Legislature(1993 - 1994)
04/23/1993 01:45 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 23, 1993
1:45 p.m.
TAPE HFC 93-119, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93-120, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93-120, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 93-121, Side 1, #000 - #225.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Larson called the House Finance Committee to order
at 1:45 p.m.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Larson Representative Hoffman
Co-Chair MacLean Representative Martin
Vice-Chair Hanley Representative Navarre
Representative Brown Representative Parnell
Representative Foster Representative Therriault
Representative Grussendorf
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Ulmer; Representative B. Davis;
Representative Finkelstein; Representative Mackie;
Representative Hudson; Mike Greany, Director, Legislative
Finance Division; Cheryl Frasca, Director, Division of
Budget Review, Office of Management and Budget; Larry Jones,
Director, Division of Administration, Department of Fish and
Game; Dave Kellyhouse, Director, Division of Wildlife
Conservation, Department of Fish and Game; Ron Lind,
Director, Plans, Programs and Budget, Headquarters,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Arthur
H. Snowden, II, Administrative Director, Alaska Court
System; Keith Kelton, Director, Facility and Construction,
Department of Environmental Conservation; Alison Elgee,
Director of Budget, University of Alaska.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
HB 60 "An Act making appropriations for capital
projects; and providing for an effective date."
HB 60 was HELD in Committee.
HOUSE BILL NO. 60
"An Act making appropriations for capital projects; and
providing for an effective date."
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AMENDMENTS
Co-Chair MacLean provided members with a summary of the
House proposed capital FY 94 spending plan (Attachment 1).
She reviewed Attachment 1. She noted that the total capital
FY 94 spending plan totals $492.7 million dollars.
CHERYL FRASCA, DIVISION DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND
BUDGET, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR provided members with a
spreadsheet detailing the Governor's proposed amendments by
department (Attachment 2). Ms. Frasca reviewed Attachment
2, Department of Administration:
* Computerized Hiring forms System - $145.0 thousand
dollars;
* Procurement System Automation - $30.0 thousand
dollars;
* City and Borough of Juneau, Mount Roberts Marina -
$3.0 million dollars;
Ms. Frasca explained that the Governor supports the Mount
Roberts Marina as an economic development activity. She
clarified that the facility will be owned by the
municipality. Representative Therriault noted that the
municipality is matching the grant.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendments
for the Department of Administration. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Ms. Frasca reviewed the Governor's amendments for the
Department of Health and Social Services, Attachment 2:
* Reallocate from the McLaughlin Youth Center -
$100.0 thousand dollars to the Public Health Lab
Replacement - $200./0 thousand dollars;
* Eligibility Information System - reduce federal
funds to $497.6 thousand dollars;
* General Computers - increase general fund to
$864.3 thousand dollar and decrease federal funds
to $100.0 thousand dollars;
* Alaska Psychiatric Institution (API) - increase
general fund mental health funds to $1.0 million
dollars for stop gap repairs;
* API 2000 - Complete certificate of need.
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JANET CLARKE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES clarified, in
response to a question by Co-Chair Larson, that the API
replacement will be complete in 1997. She stated that the
Department is aware of $2.0 million dollars in needed
repairs.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendments
for the Department of Health and Social Services as
contained in Attachment 2. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Ms. Frasca reviewed the Governor's amendments for the
Department of Commerce and Economic Development as contained
in Attachment 2:
* Component Renewal/Replacement, AEA facilities -
$250.0 program receipt authority;
* Reimbursable Authority - $100.0 thousand dollars
in program receipts.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the Department of Commerce and Economic Development as
contained in Attachment 2. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Ms. Frasca discussed the Governor's amendment for the
Department of Natural Resources, Attachment 2:
* Reallocation - $100.0 thousand dollars from the
Tanana Valley Forest Harvest Development to Forest
Inventory.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the Department of Natural Resources as contained in
Attachment 2. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Ms. Frasca commented on the Governor's amendment for the
Department of Fish and Game, Attachment 2:
* Crystal Lake Hatchery - increase Fish and Game
funds to $500.0 thousand dollars.
LARRY JONES, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME explained that the Crystal Lake
Hatchery is located in Petersburg. The funding will
complete the recirculation system at the hatchery.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the Department of Fish and Game as contained in Attachment
2. Co-Chair MacLean OBJECTED. Representative Grussendorf
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noted that the Crystal Lake Hatchery receives Salmon Treaty
funds. Co-Chair MacLean WITHDREW her OBJECTION. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Ms. Frasca reviewed the Governor's amendment for the
Department of Public Safety, Attachment 2:
* License Plates/Drivers Manuals - increase to
$524.0 thousand dollars;
* Aircraft Equipment - increase to $459.8 thousand
dollars;
* Fish and Wildlife Protection Enforcement Vessel
Repairs - increase to $570.4 thousand dollars;
* Statewide Law Enforcement Systems - decrease to
$900.0 thousand dollars;
* Alaska State Troopers Replacement Equipment -
increase to $250.0 thousand dollars;
* Fish and Wildlife Protection Bulk fuel Storage
Tank Replacement - decrease to $132.8 thousand
dollars;
* Facilities Renewal and Replacement/Deferred
Maintenance - increase to $800.0 thousand dollars.
Ms. Frasca noted that the transfers result in a net zero.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the Department of Public Safety as contained in Attachment
2. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Ms. Frasca discussed the Governor's amendment for the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities,
Attachment 2:
* General Fund Match for Federal-Aid Aviation -
reduced to $5.2 million dollars;
* Transportation and Public Facilities Energy
Upgrade -decrease to $1.75 million dollars;
* Alaska Marine Highway Overhaul - increase to $3.8
million dollars.
Ms. Frasca noted that the transfers result in a net zero.
RON LIND, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES explained
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that $4.3 million dollars was spent on vessel maintenance in
FY 93. The Department feels that $4.5 million dollars will
be needed in FY 94.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities as
contained in Attachment 2. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Ms. Frasca commented on the Governor's amendment for the
Department of Environmental Conservation, Attachment 2. She
noted that there is a net zero reallocation of funds:
* Reallocate $90.0 thousand dollars from Solid Waste
Planning Grants to Laboratory Equipment and
Acquisition.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the Department of Environmental Conservation as contained in
Attachment 2. Representative Brown OBJECTED to the
reduction of Solid Waste Planning Grants. She MOVED to
AMEND the motion to DIVIDE the QUESTION. Representative
Therriault OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the
motion to divide.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman,
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Parnell, Therriault, MacLean,
Larson
Representatives Navarre and Martin were not present for the
vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-6).
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the Department of Environmental Conservation as contained in
Attachment 2. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Ms. Frasca reviewed the Governor's amendment for the
University of Alaska, Attachment 2. She noted that the
Governor is requesting $464.1 thousand in 470 Fund dollars
for contaminated site clean-up.
ALISON ELGEE, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA explained, in response to
a question by Representative Hoffman, that the bulk of the
funds would be used for assessment. She noted that the
ground water is contaminated with benzine near the water
wells for the University of Alaska.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to ADOPT the Governor's amendment for
the University of Alaska as contained in Attachment 2.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
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Representative Brown provided members with AMENDMENT 2
(Attachment 3). She explained that the amendment would
reallocate information systems funds within the agencies for
a net zero. Funding would be included for new projects in
the Department of Administration; Alaska Public Broadcasting
Commission Satellite Interconnection Planning and Office of
the Commissioner for reviews of telecommunication projects.
She reviewed other agency projects as contained in Amendment
2. Some projects will be moved to the front section of the
budget to encourage coordination of projects that overlap
departments. She noted that intent language is included.
Co-Chair MacLean asked that the Alaska Court System project
be held open. Co-Chair MacLean noted her intention to
increase funding for the Alaska Court System imaging
project. Representative Brown agreed that the Alaska Court
System project could be increased in the amendment.
Representative Hoffman asked why the Department of Community
and Regional Affairs' request is being reduced.
Representative Brown replied that the project will replace a
functioning system and can be done in a phased manner.
Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 2. Co-Chair
MacLean MOVED to AMEND Amendment 2 to increase the Alaska
Court System Imaging project to $207.5 thousand dollars.
ARTHUR H. SNOWDEN, III, ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA
COURT SYSTEM explained that the funding will allow the Court
to keep files intact.
Representative Parnell declared a potential conflict of
interest and asked to abstain from voting. Co-Chair MacLean
OBJECTED.
There being NO OBJECTION, the amendment to Amendment 2 was
adopted.
Representative Hoffman MOVED to AMEND the motion, to
increase the grant to the Department of Community and
Regional Affairs for data processing equipment to $500.0
thousand dollars. Co-Chair MacLean OBJECTED. A roll call
vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Parnell, Larson, MacLean
Representatives Hanley, Martin and Therriault were not
present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (5-3).
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Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 2 as amended.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Amendment 3 was HELD by request of the sponsor
Representative Parnell.
Representative Grussendorf provided members with AMENDMENT 4
(Attachment 4). He explained that the amendment would
appropriate $1.0 million dollars in University program
receipts for the University of Alaska, Southeast, Sitka
Campus. He explained that the program receipts will be the
result of a University of Alaska property sale. There being
NO OBJECTION, Amendment 4 was adopted.
REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON provided members with AMENDMENT 5
(Attachment 5). He explained that the City of Craig had
paid for a terminal dolphin on the marine highway system due
to insufficient state funds. The amendment would reimburse
the City of Craig.
REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MACKIE clarified that the appropriation
will go the Alaska Marine Highway System to complete the
final phase of the Hollis Terminal Dolphin.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-120, Side 1)
Representative Hudson noted that the City of Craig would not
have received service on the Alaska Marine Highway without
the dolphin.
Representative Navarre MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 5. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Hudson expressed concern that the Alaska
Marine Highway winter maintenance will be short funded.
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 6
(Attachment 6). He explained that the amendment would match
Corp of Engineers projects in Election District 99. Co-
Chair MacLean asked if the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities could make the required match with a
$500.0 thousand dollar reduction. Mr. Lind stated that the
match could be made for the Sitka project.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to AMEND Amendment 6, to insert
"$2.0" and delete "$2.5" million dollars. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Co-Chair MacLean restated the
motion to adopt Amendment 6. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was so ordered.
REPRESENTATIVE BETTYE DAVIS provided members with AMENDMENT
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7 (Attachment 7). She explained that the amendment would
increase the appropriation from the earnings reserve of the
Alaska Science and Technology Endowment to the BIDCO Fund
from $1.5 to $3.0 million dollars. She asserted that the
Alaska Science and Technology Foundation supports the
amendment. Representative Martin expressed concern that the
legislature is deciding how the Board will spend the
Endowment funds. Representative Brown asserted that the
Board supports the BIDCO appropriation.
Co-Chair Larson expressed concern that the interest earnings
from the Science and Technology Endowment has already been
committed. Members discussed proposed appropriations from
the earnings reserve.
Representative Brown asked that Amendment 7 be HELD in
Committee for further information.
Amendment 7 was HELD in Committee.
REPRESENTATIVE FRAN ULMER provided members with AMENDMENT 8
(Attachment 8). She explained that the amendment would
appropriate $809.5 thousand dollars for the State of Alaska
Museum's heating and ventilation system. Co-Chair MacLean
clarified that the appropriation was deleted from the
Governor's requested capital budget by the Subcommittee.
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 8. A
roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Maclean
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
Larson
The MOTION FAILED (5-6).
REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MACKIE provided members with AMENDMENT
9 (Attachment 9). He explained that the amendment would
appropriate $600.0 thousand dollars to the City of Kake for
emergency water tank replacement. He observed that the
water tank is leaking 59,000 thousand gallons of treated
water a day. He pointed out that tank failure could destroy
the state hatchery adjacent to the tank. The total project
cost is $950.0 thousand dollars. He noted that there is
$350.0 thousand dollars in federal funds available. He
emphasized that the tank is the only source of drinking
water for the community.
KEITH KELTON, DIRECTOR, FACILITY AND CONSTRUCTION,
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION explained that the
structural support of the tank is rusting. He stressed that
the leak is getting bigger. He emphasized that the project
would have received a high ranking if the Department had
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been aware of the problem.
Co-Chair Larson asked if disaster funds would be available.
Ms. Frasca did not think that the problem had reached to a
disaster level. Mr. Kelton noted the wisdom of fixing the
problem before the community is out of water. He clarified
that due to a previous grant the City of Kake would not be
eligible for a 50 percent municipal grant. The City is too
large to qualify for a Village Safe Water Grant.
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 9. Co-
Chair Larson MOVED to AMEND Amendment 9, to delete "$600.0"
and insert "$500.0" thousand dollars. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Representative Therriault
OBJECTED to the motion to adopt Amendment 9 as amended. A
roll call vote was taken on the motion to adopt Amendment 9
as amended.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Foster,
MacLean, Larson
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault
The MOTION PASSED (7-4).
Representative Hudson provided members with AMENDMENT 10
(Attachment 10). He explained that the Amendment would
appropriate $50.0 thousand dollars for a study to review the
viability of acquiring the Snettisham Hydroelectric Project.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-120, Side 2)
Representative Hudson stressed that a national energy
package is being developed. He stated that state
acquisition has not been a prior option. Representative
Ulmer spoke in support of the amendment. Representative
Foster MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 10. Representative Martin
OBJECTED. A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault, MacLean,
Co-Chair Larson was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Ms. Frasca provided members with AMENDMENT 11: "Add $1.0
million dollars, Fish and Game Funds, Habitat
Improvement/Big Game Population Enhancement.
DAVE KELLYHOUSE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF WILDLIFE
CONSERVATION, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME explained that the
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amendment is needed to address problems in the Fairbanks and
Upper Tanana River area. There have been declines in moose
and caribou populations in these areas. He emphasized that
prompt action is needed.
Representative Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 11. Co-
Chair MacLean OBJECTED. Representative Grussendorf asked if
wolf control was included. Mr. Kellyhouse stated that one-
third of the expenditure is for wolf control. He asserted
that wolves will benefit from the appropriation in the long
term.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion to adopt Amendment
11.
IN FAVOR: Therriault, Hoffman
OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Navarre, Foster, Hanley,
Martin, Parnell, MacLean
Co-Chair Larson was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (2-8).
Representative Brown provided members with AMENDMENT 12
(Attachment 11). She explained that $150.0 thousand dollars
will be added to Prudhoe Bay Reservoir Models. She spoke in
support of Amendment 12. Representative Brown MOVED to
ADOPT AMENDMENT 12. Representative Martin OBJECTED. He
felt the item should be contained in the Department's
operating budget. Representative Therriault expressed his
desire to see the appropriation transferred from another
item in order to result in a net zero. A roll call vote was
taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Navarre, Parnell,
Larson
OPPOSED: Therriault, Hanley, Martin, MacLean
Representative Foster was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
Representative Finkelstein provided members with AMENDMENT
13 (Attachment 12). Co-Chair MacLean expressed objection to
the amendment. She noted that the amendment would reduce
funding for the Copper River Highway. Representative
Finkelstein asserted that the Governor has pursued the
project without federal authorization. He noted that there
is no environmental impact statement for the project. He
maintained that residents of the area are not in agreement
concerning the project. Representative Brown MOVED to ADOPT
AMENDMENT 13. Representative Grussendorf OBJECTED to the
adoption of AMENDMENT 13. A roll call vote was taken on the
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motion.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Hoffman
OPPOSED: Grussendorf, Navarre, Foster, Hanley, Martin,
Parnell, Therriault, MacLean, Larson
The MOTION FAILED (2-9).
Amendment 14 was WITHDRAWN.
Representative Martin provided members with AMENDMENT 15:
"It is the intent of the legislature that the money
contained in this appropriation be available for all state
facilities, including the University of Alaska."
Representative Martin MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 15. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 16
(Attachment 13). He explained that the amendment addresses
Older Alaskans Commission grants recommended by the Mental
Health Trust Board. He clarified that the grants were
inadvertently deleted from the Department of
Administration's budget. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
Representative Parnell MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 3 on behalf
of Representative Barnes (Attachment 14). He explained that
the amendment would delete $1.75 million dollars for a third
fence around Hiland Mountain Correctional Center. There
being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
Representative Navarre MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 17
(Attachment 15). He explained that the amendment would
appropriate $400.0 thousand dollars to the Department of
Revenue to replenish the contingency funds expended as a
result of construction cost overruns on the state courthouse
located in the City of Kenai. There being NO OBJECTION, it
was so ordered.
Representative Hanley provided members with AMENDMENT 18
(Attachment 16). He stated that the intent of the amendment
is to delete the Instrument Landing Site Preparation
project. He noted that there is concern by local residents
concerning the project. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so
ordered.
Representative Hanley MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 19
(Attachment 17). He explained that the amendment contains
legislative intent encouraging the Mental Health Trust Board
to work with the Department of Health and Social Services to
submit capital improvement projects. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
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Amendment 20 was WITHDRAWN.
Representative Therriault MOVED to ADOPT AMENDMENT 21
(Attachment 18). He explained that the amendment addresses
the remaining 470 funds being used for capital project
cleanup of contaminated sites. He reviewed Amendment 21.
Members discussed projects contained in Amendment 21.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-121, Side 1)
Representative Brown spoke in opposition to Amendment 21.
Representative Therriault asserted that projects deleted by
Amendment 21 should be funded through general fund dollars.
Representative Navarre maintained that the 470 Fund was
created to address projects such as those deleted by
Amendment 21.
Representative Foster OBJECTED to the motion to adopt
Amendment 21. A roll call vote was taken on the motion to
adopt Amendment 21.
IN FAVOR: Therriault, Hanley, Larson, MacLean
OPPOSED: Brown, Grussendorf, Hoffman, Foster, Martin,
Parnell
The MOTION FAILED (4-6).
HB 60 was was HELD in Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:22 p.m.
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