Legislature(1995 - 1996)
02/14/1996 05:15 PM House MLV
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
February 14, 1996
5:15 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Ivan Ivan, Co-Chairman
Representative Pete Kott, Co-Chairman
Representative Eldon Mulder, Vice Chairman
Representative John Davies
Representative Richard Foster
Representative Ed Willis
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Gail Phillips
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
*HOUSE BILL NO. 476
"An Act establishing YUKLA 27 Remembrance Day."
- PASSED CSHB 476(MLV) OUT OF COMMITTEE
*HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 25
Declaring May 15, 1996, 381st Intelligence Squadron Logistics
Division Day.
- PASSED HCR 25 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 47
Supporting continued funding of the Alaska National Guard Youth
Corps Challenge Program.
- PASSED CSHJR 47(MLV) OUT OF COMMITTEE
*HOUSE BILL NO. 466
"An Act establishing the Adak Reuse Authority."
- PASSED HB 466 OUT OF COMMITTEE
(*First Public Hearing)
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 476
SHORT TITLE: YUKLA 27 REMEMBRANCE DAY
SPONSOR(S): SP CMTE MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
02/07/96 2649 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
02/07/96 2649 (H) MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
02/14/96 (H) MLV AT 5:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HCR 25
SHORT TITLE: 381ST INTELL.SQUADRON DIVISION DAY
SPONSOR(S): SP CMTE MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
02/05/96 2627 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
02/05/96 2628 (H) MLV, STATE AFFAIRS
02/14/96 (H) MLV AT 5:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HJR 47
SHORT TITLE: AK NAT'L GUARD YOUTH CORPS CHALLENGE PROG
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) BRICE,Mulder,Willis,Rokeberg
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
04/28/95 1632 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
04/28/95 1632 (H) MLV, STATE AFFAIRS, FINANCE
05/01/95 1718 (H) COSPONSOR(S): WILLIS
01/22/96 2511 (H) COSPONSOR(S): ROKEBERG
02/14/96 (H) MLV AT 5:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 466
SHORT TITLE: ADAK REUSE AUTHORITY
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S) MOSES
JRN-DATE JRN-PG ACTION
02/02/96 2607 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
02/02/96 2607 (H) MLV, FINANCE
02/14/96 (H) MLV AT 5:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
GEORGE DOZIER, Legislative Staff
to Representative Pete Kott
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 432
Juneau, AK 99801
Telephone: (907) 465-3777
POSITION STATEMENT: Available for questions on HB 476.
REPRESENTATIVE TOM BRICE
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 426
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Telephone: (907) 465-3466
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HJR 47.
CAROL CARROLL, Director
Division of Administrative & Support Services
Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
P. O. Box 110900
Juneau, AK 99811-0900
Telephone: (907) 465-4730
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 47.
REPRESENTATIVE CARL MOSES
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 204
Juneau, AK 99801
Telephone: (907)
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 466.
LAMAR COTTEN, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Community & Regional Affairs
P. O. Box 112100
Juneau, AK 99811-2100
Telephone: (907) 465-4700
POSITION STATEMENT: The department supports HB 466.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 96-2, SIDE A
Number 000
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN IVAN called the House Special Committee on
Military & Veterans Affairs to order at 5:15 P.M. Members present
at the call to order were Representatives Ivan, Kott, Mulder,
Davies and Willis. Representatives Foster and Phillips were
absent.
HB 476 - YUKLA 27 REMEMBRANCE DAY
Number 102
CO-CHAIRMAN PETE KOTT testified:
"On September 22, 1995, an AWACS plane, with a call sign of YUKLA
27, crashed shortly after taking off from Elmendorf Air Force Base.
Tragically, its entire crew of twenty-four young men perished in
this catastrophic event.
"HB 476, which is sponsored by the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans Affairs, would declare September 22 of each
year, as YUKLA 27 Remembrance Day. It also calls upon the Governor
to issue a proclamation to commemorate the day and direct that
Alaska flags be flown at half-mast.
"It is only right and proper that we honor the memory of those who
sacrificed so much for us. The Committee respectfully urges your
support."
CO-CHAIRMAN KOTT explained that he generally does not like to put
in statute, issues of this nature, but considering that the tragedy
happened in Alaska and considering that honorable members of the
military have sacrificed a lot for us in the past, at present and
will so in future, he has asked that a resolution be drawn up
asking the Governor to issue a proclamation.
CO-CHAIRMAN KOTT informed the committee that this effort has been
coordinated with the public affairs office at Elmendorf Air Force
Base. He said the names of the crew members of YUKLA 27 are all
listed on the bill.
Number 277
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN noted the arrival of Representative Richard Foster
and recognized the presence of Representatives Carl Moses and Tom
Brice.
Number 298
REPRESENTATIVE ED WILLIS stated that he had two friendly amendments
for consideration:
Amendment One:
Page 1, line 6, between the and airmen, insert American and
Canadian.
Amendment Two:
Reorder the crew members by rank, force and occupation, rather than
alphabetically, and distinguish whether the airman is Canadian or
United States Air Force.
Number 421
CO-CHAIRMAN KOTT addressed Amendment One stating that the term
airmen generally applied to all flyers aboard the Advanced Warning
and Control System (AWACS). He said having flown himself on this
particular tail number, YUKLA 27, most correspondence related to
the term "airmen." He said he had no objection to the amendment.
There being no objection, it was so ordered.
CO-CHAIRMAN KOTT said Representative Willis' proposal in Amendment
Two was correct. He said the original draft arrayed the names by
rank, force and occupation, but recalled that the drafter of the
bill indicated that this was not the appropriate way to include
names in statute.
Number 600
GEORGE DOZIER, Legislative Staff to Representative Pete Kott, said
he worked on two separate resolutions and recalled that HB 476 was
originally requested in order of rank but he did not recall the
specifics.
Number 695
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES said if the committee wishes the names be
listed in order of rank then that is the way it should be moved.
Number 727
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES questioned the significance of placing this
event in statute and suggested that a memorial or monument might be
a better approach.
Number 854
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER agreed that the statutes should not get
cluttered but felt the bill is appropriate for discussion and that
it makes a statement to the military community that the legislature
supports them and recognizes their sacrifices.
Number 960
REPRESENTATIVE ELDON MULDER moved that CSHB 476(MLV) move from the
House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs with
individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note.
There being no objection, it was so ordered.
Number 985
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT expressed agreement with Representative Davies
and suggested that the committee consider some type of memorial.
He said, if funding were available, it would be a nice gesture.
Number 1014
REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD FOSTER declared that the committee could
confer with Adjutant General Lestenkof to see if DMVA could absorb
the cost of a brass plate or a concrete obelisk.
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN said he respected that recommendation and agreed
with Representative Foster that the committee would draft a letter
to the Adjutant General.
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT concurred with the recommendations.
HCR 25 - 381ST INTELL. SQUADRON DIVISION DAY
Number 1080
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT introduced the concurrent resolution saying
this legislation is a little more simplistic and less permanent
than HB 476:
"The 381st Intelligence Squadron Logistics Division, which is
stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, has performed distinguished
service to our nation, as indicated by the numerous merit awards it
has earned. Among others, this outstanding unit has received the
United States Air Force Outstanding Logistics Plans and Programs
Award, the Lieutenant General Leo Marquez Award, the General Thomas
P. Gerrity Award for Outstanding Logistics, and the Honorable
Dudley Sharp Award.
"Alaska is honored by the dedication and professional competence of
this unit. HCR 25 recognizes its excellence by declaring May 15,
1996 to be 381st Intelligence Squadron Logistics Division Day."
Number 1171
REPRESENTATIVE ELDON MULDER moved that HCR 25 move from the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs with individual
recommendations and attached zero fiscal note. Hearing no
objection, it was so ordered.
HJR 47 - AK NAT'L GUARD YOUTH CORPS CHALLENGE PROG
Number 1192
REPRESENTATIVE TOM BRICE introduced HJR 47:
"The Alaska National Guard Youth Corps ChalleNGe program seeks to
prevent "at-risk" youths, those who have left school without having
completed a high school program, from entering society's
correctional systems. According to national statistics, 80 percent
of those in federal prisons do not have high school diplomas or GED
certificates.
"The ChalleNGe program offers the opportunity for students to
complete a GED program, or return to high school with new, positive
skills and strengths which allow them to obtain a diploma in a
traditional setting. Currently, 85 percent of the ChalleNGe
program graduates are fully employed or attending school. 136
students have graduated from the ChalleNGe program, with another 64
slated to graduate February 16, 1996.
"It can cost between $20,000 and $50,000 per year to house a
prisoner in Alaska. For a fraction of that cost, the ANG Youth
Corps ChalleNGe program offers Alaska's at-risk youths the skills
necessary to not only stay out of our jails, but to succeed in
today's even more complicated society. The ChalleNGe program is
cost effective, utilizing $2.9 million (1996 program year) in
federal funding to provide opportunities to succeed to at-risk
young people in Alaska. At $20,000 per year, 136 inmates would
cost Alaska $2.72 million. According to the Department of
Corrections, Alaska's approximate cost for a medium security
prisoner is $107 per day, or $39,055 per year.
"Through tough, structured military-style training, ChalleNGe
program graduates receive the discipline and self-esteem needed to
succeed. ChalleNGe program graduates tend to have a drive to
succeed, become productive Alaskans, and serve as role models for
other youths and adults. ChalleNGe program graduates are likely to
stay off public assistance rolls. They are also likely to support
their local economies, pay taxes, and contribute to the well-being
of their communities.
"Supporting continued funding of this program pays off far beyond
its cost."
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE said HJR 47 asks Congress and the President to
continue funding support for the ChalleNGe program.
Number 1287
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE referred to page 1, line 5 stating that the
number 85 should be changed to 136. 136 students have passed
through this program.
Number 1326
REPRESENTATIVE BRICE informed the chairman that the ChalleNGe
program is jointly funded between the state and the federal
government. The importance of the program is that it does give
kids a little incentive to get over that hard hump that a lot of
kids have between the ages of 16 and 18.
Number 1350
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER asked to have his name added as a co-sponsor.
Number 1380
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES moved to amend page 1, line 5, change 85 to
136. Hearing no objection, it was so ordered.
Number 1400
CAROL CARROLL, Director, Division of Administrative and Support
Services, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, testified in
support of HJR 47, stating that the department feels that this is
a very important program.
Number 1423
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES moved that HJR 47, as amended, move from the
House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs with
individual recommendations and the zero fiscal note. Hearing no
objection, HJR 47 passed from committee.
HB 466 - ADAK REUSE AUTHORITY
Number 1487
REPRESENTATIVE CARL MOSES shared photographs of Adak with the
committee and testified:
"HB 466 would establish an Adak Reuse Authority to facilitate the
conversion of the Adak Naval Air Facility to civilian use. Last
year, the ANAF was targeted for closure by the federal base closure
commission. The closure deadline is January, 1998, however, it is
widely recognized that the Department of Navy will vacate the
facility ahead of schedule.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES proceeded, "Creating a reuse authority is
crucial to the conversion process in terms of developing and
implementing a reuse plan. Since Adak has no local governmental
entity, the need for a reuse authority is doubly important.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES continued, "HB 466 establishes a seven-member
authority as an instrumentality of the Community and Regional
Affairs Department. It calls for membership consisting of the
Commissioner of DC&RA, two other department heads selected by the
Governor, and four public members, appointed by the Governor.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said, "The Adak Reuse Authority would manage
a comprehensive redevelopment plan in a manner which would attract
business, create jobs and advance the general prosperity and
economic welfare of the region.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES concluded, "This authority would have the
powers to perform administrative duties, enter into contracts,
operate enterprises, receive grants and other funds, disburse funds
and issue revenue bonds. An enterprise development account would
be created for the Adak Reuse Authority by virtue of this bill."
Number 1601
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said in line with base closure procedures all
over the country, the Department of Defense makes some funding
available for the economic development of the areas impacted and
works in concert with local government. The significant difference
regarding Adak is that there is no local governing body with which
the federal government can work in this regard.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said the creation of the Reuse Authority will
ensure that the economic potential of Adak will have a fair shot at
redevelopment. He stated that the potential for a model fishing
community at Adak is obvious. Communities and municipalities in
the region are supportive. In addition to federal agencies, which
include U. S. Fish and Wildlife, the United States Navy and the
United States Coast Guard, all wish to maintain a presence on the
island.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES emphasized that the airfield at Adak is world
class, there are two deep water port facilities, and, in all, there
are approximately $2.3 billion in fixed and rolling assets
currently on the island.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said, "Our vision is to responsibly work
towards conversion and economic vitality." He maintained that Adak
represents a model, a showpiece to the nation as to what can be
done with the closure of a military base.
Number 1687
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER recalled that an air force base in Louisiana
had done the same thing. They found in the short term that while
it was economically difficult or challenging, in the long term
their economy expanded because they used this same approach. He
felt that HB 466 was a good idea and a much better approach than
piecemealing it which is often the only alternative.
Number 1736
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said HB 466 is an even better opportunity. It
will be a big help to the economy of the district and the state.
Number 1775
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked what the procedures will be when the
military vacates Adak to turn that land over.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said that technically it is part of a wildlife
refuge, of which 63,000 areas were leased to the Department of
Defense for the Adak Naval Facility. It will take some legislation
to convert that to the authority. It has to be officially taken
out of the wildlife refuge. He said it was his understanding that
U. S. Fish and Wildlife is interested in doing this because they do
not want to accept the liability that comes with the improved
acreage. He said that Fish and Wildlife had indicated that they
are in favor of keeping the base as it is now.
Number 1842
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER asked Representative Moses to explain the
upload or front load costs.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said normally the Department of Defense
assists in that, but it is not unlimited. He said this is such a
showpiece that he anticipates Alaska's Congressional delegation to
be able to get funding either from EDA or direct funds for the
transition of the base.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES informed the group that almost overnight,
there has been bidding on the fuel concessions which he predicts
will develop into an income stream. He said he was confident that
there would be fish processors clamoring for a base of operations.
The airfield presents an ideal opportunity for flying fresh fish to
the Orient.
Number 1940
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER asked if there is a mechanism in the bill to
handle the financial relationship. If so, how does that interact
with the state?
LAMAR COTTEN, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Community and
Regional Affairs, said that is a good question; part of the problem
is that it is still being worked out. He stated that he and
Representative Moses had found the Department of Defense and the
Navy's Office of Economic Adjustment, a bit of a moving target.
However, he felt they are sincere in wanting to do the transfer,
and they have led us to believe that they are interested in
assisting us financially. Technically, how that is to be done, we
have not worked out those details. But we are comfortable that
they are going to participate during the transition period. For
example, they have a responsibility for cleanup. There have been
92 sites identified as needing hazardous material waste cleanup.
Number 2027
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER said that Mr. Cotten was alluding to the
point he was trying to make. At what point does the state want to
adopt or assume financial responsibility behind the enterprise or
would we be better off abrogating that responsibility to the
Aleutians East Borough?
Number 2052
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES informed Representative Mulder that two local
municipalities were very interested in the prospect of becoming the
local governing body of Adak. He said that is the idea of the
authority that it will eventually transfer into the local
government: the authority cannot obligate the state.
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN asked Representative Moses to show where that is
located in the bill.
Number 2143
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES said his concern is the limitation on powers
in the bill. Does this disappear when this becomes a borough?
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said that was his understanding as well.
Number 2185
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked the status of the proposed committee
substitute.
Number 2196
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN stated that this is a landmark bill to a federal
facility. He asked if the Department of Defense is ready to let
this facility out? Are there planning sessions taking place right
now? He asked for a status report.
Number 2249
MR. COTTEN clarified that he is the chairman of the Local Reuse
Authority/Planning. What that means is the Department of Defense,
the Office of Economic Adjustment, which has responsibility on all
these closures, has set up a process where they want to get some
kind of collective consensus of the stakeholders, principally,
municipal governments, counties, school districts, and other taxing
jurisdictions. That is applicable to the other states. In this
case, it is not very applicable. We have two communities who are
facing military base closures. The state was approached by the Navy
and the Office of Economic Adjustment in March of 1995, and told it
was on the list and in all likelihood, it will be closed in January
1998.
MR. COTTEN said in the absence of a local government, they
approached the state with trying to come up with a committee that
would represent concerned interests in the Aleutians to develop a
reuse plan. The state, along with the Aleut Corporation, an
Aleutian Pribilof CDQ group representing seven Native fishing
organizations, the City of Atka, the City of Unalaska, the APICDA,
the Aleutians East Borough and Reeve Air Aleutians, represent the
Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA). The Office of Economic
Adjustment came to us and said we will give you planning money.
MR. COTTEN said to make a long story short, they did not show up
with the money. So, the local school district, which has no
students but has staff, gave the LRA $100,000. He said the LRA had
gone ahead with a request for proposal and are now negotiating for
a contract with Tryck Nyman Hayes, Inc. to complete a reuse plan,
including marketing of the base, to be conceptually finished by
May.
Number 2360
MR. COTTEN said the importance of May is that along with the
planning process of what the reuse possibilities are, there is
another group called the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB), which
the Department of Environmental Conservation plays a prominent role
in, who is identifying a series of polluted sites. We want to do
those cleanup activities that are necessary to allow reuse
activities.
Number 2399
MR. COTTEN said again, the Authority is a reflex of the fact that
there is not another entity to take over the base, such as a county
or borough, but as Representative Moses mentioned, there is
interest by the City of Unalaska and the Aleutians East Borough to
take over the base. At this point, the department and the state
are not taking a position on that as much as trying to get some
kind of authority that can assume the assets of this base when the
closure occurs. He reemphasized that the department does support
the bill.
Number 2430
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES asked for clarification of who is receiving
the $100,000.
MR. COTTEN said the Local Redevelopment Authority and the
Department of Community and Regional Affairs, which is the acting
agent along with committee members from the AIDEA and the private
sector, put out an RFP and interviewed the teams and the LRA will
be administratively holding the contract for the DC&RA.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES asked who constitutes the LRA.
MR. COTTEN replied that the LRA is not legally established as much
as it was established by the state as a way to bring consensus and
stakeholders into the process. The Office of Economic Adjustment
has recognized the state as the lead entity for the creation of the
LRA. He said the chief function of the LRA, to date, has been
planning. There have been a series of meetings to educate
ourselves.....(end tape).
TAPE 96-2, SIDE B
Number 000
MR. COTTEN reiterated that the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA)
is a planning commission established by the state with an effort to
bring in private and other, principally, Aleutian interests to
assist and develop a plan for reuse. He believe that comports with
the federal regulations from the Office of Economic Adjustment of
trying to get some kind of consensus on reuse.
MR. COTTEN said some of these groups eventually have established
themselves in law for the purpose of keeping the process open,
inclusive as opposed to exclusive. He said the meetings are fairly
informal and tried to have everybody at the table. There are a
series of issues about who owns the land. It is not owned by the
Natives as a withdrawal. So, we have some technical issues to deal
with. There are issues such as housing. There are about 500 units
of housing and some of them are starting to be mothballed.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES interjected that there are actually 1,000
units.
MR. COTTEN continued that there are subcommittee groups as well
working on different topics.
Number 051
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES asked if the Navy still controls the housing
at this point.
MR. COTTEN said the Navy still runs the base. There are 600 people
there.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said the Navy will be continuing their plan of
moving out. If there is lead paint or mercury switches, they have
to remove it. They have to remove the refrigerators. This process
is proceeding. It is in the book.
Number 099
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES responded to Co-Chairman Ivan's earlier
clarification that the authority cannot obligate the state. He
referred to page 8, beginning on line 29. "The authority may not
pledge the faith or credit of the state or of a political
subdivision of the state, except the authority, to the payment of
a bond, and the issuance of a bond by the authority does not
directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the state or a
political subdivision of the state to apply money from, levy, or
pledge any form of taxation to the payment of the bond."
Number 120
MR. COTTEN said what needs to be done is to ensure that the
military properly mothballs the place or the authority negotiates
with the military to ensure that there is enough money that they,
not only mothball it, but maybe maintain it longer.
Number 190
MR. COTTEN said both Representative Moses and the state have worked
cooperatively with the Congressional delegation to ensure that an
opportunity is not lost here, and the reuse possibilities of
fisheries, fuel, transportation, mainly flying fresh product out of
that area to the Orient, do not get overlooked.
MR. COTTEN said one of our comments to the Navy is that we do think
they are going a little too fast, but we do not feel that this bill
corners us into making a bad decision to take over a time bomb.
That is why we are trying to work with the federal government,
particularly through the Department of Environmental Conservation,
to ensure that the area is cleaned up.
Number 212
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES commented if the airport were to shut down, it
could affect all the twin jets that are flying overseas through
Anchorage and Fairbanks. Adak is used as an alternate airport.
Number 242
REPRESENTATIVE MULDER pointed out that he does not see how to
indemnify the state from incurring the costs that might be
associated after the military pulls out of Adak. He felt another
issue is a banking account. He said there is a zero fiscal note.
How do you set up a structure or how do you make this thing flow in
relation to accounting, short of using the state's general fund?
Number 313
MR. COTTEN said we feel it is essential to get the bill moving and
move ahead with the authority. It strengthens our hand in dealing
with the military that we are serious about some type of entity
taking over some or all responsibility of the base. He suggested
that this is a window of opportunity that the state probably does
not want to pass on. It is also a unique part of the state where
there is no city or borough of government to take a leadership
role.
Number 370
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said this is a separate entity, separate from
the state, and you can only obligate this authority to the extent
of the properties it has under its jurisdiction. It does not have
anything to do with the general fund. It creates its own banking
or money systems. It can bond. He said, "other than walking away
from it, I do not see where the state has the obligation."
Number 490
MR. COTTEN commented that Under Secretary of the Navy, Bill
Cassidy, had stated that nine years ago the Navy budget was $112
billion and today it is $68 billion. He was trying to communicate
to us to get our act together if we wanted to pick up on this
opportunity. He said the Navy is willing to negotiate a lot of
personal property assets to go with the fixed assets such as
graders, barges, tugs. Mr. Cassidy suggested that if you show us
a reuse plan that requires a fire truck then we will throw in the
fire truck.
Number 550
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN referred to a memorandum from Speaker of the
House, Gail Phillips, informing the House Special Committee on
Military & Veterans Affairs of her intent to send several committee
members to Anchorage on February 16, to participate in the Adak
Summit, to be held at the Hotel Captain Cook.
Number 590
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES exclaimed that he had hoped to have HB 466
through the legislature by the end of February, but would
appreciate its passage to the House Finance Committee because of
the summit with Senator Ted Stevens and the Deputy Secretary of the
Navy on Friday, February 16, to give them some indication that this
is moving.
Number 608
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES said his problems with HB 466 are
predominantly financial in nature. He said he is still trying to
figure it out, but that he is willing to pass the bill out of
committee with the proviso that there are financial issues that the
House Finance Committee needs to look at.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES referred to page 2, the public members of the
authority are entitled to $100 compensation for each day spent on
official business. On page 3, the authority may employ
professional advisors, legal counsel, etc. He said he is having
trouble understanding where the money is coming from and how we get
there from here.
Number 693
REPRESENTATIVE DAVIES said there is a limitation in the back that
limits the use of rents and royalties to develop anything else out
there. He felt that the House Finance Committee should look at
that as well.
Number 734
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT agreed that there are some financial
implications that need to be addressed. He mentioned page 3, line
5 (d), the authority shall keep minutes of each meeting and send a
certified copy to the governor and to the Legislative Budget and
Audit Committee.
Number 758
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER moved that HB 466 move from the House Special
Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs with individual
recommendations and attached fiscal note.
Number 771
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT objected for the purposes of asking a question.
He asked Mr. Cotten, is there any indication as to where the
federal delegation is leaning, as far as the reuse?
Number 796
MR. COTTEN replied that Local Redevelopment Authority had done a
good job of staying in contact with Senator Stevens office,
recognizing his interest in it and his responsibility in the area
of military and veterans affairs.
MR. COTTEN said the military itself has an interest, after the base
closes, of still using the base. He reemphasized that the anchor
out there is the airport, the waterfront and the fuel.
Number 863
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked if the LRA had looked over the comments
submitted by the Aleut Corporation.
MR. COTTEN responded that the Aleut Corporation's position is that
they should have control of the process as a corporation. He said
we have indicated that we want everyone at the table and they are
at the table along with other entities that are controlled or
dominated by Aleut Corporation shareholders, such as the Aleutians
East Borough, the City of Atka, APICDA, and in some ways, the City
of Unalaska. The residents of the region are represented on all
the different boards at every step of the process. He said he felt
it unfortunate that they are suggesting to the contrary.
MR. COTTEN said the Aleut Corporation is a private corporation and
has an interest in possibly obtaining the entire base. The federal
government has indicated time and again that they have no interest
as a process of deciding reuse to simply turn it over to a
corporation. The idea is to keep the public involved and to have
an open process where all the stakeholders are at the table and
then decide where the asset goes.
Number 963
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said he is a stockholder of the Aleut
Corporation, but he represents the entire district, not just the
Aleuts. His position is that the worst thing the state can do is
to have Adak turned over to any one entity whether it be a large
fish company or a Native corporation.
REPRESENTATIVE MOSES felt confident that Alaska's Congressional
delegation can get $50-$100 million for the transition. He said a
lot of that will be available from the Navy, but aside from that,
it is easily justified because Adak becomes a contributor to the
economy of the district, the state and the nation. He said if the
Navy ever wanted Adak back, in the event of a national emergency,
it will still be there.
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked if the Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs had an opinion on HB 466.
MS. CARROLL said she was there to listen and did not have any
comments.
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT withdrew his objection.
Number 1188
CO-CHAIRMAN IVAN stated that the motion to move HB 466 from the
House Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs was still
on the table. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the House Special
Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Co-Chairman Ivan
adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|