Legislature(1995 - 1996)
02/01/1995 01:09 PM House TRA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 1, 1995
1:09 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Gary Davis, Chairman
Representative Beverly Masek, Vice Chair
Representative Jeannette James
Representative Tom Brice
Representative Jerry Sanders
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Eileen MacLean
Representative Bill Williams
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
Organizational Meeting
WITNESS REGISTER
None
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 95-1, SIDE A
Number 000
The House Transportation Standing Committee was called to order by
Chairman Gary Davis at 1:09 p.m. Members present at the call to
order were Representatives Davis, Masek, James, Brice and Sanders.
Members absent were Representative Bill Williams and Eileen
MacLean.
CHAIRMAN GARY DAVIS stated this is an organizational meeting and
conducted introductions of the staff to the committee members.
Number 049
CHAIRMAN DAVIS discussed the agenda for up and coming meetings and
presentations. The Marine Pilots Board will meet in Fairbanks next
week regarding some recommendations that are to be made. The board
is also working on proposed changes to the statutes as well as to
the extension of the board.
Number 119
REPRESENTATIVE JEANNETTE JAMES expressed her views on the Alaska
Railroad and supports greater access to the state as it relates to
economic activities and tourism. Representative James felt the
alternatives in developing the Alaska railroad would be more
environmentally sound and its control to access and that once the
rail system is in place there would be no need for public safety
need, the emergency services need or the garbage pick-up need, etc.
which might interfere with some of the economic activity.
Representative James said her intent has been and is to push those
kinds of issues. She said she has only one such bill this year
and that is, there is a prohibition in the statues currently that
was put on the books when the Alaska Railroad was purchased from
the federal government, which prohibits the rail from going up into
the Kobuk Valley and the gates of the Arctic and she has a bill in
to repeal that prohibition. She also expressed interest in rail
access into Denali National Park.
Number 163
REPRESENTATIVE TOM BRICE stated he was in agreement with
Representative James and expressed a positive outlook on methods of
getting the private industry to develop. Representative Brice
also expressed concern in the accessibility to state lands.
Representative Brice stated he has a piece of legislation in
relating to access along the pipeline corridor. It is his
understanding the Senate has a bill in and believes we need to
continue the debate of developing our frontier in a manner
acceptable to the people and the environment.
Number 192
REPRESENTATIVE JERRY SANDERS echoed the other representatives'
sentiments on roads and railroads. He believes there is a need for
more roads in order to open up opportunities to the private sector.
Representative Sanders stated he believes in the railroad, but he
is not sure about the governments place in the management of the
railroad. Representative Sanders stated that roads and electricity
are the two most important pieces of infrastructure in the state.
CHAIRMAN DAVIS concurred with the above comments and concerns
expressed by the other committee members. Chairman Davis agreed
with the need for private management and that the railroad is
constantly being scrutinized due to the quasi-government ownership
and operation. There are other things being done that mirror the
quasi-governmental relationship; they're not all transportation
related. He cited Matanuska Maid Dairy as another example. He
said it was his understanding that Representative Martin has
submitted a bill to put it up for sale.
Number 240
CHAIRMAN DAVIS mentioned the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS)
and made note that there was no Southeast members on the committee.
It was brought to his attention that Representative Williams was
from Ketchikan. He noted that Seward is part of the ferry system
and its value and need is of major concern to Chairman Davis.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said she had a couple of remarks she'd like to
make. She stated, number one on the sale of the railroad, I think
that we have to understand, and I'm not opposed or in favor of that
issue, I think it's one we have to look at very carefully because
we have to understand that we have a railroad that has a short line
and has been operated by the federal government and the biggest
asset the railroad has is its real estate and that any sale of the
railroad and its properties may sell and leave. Representative
James stated she feels private industry can do the job better than
any one else.
Number 274
CHAIRMAN DAVIS asked Representative James if she had heard any
statistics on which kills the most moose - railroads or cars.
Number 280
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES replied she does not have any statistics on
this issue.
Number 287
CHAIRMAN DAVIS requested individuals in the audience to introduce
themselves and their affiliations. Mark Hickey introduced himself
as a contract lobbyist representing the Alaska Railroad
Corporation, as well as several cities and other clients, and also
a former commissioner of the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities under Governor Steve Cowper. Sam Kito said he
was with the Department of Transportation as special assistant, and
would be handling legislative affairs for the department. Pete
Ecklund introduced himself as a staff member for Representative
Williams.
CHAIRMAN DAVIS commented on up and coming topics of discussion,
such as on February 8, 1995, House Bill 21 will be presented and on
March 1, 1995, interested groups from the Port of Bellingham will
be in Juneau.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the House
Transportation Committee, Chairman Davis adjourned the meeting at
1:26 p.m.
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