Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
05/06/2025 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB207 | |
| Presentation(s): Rural Cap: 60 Years of Alaska Development and a Future View | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 207 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
May 6, 2025
8:06 a.m.
DRAFT
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Rebecca Himschoot, Co-Chair
Representative Donna Mears, Co-Chair
Representative Carolyn Hall
Representative Ky Holland
Representative Mike Prax
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Justin Ruffridge
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 207
"An Act relating to a matching grant program for fire station
construction and renovation; and providing for an effective
date."
- HEARD & HELD
PRESENTATION(S): RURAL CAP: 60 YEARS OF ALASKA DEVELOPMENT AND
A FUTURE VIEW
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 207
SHORT TITLE: FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SCHRAGE BY REQUEST
04/25/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/25/25 (H) CRA, FIN
05/06/25 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:06:04 AM
CHAIR REBECCA HIMSCHOOT called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:06 a.m.
Representatives Hall, Holland, Himschoot, and Mears were present
at the call to order. Representative Prax arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
HB 207-FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM
8:07:15 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 207, "An Act relating to a matching
grant program for fire station construction and renovation; and
providing for an effective date."
8:07:37 AM
}REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE* Alaska State Representative*
Juneau, Alaska* As prime sponsor, presented HB 207.{ as prime
sponsor, presented HB 207. He paraphrased the sponsor statement
[included in the committee packet], which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
House Bill 207 establishes the Fire Station Grant
Program, promoting a robust partnership between local
communities and the state to strengthen safety and
security. This matching grant program provides funding
for up to 50 percent of the total project cost for
constructing or renovating fire stations, supporting
communities in enhancing their emergency response
infrastructure.
Alaska faces unique challenges in emergency response,
making it crucial for our fire stations to be well
equipped and properly maintained. Many fire stations
across the state are in desperate need of replacement
due to their age and deteriorating condition.
Replacing these facilities is essential to
strengthening their operational capabilities,
improving emergency response times, and ensuring that
Alaskans continue receiving the highest standard of
emergency fire services. Addressing these needs
involves constructing new facilities, replacing
outdated stations with new buildings when more
economical than renovation, and upgrading
infrastructure to meet current safety standards.
It has been over a decade since the Legislature last
dedicated substantial funding to support communities
statewide for the construction, replacement, or major
renovations of local fire stations. During that
period, state assistance facilitated the development
of approximately a dozen fire stations across Alaska,
marking one of the most well-received capital programs
in recent history. However, the need for such
investments has only grown. Recognizing this critical
need, the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association has
identified nearly two dozen projects for the
Legislature's consideration, underscoring the pressing
need for this program. The Fire Station Grant Program
seeks to invest in the safety of all regions of
Alaska, while also ensuring support at the local level
for these projects. Investing in these projects is not
merely a matter of infrastructure it's a matter of
public safety and preparedness for challenges of
tomorrow.
8:10:39 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether the sponsor envisioned...
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said yes, it would allow for long-range
planning
8:11:33 AM
}AMANDA DNEMO, Staff* Representative Calvin Schrage* Alaska
State Legislature* Juneau, Alaska* Presented the sectional
analysis for HB 207 on behalf of Representative Schrage, prime
sponsor.{
8:12:52 AM
MS. DNEMO gave a PowerPoint presentation on HB 207 [hard copy
included in the committee packet]. She gave an introduction,
outlined the purpose of HB 207, and summarized the bill's key
provisions.
8:14:58 AM
}FORREST KUIPER, President& Alaska Fire Chiefs Association*
Fairbanks, Alaska* Gave invited testimony during the hearing on
HB 207.{ made key points in support of HB 207.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE highlighted that ad-hoc funding requests
have been received over the years. The bill would allow for a
more open and transparent process. He offered to share examples
of the conditions of fire houses across the state, highlighting
significant need.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT opened public testimony?
8:19:46 AM
}CAROLE TRIEM, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager* Alaska
Municipal League* Juneau, Alaska* Gave invited testimony during
the hearing on HB 207.{
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT closed public testimony?
8:21:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the program is separate or
whether
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he hopes that it would facilitate
more communication
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX observed that local efforts have not been
coordinated
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE acknowledge that different needs should
be considered, balanced, and prioritized.
8:26:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked about the current status of funding
for fire stations
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said there has been a diminishment of
state support for fire stations
8:28:22 AM
MR. KUIPER said they've exhausted all efforts to find funding,
but capacity is limited for federal grants through the * ...
There are also federal brick grants and others, but departments
have been unsuccessful.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND shared his understanding that fire
stations are fairly integrated facilities and expressed concern
about whether "fire station grants" puts too narrow a boundary
on this
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE shared his belief that
8:32:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HALL asked whether the 50 percent match is a
traditional percentage; additionally she asked whether funding
sources could be braided
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE shared his belief that yes, funding could
be braided
REPRESENTATIVE HALL restated her question, asking whether 50
percent match is traditional
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE offered to follow up
8:33:41 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether
MR. KUIPER yes, the list is the comprehensive list that's
dynamic and constantly updated. It was first compiled last year
but with new construction estimates its updates as they arise
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether there is a need to cast the net
wider to capture the needs of smaller communities
MR. KUIPER said the list is a preliminary one to identify need
8:36:45 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked in identifying community needs for fire
stations and facilities, whether this work is being done
}SANDRA MOLLER* Director, Division of Community & Regional
Affairs, Department of Commerce, Community & Economic
Development* City & State* {
CO-CHAIR MEARS
MS. MOLLER said if the program were enacted,
8:39:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked whether this work is currently
catalogued
MS. MOLLER said yes, there is a community database online that's
fiarly robust; however at present, it does not track this work,
but it could be added.
MS. KUIPER said if the program were enacted, they would work
with DPS and Ms. Moller to update the database
8:41:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether DCCED has a capital
improvements list from municipal governments
MS. MOLLER answered no.
8:44:05 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT likened the funding to the chicken or the egg
and asked how the funding would be dispersed
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said as currently proposed, regulation
would determine the disbursement of funding.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked whether it would be similar to the
harbor grant program
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE did not know the answer
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT said she would like some parity between urban
and rural
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX said another bill would establish mental
health crisis services. He asked whether insurance companies
had been talked to or whether
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT said when another state approves a capital
project, they put aside 3 percent and asked whether that would
feel like overreach
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he would want more information on
the structure of that 3 percent
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT
8:49:33 AM
[HB 207 was held over.]
8:49:57 AM
at-ease
^PRESENTATION(S): RurAL CAP: 60 Years of Alaska Development and
a Future View
PRESENTATION(S): RurAL CAP: 60 Years of Alaska Development and
a Future View
8:52:34 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the next order of business
would be the RurAL CAP: 60 Years of Alaska Development and a
Future View presentation.
8:53:09 AM
}JASMINE BOYLE, Chief Development Officer* RurAL Alaska
Community Action Program, Inc.* City & State* Gave a the RurAL
CAP: 60 Years of Alaska Development and a Future View
presentation.{ directed attention to a PowerPoint presentatrion,
titled "RurAL CAP: 60 Years of Alaska Development and a Future
View" [hard copy included in the committee packet]. She began
on slide 2 and share the organization's mission. She discussed
the national network on slide 3.
8:55:44 AM
MS. BOYLE outlined RurAL CAP's social enterprise model on slide
4. She said it's the entities 50th year of weatherization, and
have weatherized over 40,000 homes. They also help adapt
elderly people's homes. They launched a for profit subsidiary
and the only import of Toyo stoves. They have 230 affordable
housing units. He said the goal is to run programs until local
communities or leadership are ready to take that over. She
shared the example of Hooper Bay's domestic survivor propgram.
9:01:57 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked about the indigenous survival
international program in 1984.
MS. BOYLE said although its not a recognized Tribal program,
many of its workers are indigenous people
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked whether it operates off federal funds
MS. BOYLE answered no, about 64 percent federally funded; 15
percent with state funds; and then they receive a stipend from
their subsidiary
9:06:11 AM
MS. BOYLE continue to slide 5, "Our Model: local Capacity,"
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
•Investing in community partners:
•Alaska Legal Services
•Community Enterprise Development Corporation
(CEDC)
•Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC)
•Citizens Participation Committee
•Alaska Native Commission on Alcoholism
•Alaska Regional Energy Association
•Alaska Village Alcohol Information League
•Rural Energy Enterprises
MS. BOYLE said a community needs assessment is conducted every
two years by federal requirement. She reported an uptick in
responses.
9:08:35 AM
MS. BOYLE described a map of statewide service providers in
Alaska on slide 6. Slide 7 listed statewide impacts in 2024.
Slide 8 showed the intersection of rural housing, community
development, and family services. She shared the board's 5-year
strategic plan on slide 9, which focuses on housing in rural
Alaska, local leadership capacity building, and workforce
development.
9:15:17 AM
MS. BOYLE discussed the housing service continuum on slide 10,
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Housing Service Continuum
•Statewide Planning & Partnership
•Statewide planning and housing advocacy
•Community and tribal grant assistance
•Planning, infrastructure and community
development support
•Climate mitigation and crisis planning
•Home Improvement
•Weatherization
•Senior & Disability Accessibility Improvements
•Mobile Home Repairs
•Housing Preservation
•Home Ownership & Construction
•Loan Packaging & Credit Counseling
•Mutual Self-Help Housing
•CBDO Certified
•Pilot and Innovation Project Partnership
•Supportive Housing & Shelter Services
9:16:01 AM
MS. BOYLE discussed infrastructure partnerships on slide 11
9:17:09 AM
MS. BOYLE put a regional spotlight on Kenai on slide 12; a
regional spotlight on Kenai on slide 13; She concluded on slide
14 with a look to the future. She expressed strong interest in
partnering with the state and private partners to
9:23:55 AM
}TIEL SMITH, Chief Executive Officer* RurAL Alaska Community
Action Program, Inc.* City & State* Answered questions during
the {
9:25:11 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the board of directors is
composed of different partner organizations
MS. BOYLE said federagl government requires a tri-partied board
to represent communities across the state, government officials,
and the private sector; Alaska Legal Services always has
representation on the board as well
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked for elaboration on the private sector
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked about the meaning of tri-partied
MS. BOYLE said currently, the private sector has evolved and
tends to be more flexible. No seats reserved for regional
corporations. She shared several examples. She spoke to
regional representation.
9:30:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether any representation from DOH or
DCRA
MS. BOYLE said the governor has an appointed seat on the board,
currently being represented by kim koval. In addition, she said
there is a demonstrated ability to work with the state during
the pandemic and helped the state distribute almost $10 million
in grants
9:33:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked about housing and asked which
projects might make a difference in the future in terms of the
housing crisis.
MS. BOYLE applauded rural housing leadership and said local
materials come up a lot in discussion. She said understanding
the importance of understanding how to respond to the current
administration. She shared examples a
9:39:17 AM
at-ease
9:40:34 AM
MS. BOYLE continued her discussion.
9:43:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND commented and asked how entrepreneurship
is viewed as a tool to help local communities
MS. BOYLE said economic opportunity is a solution to changing
times. She suggested privatizing traditional government
services and the idea of harnessing that for everyday people in
the state. She discussed access to opportunity
9:47:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the strategic plan is
available online
MS. BOYLE it should be but offered to follow up
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked how goals and results are measured
MS. BOYLE said its dependent
9:49:03 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT thanked the presenters
9:50:02 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the *
meeting was adjourned at *.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 207 - Sponsor Statement 4.30.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 Version A (34-LS0913A) 4.25.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 Sectional Analysis - Version A 4.30.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 Fiscal Note - DCCED-DCRA 5.2.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 - AFCA Letter of Support 5.5.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HCRA Presentation by RurALCAP 5.6.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM |
RurAL CAP |
| HB 207 Presentation - Fire Station Grant Program 5.6.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |