03/14/2002 03:18 PM House MLV
| Audio | Topic |
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND
VETERANS' AFFAIRS
March 14, 2002
3:18 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Chair
Representative Beverly Masek
Representative Lisa Murkowski
Representative Joe Green
Representative Pete Kott
Representative Joe Hayes
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Sharon Cissna
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CS FOR SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 31(STA)
Urging the United States Congress to permit the use of tax
exempt bonds to fund loans for veterans who served after 1976.
- MOVED CSSJR 31(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 324
"An Act making supplemental and other appropriations for
homeland security; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD AND HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 371
"An Act establishing the Alaska veterans' memorial endowment
fund and providing for credits against certain taxes for
contributions to that fund; relating to other tax credits for
certain contributions; and providing for an effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: SJR 31
SHORT TITLE:TAX EXEMPT BONDS TO FUND VETERANS LOANS
SPONSOR(S): SENATOR(S) WARD
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
04/30/01 1357 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME -
REFERRALS
04/30/01 1357 (S) STA
02/07/02 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 211
02/07/02 (S) Scheduled But Not Heard
02/07/02 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/12/02 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 211
02/12/02 (S) Moved CSSJR 31(STA) Out of
Committee
02/12/02 (S) MINUTE(STA)
02/13/02 2176 (S) STA RPT CS 5DP SAME TITLE
02/13/02 2176 (S) DP: THERRIAULT, PHILLIPS,
STEVENS,
02/13/02 2176 (S) DAVIS, HALFORD
02/13/02 2176 (S) FN1: ZERO(S.STA)
02/21/02 (S) RLS AT 11:00 AM FAHRENKAMP
203
02/21/02 (S) -- Meeting Postponed to
2/22/02 --
02/22/02 (S) RLS AT 10:30 AM FAHRENKAMP
203
02/22/02 (S) MINUTE(RLS)
02/25/02 2299 (S) RULES TO CALENDAR 2/25/02
02/25/02 2300 (S) HELD TO 2/27 CALENDAR
02/27/02 2321 (S) READ THE SECOND TIME
02/27/02 2321 (S) STA CS ADOPTED UNAN CONSENT
02/27/02 2321 (S) ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
UNAN CONSENT
02/27/02 2321 (S) READ THE THIRD TIME CSSJR
31(STA)
02/27/02 2321 (S) COSPONSOR(S): PHILLIPS,
OLSON, DAVIS,
02/27/02 2321 (S) ELTON, THERRIAULT, ELLIS,
WILKEN,
02/27/02 2321 (S) DONLEY, LEMAN, LINCOLN,
KELLY, STEVENS,
02/27/02 2321 (S) COWDERY, TAYLOR, HALFORD
02/27/02 2322 (S) PASSED Y19 N- A1
02/27/02 2325 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
02/27/02 2325 (S) VERSION: CSSJR 31(STA)
03/01/02 2427 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME -
REFERRALS
03/01/02 2427 (H) MLV, STA
03/14/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
BILL: HB 324
SHORT TITLE:HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
SPONSOR(S): RLS BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
01/16/02 1972 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME -
REFERRALS
01/16/02 1972 (H) MLV, STA, FIN
01/16/02 1972 (H) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER
01/16/02 1972 (H) SPREADSHEET BY DEPT. COST
02/12/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
02/12/02 (H) Heard & Held
02/12/02 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
02/19/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
02/19/02 (H) Heard & Held
02/19/02 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
02/21/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
02/21/02 (H) Heard & Held
02/21/02 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
02/26/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
02/26/02 (H) Heard & Held
02/26/02 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
02/28/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
02/28/02 (H) -- Meeting Canceled --
03/05/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
03/05/02 (H) Heard & Held
03/05/02 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/14/02 (H) MLV AT 3:00 PM CAPITOL 124
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR JERRY WARD
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 423
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SJR 31 as sponsor.
CAROL CARROLL, Director
Central Office
Administrative Services Division
Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
400 Willoughby Avenue, Suite 500
Juneau, Alaska 99811
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question on SJR 31.
NANCY SLAGLE, Director
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
3132 Channel Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801-7898
POSITION STATEMENT: Explained the department's requests and
answered questions on HB 324.
FRANK RICHARDS, State Maintenance Engineer
Statewide Maintenance
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
3132 Channel Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801-7898
POSITION STATEMENT: Explained the department's requests and
answered questions on HB 324.
MAJOR GENERAL PHILLIP OATES, Adjutant General/Commissioner
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
PO Box 5800
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-0800
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on HB 324.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 02-15, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIR MIKE CHENAULT called the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 3:18 p.m.
Representatives Chenault, Masek, Murkowski, Green, and Hayes
were present at the call to order. Representative Kott arrived
as the meeting was in progress.
SJR 31-TAX EXEMPT BONDS TO FUND VETERANS LOANS
CHAIR CHENAULT announced the first order of business, CS FOR
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 31(STA), Urging the United States
Congress to permit the use of tax exempt bonds to fund loans for
veterans who served after 1976.
Number 0172
SENATOR JERRY WARD, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor, presented
SJR 31. He told the members that this resolution has been
before the United States Congress for probably the last decade.
It is supported by the VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars of the
United States], the American Legion, and various other military
organizations. For some time, these organizations have been
attempting to get Congress to change the action it took in doing
away with the tax-exempt status of veterans who served after
1977; many veterans in Alaska fall into that category. He
indicated there seems to be a tremendous amount of encouragement
from Congress this year to help the military, not only with
increases in pay, but also with increases in the ability to own
homes. He said he believes private ownership of a home is one
of the greatest things a family can have.
Number 0330
SENATOR WARD explained that he is asking the legislature to
encourage Congress to change the Internal Revenue Code to allow
veterans that served from 1977 on to have the same rights as
those who served before 1977 - to have reduced interest rates
for veterans home loans in Alaska. Without those bills going
through Congress, veterans who served prior to 1977 can get a
lower interest rate, but veterans who serve today cannot.
Reporting that Alaska's congressional delegation supports this
resolution, he urged its passage.
Number 0448
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI expressed support for SJR 31 and
wondered if the committee has heard something similar before.
SENATOR WARD noted this resolution was not new. The veterans'
organizations have been trying for this for many years. He said
he didn't know if there was a House version of the resolution.
Number 0568
CAROL CARROLL, Director, Central Office, Administrative Services
Division, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, suggested
that Representative Murkowski could be referring to the
guaranteed revenue bonds from AHFC [Alaska House Finance
Corporation].
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI agreed it was.
Number 0603
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES asked Senator Ward if this would affect all
veterans from 1977 to the present.
SENATOR WARD replied yes.
Number 0644
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked Senator Ward why it stopped at 1976.
SENATOR WARD replied, "Because there's a whole bunch of anti-
military people that got into Congress, and they decided that
they're going to cut the pay of the military, take away benefits
from them, and treat them shabbily, and we have suffered for
that."
CHAIR CHENAULT closed public testimony.
Number 0739
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN moved to report CSSJR 31(STA) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal notes.
REPRESENTATIVES KOTT and REPRESENTATIVE HAYES objected because
they would benefit from the program and declared their conflict
of interest.
CHAIR CHENAULT indicated that there being no further objection,
CSSJR 31(STA) was reported out of the House Special Committee on
Military and Veterans' Affairs.
HB 324-HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS
CHAIR CHENAULT announced the next order of business, HOUSE BILL
NO. 324, "An Act making supplemental and other appropriations
for homeland security; and providing for an effective date."
Number 0961
NANCY SLAGLE, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), came
forward to testify, and she was accompanied by Frank Richards,
State Maintenance Engineer. She established that the committee
is working off the spreadsheet dated 2/27/02 [of the document
"Terrorism Disaster Policy Cabinet: Cost Estimates for Highest
Priority Recommendations"].
Number 0999
MS. SLAGLE noted that the Department of Transportation & Public
Facilities begins with Item 105 ["Marine Highway Stabilization
and Marine Vessel Operations: Add a Low Earth Orbital
communication system"]. She told the members that there is no
communication between the nine marine highway vessels that go
from Bellingham to Skagway and across the Gulf and shoreside on
a continual basis. If anything happened on board a ship or even
off the ship, if the ship needed to be notified, there is no
communication to enable that to happen. This money would
provide that needed link. She explained that the department
wouldn't purchase a Low Earth Orbital communication system but
would lease it from somebody who would provide the capital
upfront costs.
CHAIR CHENAULT asked if someone wanted to get a hold of the
Malaspina, for example, there would be no way to contact it.
MS. SLAGLE replied that the ferry would have to be close to port
to be able to do that.
Number 1135
FRANK RICHARDS, State Maintenance Engineer, Statewide
Maintenance, Office of the Commissioner, Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities, explained that currently
there is no tracking system. The vessels have single sideband
radios on them, but there can be dead zones in the route, so
there is not good communication.
CHAIR CHENAULT asked if this system is for communication or is
it a tracking system.
MR. RICHARDS replied that the Low Earth Orbital system will
allow for both. It has a GPS [Global Positioning System]
component to it, so it can actually track the vessel en route
and provide for the communication.
Number 1188
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked, "So right now with our ferry system,
there are spots out there where we can't communicate with them
and in addition to that, we don't have any GPS tracking system
that tells us where they're at a particular point in time?"
MS. SLAGLE agreed and said there are even places on the road
system where equipment operators cannot communicate with the
department, even though they have radios and cell phones. There
are dead spots along the way where there is no communication.
She noted that the department's communication system doesn't
meet the standards for dealing with security issues.
MR. RICHARDS added that in Alaska there is only single coverage
for GPS in certain areas, and it's certainly not statewide. The
remainder of the Lower 48 now has double coverage and has triple
coverage in some places for better accuracy of GPS tracking. It
is the department's goal to get single coverage for GPS tracking
in Alaska someday, he noted.
Number 1279
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked what would happen in an emergency
aboard a ship.
MR. RICHARDS answered that currently marine band radios are used
to correspond with the U.S. Coast Guard, and cell phones are
used in ports.
Number 1316
REPRESENTATIVE KOTT asked if there is communication with the
Coast Guard at all times.
MR. RICHARDS replied that there is, except where there are dead
zones.
Number 1335
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if there is already a tie into a low
orbital satellite and if those satellites actually cover all
parts of Alaska. He wondered if this would be a new satellite.
MR. RICHARDS said as he understands the technology, this company
has bought time in an existing satellite system that is in place
and will then provide the coverage. He said he believes that
the coverage does not extend the full breadth and width of the
state of Alaska, but will certainly cover areas in Southeastern
Alaska, Southcentral, and out to the Aleutian Islands.
MR. RICHARDS explained that the issue with GPS is the location
of the satellites and their orbital path to provide for coverage
across the state.
Number 1440
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES asked Mr. Richards to guesstimate how many
miles of dead zone there is for the ships.
MR. RICHARDS answered that he doesn't have a guesstimate for
that. He is unfamiliar with the BC [British Columbia]
coastline. He noted it could probably be figured out and
provided later.
Number 1482
CHAIR CHENAULT asked Ms. Slagle if they're talking about capital
costs or operating costs.
MS. SLAGLE answered that they are operating costs. It would be
a lease contract with the provider who would pay the capital
costs. The $275,000 is for the rest of this current fiscal year
plus all of next year.
CHAIR CHENAULT wondered what the estimate would be for the
following year.
MS. SLAGLE replied that she hoped it would stay fairly constant,
but with rising prices, it's hard to say.
CHAIR CHENAULT asked what the cost would be to buy the system.
MS. SLAGLE replied that all she knows is that it was more cost
effective to lease rather than purchase outright.
Number 1575
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if this was something found to be
deficient by the Alaska Marine Highway System or did the
communications company come to the state and offer something.
MR. RICHARDS answered that in the department's analysis for the
Disaster Policy Cabinet (DPC), it was asked to look at the
vulnerability of the marine highway system, the ports and
harbors, and cruise ship lines. At that time, the Alaska Marine
Highway System brought to the DPC's attention that there wasn't
that communication ability, and if the marine highway system
vessel were taken over or whatever, there would be zones in
which it couldn't communicate. He explained that then the
department sought to find out what communications abilities it
would have. This is on a parallel track with the intelligence
transportation system, which is being put into place in the
travel information program, in which the traveling public will
have better information on not only the marine highway system,
but on roadway conditions. At that time the department was also
looking for communications abilities and differential GPS
applications.
Number 1687
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN expressed shock that this system has been
deficient all this time. He asked if the military vessels or
cruise ships that traverse these same areas are out of
communication.
MR. RICHARDS answered that he couldn't address that except that
maybe they have satellite phones.
Number 1768
MS. SLAGLE referred to Items 106, 107, 108, and ["Central
Region Highways and Aviation: Contract municipal law
enforcement officers for rural airports to meet FAA's [Federal
Aviation Agency] mandatory 15 minutes response time;" "Northern
Region Highways and Aviation: Contract municipal law
enforcement officers for rural airports to meet FAA's mandatory
15 minutes response time;" "Southeast Region Highways and
Aviation: Contract municipal law enforcement officers for rural
airports to meet FAA's mandatory 15 minutes response time"] and
said those items were already discussed at the last meeting.
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 109 ["Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport Blast Assessment and Explosives Deflection
Devices: Conduct engineering blast assessment at Anc airport,
strengthen perimeter windows (glass) and construct deflection
devices in lieu of 300' parking setback"] and said that federal
funds are being looked at for this particular item. In response
to a question from Chair Chenault, she said it has been
determined that there would not be a waiver for the
international airports.
Number 1860
CHAIR CHENAULT asked if the new railroad terminus at the Ted
Stevens Airport is going to cause problems for the 300-foot
parking setback.
MR. RICHARDS answered that he'd asked that same question. From
the FAA's perspective, it doesn't necessarily fall under the
guidance of the 300-foot setback; however, the analysis
undertaken would incorporate that building into the blast
effect.
Number 1932
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said she hoped this assessment is
happening at a time in which adjustments can still be made,
rather than finishing construction on the project and then find
out it does apply to this. She asked for assurance that this
was happening. She wondered if, in the construction planning of
the drive-up area in the newly constructed area [the old C
concourse area], they're making sure that the "blast assessed"
windows have been put into the new project, and that's been
built into the cost.
MR. RICHARDS responded that the intention is to include the new
terminal facilities in the analysis for the blast effect. He
mentioned that a blast analysis has not been conducted yet
because there hasn't been the funds to do that. The architects,
contractors, and the state personnel overseeing the project are
fully aware of the potential impact that could come. Included
in this package are modification dollars for the terminals for
needs, not only for blast impact deflection devices but also
terminal modifications for the new screening devices, that
likely will go into the new terminal facility. He said, "So, we
are aware of it, and it is a concern, and we would like to move
forward with the analysis as soon as we can."
Number 2087
MS. SLAGLE continued with Item 110 ["Bridge Disaster Replacement
Plans and Equipment. Develop plans for replacement of priority
bridges; purchase and stockpile moveable, temporary bridge spans
in Fairbanks"]. She noted that $3.5 million in federal highway
dollars is being looked for that.
CHAIR CHENAULT surmised that there is already a plan that says
which bridges are primary or secondary.
MR. RICHARDS said yes, the threat assessment of the road system
has looked at the bridges and prioritized them.
Number 2156
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked how much ice force the Bailey bridges
can withstand. He wanted to know if they can take several
inches of ice during breakup or if they are mainly open-water
bridges.
MR. RICHARDS replied that he isn't an expert on the Bailey
bridges and their lateral force stability. His own experience
is being on open-water operations, and they are strong and
suitable for that. He noted if those bridges were to be put in
an ice condition, that would be looked at in the assessment
before going forward with it. He explained that the department
went with the Bailey bridge because it is quick and deployable
and can be used in multiple locations.
Number 2237
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 111 ["Transportation Management and
Security: Establish a Transportation Security Office within
DOT&PF"]. He explained that now there is no central office to
coordinate security issues for the department. There are a
great deal of security items: all the infrastructure within the
state is the responsibility of DOT&PF - the airports, the roads,
the bridges, and the marine highway system are all vulnerable.
She pointed out that somebody coordinating the requirements from
FAA or federal highways or the Coast Guard is critical for that
information to be disseminated and to make sure that the
requirements are being implemented.
MR. RICHARDS explained that the new Transportation Security
Administration (TSA), which resides in the U.S. DOT [Department
of Transportation], came out of the Aviation and Transportation
Security Act passed by Congress in November. It is an
undersecretary position that will be responsible for all of the
transportation security assets across the nation. Currently,
the TSA is focusing on aviation, but soon it will be looking at
the susceptibility and vulnerability of ports, harbors,
highways, and bridges, and it will likely be promulgating new
regulations that the department will respond to with security
measures. It was the hope of the department to have a law
enforcement security person who would direct the department's
security-related issues.
Number 2335
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN commented that in the event of a
catastrophe, he noted that generally, the on-scene coordinator
is someone from the military, especially in Alaska. He asked if
the military would have this kind of an operation that could be
utilized until whatever repair was necessary. He wondered if
this was duplicating something the military is already planning.
MR. RICHARDS indicated that he can address how the current
aviation regulations are and how the onus is placed on the
airport operator, not an outside entity, not the Alaska State
Troopers, but the Department of Transportation & Public
Facilities to be the onsite airport security coordinator, the
onsite safety and emergency respond coordinator. So, when an
event happens, it is the DOT&PF onsite personnel that are the
incident commanders. He suggested that Major General Oates
could answer for other emergency needs.
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN restated his question, whether Item 111
would be redundant to things the military would do in the event
of a catastrophe.
Number 2514
MAJOR GENERAL PHILLIP OATES, Adjutant General/Commissioner,
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, testified via
teleconference. He said that with this facility, there will be
a day-to-day capability to enhance the security of
transportation management through a security office. He
explained that it is difficult for the military to be engaged,
unless it has been called out to be involved in traffic of large
numbers of people on a daily basis. It would take a heightened-
alert status to do that. He said he thinks in all these areas
there needs to be the most efficient way to manage security.
MAJOR GENERAL OATES pointed out that the purpose of the Office
of Homeland Security is to look at the most efficient ways to
manage the security requirements across the state. He added:
We had a telephone conference just this week with
Governor Ridge to talk about the new alert system that
the nation is putting together. That alert system has
some five different categories of warning status, and
then it's very important that we identify each level
of protection that we need to provide as the threat
goes up. In other words, who is responsible from both
the public sector, the government sector, and the
military sector as the threat conditions increase. I
think what you see here is an approach to how do we
improve the daily transportation security and all
transportation arenas. We may not have the perfect
solution here, but if we don't get any resources, I
don't think we'll be able to provide the degree of
protection that our citizens deserve. Did that answer
your question or was there something specific that I
missed?
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN said if something were [based] in
Southcentral and there was a problem in Fairbanks or Southeast,
would this system take care of as broad an area of the state as
there probably is within the military.
Number 2651
MAJOR GENERAL OATES replied that this is not a response
organization as much as it is a planning organization to make
sure that the procedures are in place for all the security. The
list shows the magnitude of the task facing the department when
looking at all the areas to provide transportation security.
The effort is to put things in place.
Number 2701
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN ask Ms. Slagle what would be anticipated
for the following year.
MS. SLAGLE answered that about $400,000 a year on an ongoing
basis is being looked at to maintain that office. The amount
was reduced for this year, thinking some people could be hired
in April, dependent on receipt of the money from this
appropriation bill.
Number 2740
CHAIR CHENAULT asked about security already in place before
September 11 [2001].
MR. RICHARDS explained that what is already in place is
primarily dictated by the FAA regulations for the airport
security. There is not anything in place or any security role
or function for the highways, the ports and harbors, or the
marine highway system.
MS. SLAGLE explained that the international airports with safety
officers do work on security issues. There are 262 rural
airports that have no security coordination from the
commissioner's office. The highways and aviation sections are
responsible for them, but the dissemination of the information
to them, and the coordination of what they do, and meeting those
FAA requirements is not there at the moment.
Number 2815
CHAIR CHENAULT commented that the FAA required security at these
facilities before September 11. He said he understood that more
regulations have been placed upon the airports. He wondered
whether the department was wanting to add to what already exists
or was looking at building a whole new department just to
address the FAA needs.
MR. RICHARDS replied that the FAA requirements have been added
to. With the new Transportation Security Administration taking
over aviation security, a federal security director will be put
in place at each of 454 airports across the nation. There now
will be a federal employee responsible for overseeing the
security of the 2 international and 18 rural airports. That
will place a large onus on the department in terms of compliance
but also in terms of communication with the federal government.
He said, We're not looking to building a new department; we're
looking to provide general oversight and more coordination
within the existing department employees for the aviation
security and then the new role likely for the other assets.
Number 2914
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 112 ["Statewide Design and
Engineering Services: Establish a transportation security
training program"]. He explained it is federal dollars to be
used for training of the staff to deal with the requirements of
security issues, such as checking bridge structures to make sure
there's no potential sabotage or explosive charges. It ties in
with what was discussed at a previous meeting about the
requirement of all of the staff to be on top of knowing what the
federal requirements are, and this item provides them with the
training.
[Item 113 was withdrawn.]
TAPE 02-15, SIDE B
Number 2950
MS. SLAGLE brought attention to Item 114 ["Measurement Standards
and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement: Expand Fox weigh station
hours to 24/7"]. She noted that this gives the department an
additional checkpoint for the Dalton Highway.
CHAIR CHENAULT asked how far the Fox weigh station is from the
bridge. He also wondered about combining the request in Item
114 with a request by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to
build a station on the bridge to maintain the safety portion of
the bridge 24/7.
Number 2882
MR. RICHARDS explained that the only major road access coming in
is the Elliott Highway, but it comes from Manly into the Dalton
Highway. There is not a major road access beyond the Fox weigh
station. The department's goal in staffing the weigh station is
to provide a commercial vehicle presence to track primarily the
commercial loads but also hazardous materials. After September
11, the inability of states to know where hazardous materials
were going, who was driving them, and what their destinations
finally were became a major issue across the nation. This would
allow the department the option to monitor those trucks and
goods up the highway. In the analysis for the Disaster Policy
Cabinet, the department looked at staffing this in lieu of the
bridge, but because of the bridge's importance to the
transportation system, it was determined that it was necessary
to have an onsite presence, which augmented the Alyeska pipeline
people who were doing their observation on the bridge and
pipeline.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI wondered why both are needed.
MR. RICHARDS answered that the troopers are currently doing a
cursory inspection and looking in the vehicles being observant
of any activities on the bridge, but they certainly are not
going into the load of a semi-trailer to know what's in there.
Staffing of the Fox weigh station would augment that by knowing
that truck A was carrying hazardous goods. If the troopers at
the bridge knew it was a load of dangerous goods, they would
then have more information to do their assessment in monitoring
of that bridge.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said she understands that it is
helpful, but she still wondered if it is necessary. She is
still not certain how manning the Fox weigh station does
anything more than telling what the load is.
MR. RICHARDS agreed that it provides the state useful
information to better track the movement of goods and materials.
Number 2709
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said, "It seems to me that we ought to
be able to put public safety guys and DOT guys together at one
point or another, whether it's the check point up by the bridge
or the weigh station."
MR. RICHARDS replied that one of the issues at the bridge is the
ability to create a structure large enough to house multiple
staff and all the utility needs necessary for a structure.
There was an existing structure at Fox, and that was the goal to
initially put staff there to provide that service. Through
further analysis, it was determined to put onsite presence to
augment the Alyeska pipeline people at the bridge.
Number 2665
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI asked if there are two different
purposes: that DPS is looking at it from one perspective, and
DOT&PF is looking at it from another.
MR. RICHARDS said:
In terms of the transportation assets that we are
concerned about on the Dalton Highway, we have a
common goal, and that is the safety of that asset. By
providing and having information as to the contents of
a vehicle, I think that provides us with just that
little bit more knowledge that would be key if an
event were to occur. Or, if there was withdrawing of
the Alaska State Troopers at some point, then we would
have one asset that would then be in place and
[continue] to provide useful information to not only
the state as a whole, but also to the industry reliant
on those goods.
Number 2615
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said she didn't mean to be
argumentative, but it seems to her that if you want to know
what's inside the truck, you could check it at the checkpoint,
instead of having two different points where basically you're
making sure that you know what's going on inside the vehicle.
MR. RICHARDS said the only other thing that the Fox checkpoint
does is provide for safety checks of the vehicle so that those
other citizens on the road also would then be safer because the
truck had gone through an inspection. If the operator at the
Fox weigh station feels that the truck has something out of
place, then there will be a safety inspection that wouldn't be
done by the Alaska State Troopers, monitoring the bridge for
essentially terrorist-related activities.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI asked what the hours of operation are
in Fox weigh station now.
MR. RICHARDS replied that in the wintertime, he believes it is
12 hours a day.
CHAIR CHENAULT asked if private individuals are checked or
logged in or out at the Fox weigh station.
MR. RICHARDS answered that it's only commercial vehicles.
Number 2508
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if someone driving a private truck
through the weigh station would be stopped and checked.
MR. RICHARDS replied that private citizens driving trucks would
not be checked.
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if a terrorist is driving a
commercial truck, would the truck be checked or would his word
of what he is carrying be good enough.
Number 2457
MR. RICHARDS answered that the department is soon to implement
what is known as the 'C vision plan' - commercial vehicle
identification system. It's essentially a seamless system that
has been put in place in the Lower 48. Before this, when a
commercial vehicle got a load of bananas in Florida and wanted
to drive to Seattle, he would have to stop at every state line
and go through an inspection or verification of documents. The
C-vision plan is an electronic transfer. He now puts a
transmitter up into his cab, and when he goes across the state
line, there is a reader that will read his information, the
driver, hours driven, the goods, safety inspection history on
the vehicle, and then he's processed very quickly through a
computer system and an active weigh station operator to get a
'go' or 'no go.'
MR. RICHARDS noted that that system will soon be put into place
in the state of Alaska and in Fox as well. So, a driver picks
up a load of pipe at the Port of Anchorage and wants to drive to
Prudhoe Bay, he will be able to go via the weigh stations. If
he has a transponder, he won't be called in because the goods
will be known, the weight of the vehicle will be known due to
automatic weight information. The goods and safety records of
the drivers with transponders will be known. Those that have
terrorist-related activities in mind likely would not have that,
unless they have collusion in the trucking industry. So, that
person would be pulled in. Through checking of the placards on
the truck and the origination of the truck, the weigh station
operator would then be able to make an informed decision on
whether or not to check that vehicle out further.
Number 2330
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if the brake check would be done if
there was a sticker on the windshield.
MR. RICHARDS answered that that brake check he talked about is
another new technology that's being put into place. It is
essentially a mobile device that allows for infrared checking of
brakes. That could be placed in Anchorage or Fairbanks or
Juneau, wherever the need arises. It's not going to be at every
weigh station.
Number 2307
CHAIR CHENAULT asked if a terrorist stops a truck with a
transponder and changes loads, is there anything that will stop
them from continuing on.
MR. RICHARDS replied that in the scenario the Chair just
described, certainly events like that can happen on the roadway
to any truck or any private vehicle. He said he was trying to
describe another tool that the department and Fox weigh station
would have in checking the vehicles.
Number 2165
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI turned attention to Item 115 ["Have
DOT&PF maintenance personnel check key bridges on a daily basis
and block access to roads under bridges"]. She asked if this
was something done as a matter of course or is this a new
requirement.
MR. RICHARDS answered that currently when the operators and
foremen are on the road, they have their eyes and ears open to
whatever the transportation asset may be. In the case of the
bridges, they've been asked to be cognizant of parked vehicles
next to the abutments or beneath bridges. They are currently
not getting out of the vehicles and checking underneath the
bridges. It is hoped that this item will provide the training
necessary to know what to look for. He said, yes it is part of
the their daily duties; it's not an extra duty.
The committee took an at-ease from 4:24 p.m. to 4:27 p.m.
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 117 ["Statewide Administrative
Services: Improve personnel security (background checks) for
commercial driver's license operators and selected DOT&PF
positions"]. She explained that there is now a federal
requirement that requires all employees that have access to
secure areas in the airports had criminal background checks.
Also, it is required that the background of individuals holding
commercial driver's licenses be looked into. This item provides
the money to do those background checks.
Number 1991
CHAIR CHENAULT asked if this was due to more strenuous
requirements by the FAA than what is currently done. He
surmised that before 9/11 [September 11] some kind of background
check was done on people working at airports.
MR. RICHARDS said pre 9/11, an employment verification was done
for five years; if there was a gap of more than 12 months, then
a 10-year verification on criminal history was done, but not
fingerprint-based. The new Transportation Security
Administration guidelines are for fingerprint-based criminal
history checks on the airport personnel, not only DOT&PF
personnel, but anybody requiring security identification display
badges in the secure area. This measure is for background
checks for DOT&PF employees only, and it is a new requirement
since 9/11.
MR. RICHARDS explained that by December 6, 2002, all employees
will have to have criminal history background checks. There are
28 crimes that will disqualify someone from receiving a badge.
Number 1873
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 118 ["Fairbanks Airport Safety:
Establish temporary gates and check points at Fairbanks
airport"]. She indicated that this is specifically related to
the 300-foot setback requirement, and there needed to be some
additional checkpoints for access. This was a more economical
way of dealing with that situation, and international airport
funds are being used to do this.
CHAIR CHENAULT commented that it didn't make much sense to worry
about the 300-foot setbacks and require the department to put in
bomb-deflection devices at the major airports, but yet allowing
drivers to drive up to the front of the building.
CHAIR CHENAULT noted that Item 119 was deleted. ["Increase
inspections and random checks of Security Identification Display
Area (SIDA) authorized vehicles at Anc and Fbx airports"]
Number 1663
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 120 ["Anchorage Airport Safety:
Increase presence and visibility of law enforcement officers at
Anc airport"].
CHAIR CHENAULT asked the difference between an airport safety
officer and a state trooper.
MR. RICHARDS answered that an airport safety officer is a duly
licensed officer who has passed the Alaska State Police
Standards and works for the Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities, and the Alaska State Trooper works for the
Department of Public Safety.
MR. RICHARDS agreed with Representative Hayes that airport
safety officers have dual training for police as well as airport
rescue and firefighting.
Number 1541
REPRESENTATIVE GREEN referred to the possible FAA reimbursement
on Item 120. He wondered if that doesn't come about, would the
money shift over to the general fund.
MS. SLAGLE answered no, it will be international airport revenue
funds if the FAA doesn't pick up the cost, and so it won't be a
burden on the general fund.
MS. SLAGLE answered another question from Representative Green
saying, the international airport revenue funds are collected
from the air carriers or concessionaires and are used to cover
the expenditures. If they aren't added into the rate base, they
won't be recovered. So, the rates wouldn't be increased to
accommodate it.
Number 1430
MS. SLAGLE referred to Items 121 and 122 ["Fairbanks Airport
Operations: Increase presence and visibility of law enforcement
officers at Anc and Fbx airports" and "Fairbanks Airport Safety:
Increase presence and visibility of law enforcement officers at
Fbx airport"] and said they are basically related. She
explained that some appear in the operations component and some
appear in the safety component. It is the same issue as with
the Anchorage International airport in increasing the presence
of the airport safety officers either through additional
positions or through overtime.
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 123 [ Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport Blast Assessment Explosives Deflection
Devices: Modify existing and new terminal structural
configuration and baggage conveyor systems to accommodate new
FAA explosive detection devices"] which asks for $18 million.
Part of the issue is trying to make sure that the baggage system
included in the terminal is appropriate for security needs and
to determine how the airport is going to put the CTX machines
in.
Number 1307
MR. RICHARDS explained that the CTX machine is an explosive
detection device that the Transportation Security Administration
will be providing to the Anchorage international airport. By
December 6, 2002, every bag in the nation must go through an
explosive detection screening. So, TSA will provide these
devices which are pickup truck-sized devices, extremely heavy,
and a lot of power requirements involved with them. The
airports are faced with trying to figure out just where this
device is going to sit. He indicated that airports across the
nation are grappling with this, and they're certainly looking at
umpteen billions of dollars in structural modifications
necessary to comply with these machines. Also included in this
item are modifications to the existing terminal, as well as the
new terminal that will replace the C concourse in Anchorage.
Number 1208
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI asked how passengers flying from Nome
to Fairbanks would have their baggage checked. She wondered how
this requirement is met without sending these passengers from
Nome down to Anchorage to screen their bags and then sending
them up to Fairbanks.
Number 1100
MR. RICHARDS answered that the TSA is grappling with this same
question. Larger airports are going to be the first to receive
these new devices. Currently nationwide, there are 60 devices
in airports. By the end of the year, there need to be about
2,500, and only about 80 machines are being produced a year. He
explained that the passenger in Nome will have to go through
some type of explosive-device screening that likely will be the
hand wand, which checks for trace elements through a portable
machine. In his view, that will likely pass as an explosive-
detection screening for that passenger, so that passenger would
not have to go through Anchorage on the way to Fairbanks. But,
say the passenger was routed through Anchorage, the question
was, Since he has not gone through the expensive CTX machine,
should his baggage be pulled off and run through that machine,
slowing down the system even more? That question has not been
answered.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI asked if there is only one machine
scheduled for the state in Anchorage.
MR. RICHARDS answered that it is likely that Anchorage will have
two. At this time, none will be going to any other community.
It likely that Anchorage will start off with one and may go to
two, depending on the configuration.
Number 1007
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES asked why Fairbanks wouldn't get a machine
since it is also an international airport and there are many
tourists coming in from Europe in the summer. He wondered what
determines who gets a machine.
Number 0957
MR. RICHARDS said he can't second guess TSA and how it has made
the determination. He said he believed the airports are
categorized by the number of "enplanements" of passengers. He
explained that category X is the largest - Chicago, Los Angeles,
and Boston, at 5 million plus. Category 1, which Anchorage
falls into, is 2.5 million plus. Category 2, which is
Fairbanks, is between 250,000 to 2.5 million. The rural
airports are category 3. He said he thought the TSA is focusing
on the largest airports initially. He suggested that maybe in
the future there could be a CTX machine at Fairbanks.
MS. SLAGLE commented that the TSA is going to have to rethink
the requirements in the timeframes for when these machines can
be implemented; she said she doesn't see how it can happen in
the time frame.
MR. RICHARDS indicated that the time frame was set by Congress.
Number 0798
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 124 ["Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport Security Access Control Systems: Install
state-of-the-art access control systems, traffic control
barriers, and purchase police vehicle at Anc airport"] and
explained that this is federal funding with international
airport revenue funds as match. This would provide some closed-
circuit television, access control, and proximity cards for the
airport and some security upgrades.
MS. SLAGLE referred to Items 125, 126, and 127 ["Ted Stevens
Anchorage International Airport Communication Equipment:
Provide handheld communication equipment for expanded use of
National Guard soldiers at airports when not needed at security
screening points;" "Fairbanks International Communication
Equipment: Provide handheld communication equipment for
expanded use of National Guard soldiers at airports when not
needed at security screening points;" and "Rural Airports
Communication Equipment: Provide handheld communication
equipment for expanded use of National Guard soldiers at
airports when not needed at security screening points"], which
are all for communication equipment for the two international
airports and the rural airports.
CHAIR CHENAULT asked Major General Oates if there has been any
talk of backing the National Guard troops out of the airports.
MAJOR GENERAL OATES said there is. The National Guard has been
extended in its mission for the airports. They are looking at
keeping the National Guard members until the end of May. He
noted that there is also an option in which federal dollars will
be available to local police agencies if they are capable of
assuming the duties from the National Guard, and that would
break some of the National Guard members out. He said, "We are
on a glad path to transition out of the mission, but obviously
the federal requirement has been so large we haven't been able
to do that just yet." He said it was his hope that by the end
of May they would be coming out of the airports.
Number 0485
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 128 ["Security and Emergency Access
Routes in Anchorage: Revise traffic patterns for enhanced
security and emergency routing at the Port of Anchorage Access
and access/egress from Elmendorf AFB and Ft. Richardson onto the
Glenn Highway"] and noted that that item was reviewed at the
previous meeting.
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 129 ["Alaska Marine Highway System
Security: Conduct a detailed security study and risk analysis
of Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) operations"]. She
explained that currently underway is a detailed security study
of the vulnerability of the risks of the marine highway system
and recommendations as to any areas that need improved security.
Number 0412
MS. SLAGLE referred to Items 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135
["Marine Highway Stabilization and Marine Vessel Operations:
Purchase short-term War Risk Insurance for AMHS and analyze need
for longer term insurance;" "Anchorage Airport Administration:
Purchase short-term War Risk Insurance for Anc airports and
analyze need for longer term insurance;" "Fairbanks Airport
Administration: Purchase short-term War Risk Insurance for Fbx
airports and analyze need for longer term insurance;" "Central
Region Highways and Aviation: Purchase short-term War Risk
Insurance for rural airports and analyze need for longer term
insurance;" "Northern Region Highways and Aviation: Purchase
short-term War Risk Insurance for rural airports and analyze
need for longer term insurance;" "Southeast Region Highways and
Aviation: Purchase short-term War Risk Insurance for rural
airports and analyze need for longer term insurance"]. She said
these items were also talked about at the last meeting.
Number 0360
MS. SLAGLE explained that Item 136 was deleted. ["Respond
immediately to unauthorized vehicles at curbside and restricted
areas at Anc and Fbx airports"]
Number 0334
MS. SLAGLE referred to Items 137, 138, and 139 ["Ted Stevens
Anchorage International Airport Security Access Fingerprinting
Equipment and Training: Review access control and employee
training at Anc airport;" "Fairbanks International Airport
Security Access Fingerprinting Equipment and Training: Review
access control and employee training at Fbx airport;" "Rural
Airport Security Access Fingerprinting Equipment and Training:
Review access control and employee training at rural airports"]
and said these have been talked about before. She indicated
that these items are actually the equipment and training needed
for providing the fingerprinting for the background checks at
the airports, and the equipment needs to be at the airport to do
that. She explained that these are portable pieces of equipment
attached to a computer and can transmit the scanned fingerprints
electronically to get a fairly rapid response - meaning days
versus months.
MR. RICHARDS noted that those machines have been purchased
because there was a hiring freeze at all of the airports and
left them without the ability to do fingerprints and get the
criminal history background check. He mentioned that there is
100 percent federal eligibility for reimbursement for these.
Number 0163
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 140 ["International Airport Terminal
Security: Review and modify Anc and Fbx airport terminal
configurations to meet security requirements"], which includes a
public address system at the Anchorage airport, an Anchorage
guard shack, and a holding area for detaining people at
Fairbanks. Those are federal funds and international airport
revenue funds as match, she explained.
MS. SLAGLE said that Item 41 was deleted. ["Anchorage Airport
Facilities: Security door maintenance at Anc airport"]
TAPE 01-16, SIDE A
Number 0001
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 142 ["Anchorage Airport Contract
Security and Facilities: Contract for security patrols of
airport perimeter, parking garages, terminal, and checkpoints.
Also provide security door maintenance at Anc airport"]. She
said there are additional secure doors that need increased
maintenance, and it is more than what the department has now.
She explained that this is international airport revenue funds
and noted that this request had been increased.
Number 0094
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI said she was under the impression that
airport security did all of the security patrol. She wondered
if this was different.
MR. RICHARDS replied that prior to 9/11, her statement is
accurate. Since 9/11 and the additional FAA/TSA requirements,
there've been more patrols necessary, and the existing security
has been augmented.
Number 0184
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES asked if the $800,000 for police at the
airport mentioned earlier would not suffice rather than spending
another million dollars.
MR. RICHARDS replied it is in addition because of the
requirements placed on the airport to provide security patrols.
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 143 ["Anchorage Airport Safety: K-9
Bomb dog program"]. This would provide three teams of a dog, a
handler, the necessary equipment and the bunkers necessary for
testing those dogs. She explained that this is something new,
and it's become necessary at the larger airports to implement
this program.
Number 0409
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES said Anchorage is getting the bomb
detection machines and the bomb dogs and wondered what Fairbanks
is getting in all this.
MR. RICHARDS said regarding specifically to Anchorage and its
request for the K-9 bomb dog teams, it was because that bomb dog
teams will be seen as a supplement to the CTX machines. There
are three procedures that the TSA will allow for explosive
detection screening. One is the CTX machine, two is the hand
wand, and three is biological, essentially, dog. Anchorage has
asked for the bomb dog team as a supplement to the CTX machine,
knowing full well that it will likely receive the bomb dog team
prior to the CTX machine, so it will be able to comply far
sooner. Fairbanks International Airport felt that it was able
to suffice with the portable machine.
Number 0563
MR. RICHARDS explained that the dog teams for the airports must
pass through the FAA "dog farm." There is one facility in the
nation that provides these teams, and there are only 60 teams
produced a year.
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES asked, "So Fairbanks didn't request this?"
MR. RICHARDS answered that is correct.
Number 0670
MS. SLAGLE referred to Items 145, 146, and 147 ["Central Region
Hwys & Aviation: Federal requirement for airport operators and
aircraft operators to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history
record checks on individuals with unescorted access authority to
the Security Identification Display Area of an airport, and
badge those with access to the Airport Operations Area;"
"Northern Region Hwys & Aviation: Federal requirement for
airport operators and aircraft operators to conduct fingerprint-
based criminal history record checks on individuals with
unescorted access authority to the Security Identification
Display Area of an airport, and badge those with access to the
Airport Operations Area;" and "Southeast Region Hwys & Aviation:
Federal requirement for airport operators and aircraft operators
to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history record checks on
individuals with unescorted access authority to the Security
Identification Display Area of an airport, and badge those with
access to the Airport Operations Area"]. She explained these
are the general fund program receipts for the fingerprinting for
non-DOT&PF employees who have access to secure areas and must be
fingerprinted. She reported that this gives the department the
ability to charge the employees for that.
Number 0742
MS. SLAGLE referred to Item 148 ["Northern Region Hwys &
Aviation: Due to the proximity of the Valdez Airport to the
terminal of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline a security program was
developed and implemented to improve security of the airport.
Install new perimeter fence gates to prevent [inadvertent] entry
and install traffic barriers to restrict parking. Develop and
implement a security program, identical to other rural state
airports."]
MR. RICHARDS said after 9/11, the Port of Valdez and the Trans-
Alaska Pipeline were identified as a major asset of national
interest and concern. As such, through consultation with the
Disaster Policy Cabinet and the military, the airport at Valdez
was identified as sufficient proximity to the terminal that it
should have a security program. Because of the size of aircraft
that fly into Valdez, a security program is not required under
the FAA regulations. So, a security program was established
similar to those in rural airports.
Number 0851
MS. SLAGLE referred to Items 149 and 150 ["Fairbanks Airport
Safety: Federal requirement for airport operators and aircraft
operators to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history record
checks on individuals with unescorted access authority to the
Security Identification Display Area of an airport;" and
"Anchorage Airport Safety: Federal requirement for airport
operators and aircraft operators to conduct fingerprint-based
criminal history record checks on individuals with unescorted
access authority to the Security Identification Display Area of
an airport."] She explained that those items are also receipt
and expenditure authority for doing the non-DOT&PF
fingerprinting.
MS. SLAGLE told the committee that the department probably would
be requesting an amendment through the Office of Management &
Budget, but it won't be from general funds. The department has
heard recently from the INS [Immigration & Naturalization
Service] that some reconfiguration needs to be done at the
Anchorage international airport to accommodate a separation
between inbound and outbound passengers for customs screening.
That impact will have to be looked at, and the rough estimate to
do that is a couple million dollars.
Number 0924
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI asked for an explanation.
MR. RICHARDS said the issue at Anchorage's north terminal is
that when an international flight arrives, it dumps its
passengers directly into that concourse. So there is
commingling of those folks coming off of the plane with folks
who have gone through security. The INS would like a separate
passageway so that someone who gets off an international flight
is ferried or follows a corridor that leads to an INS facility,
and the person goes through an INS inspection and customs
inspection before going into the common secure area.
International flights have now started to bypass Anchorage
because the INS and customs have had them dump those passengers
and run them outside with all of their baggage through a
screening mechanism to get back into the terminal, when all they
were doing was coming in for a fuel stop, and they wanted to
allow the passengers to stretch their legs. This has currently
cost Anchorage about $150,000 a month in bypass aircraft. The
INS did an inspection of the north terminal facility and
identified that in order to accomplish the requirement, it would
cost approximately $2 million. He said the department was
hoping to receive the federal funds and construct this facility
quickly to attract those flights back to Anchorage.
[HB 324 was held over].
ADJOURNMENT
Number 1213
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting was
adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
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