation in 2003. At this time he is satisfied with 2003. MR. WEBER said that the Alaska Underground Tank Owners and Operators Association supports SB 115 and 2003. MR. COOK said he thought 2004 made a lot more sense. CHAIRMAN TORGERSON said they had lost a quorum and set the bill aside.
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