Legislature(1999 - 2000)
03/02/2000 01:10 PM House TRA
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HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 2, 2000
1:10 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Andrew Halcro, Chairman
Representative Beverly Masek
Representative Bill Hudson
Representative John Cowdery
Representative Allen Kemplen
Representative Albert Kookesh
Representative Vic Kohring
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 362
"An Act authorizing the exchange of land between the Alaska
Railroad Corporation and Eklutna, Inc., between the Alaska Railroad
Corporation and the United States Department of the Army and the
United States Department of the Air Force, between the Alaska
Railroad Corporation and Chugach Alaska Corporation, and between
the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Municipality of Anchorage;
and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 362(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 182
"An Act relating to charitable gaming and to gaming on state
ferries; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 182(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 362
SHORT TITLE: APPROVING TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
2/11/00 2176 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
2/11/00 2176 (H) TRA, FIN
3/02/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 182
SHORT TITLE: CHARITABLE GAMING & GAMING ON FERRIES
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
4/08/99 690 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
4/08/99 690 (H) TRA, JUD, FIN
2/01/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
2/01/00 (H) Heard & Held
2/01/00 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
2/15/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
2/15/00 (H) -- Meeting Postponed --
2/17/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
2/17/00 (H) Failed To Move Out Of Committee
2/17/00 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
2/24/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
2/24/00 (H) Heard & Held
2/24/00 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
3/02/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI
Alaska State Legislature
Capitol Building, Room 406
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 362.
KRAIG HUGHES, Project Engineer
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Department of Community & Economic Development
PO Box 107500
Anchorage, Alaska 99510-7500
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave a PowerPoint presentation on HB 362.
JAMES KUBITZ, Vice President
Real Estate and Project Planning
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Department of Community & Economic Development
PO Box 107500
Anchorage, Alaska 99510-7500
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 362.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 00-14, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIRMAN ANDREW HALCRO called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. Members present at the
call to order were Representatives Halcro, Hudson, Cowdery,
Kemplen, Kookesh and Kohring. Representative Masek arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
HB 362 - APPROVING TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND
CHAIRMAN HALCRO announced the first order of business as House Bill
362, "An Act authorizing the exchange of land between the Alaska
Railroad Corporation and Eklutna, Inc., between the Alaska Railroad
Corporation and the United States Department of the Army and the
United States Department of the Air Force, between the Alaska
Railroad Corporation and Chugach Alaska Corporation, and between
the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Municipality of Anchorage;
and providing for an effective date." There is a proposed
committee substitute.
Number 0070
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN COWDERY made a motion to adopt the proposed
committee substitute for HB 362, version 1-LS1455\D, Utermohle,
2/18/00. There being no objection, Version D was before the
committee.
Number 0087
REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska State Legislature, came
before the committee as sponsor of HB 362. This proposed committee
substitute essentially straightens the rail track between Anchorage
and Wasilla by taking about approximately 70 curves. In order to
do this, however, there needs to be land exchanges with Elmendorf
Air Force Base, Fort Richardson Army Base, Eklutna, Inc., Chugach
Alaska Corporation and the Municipality of Anchorage, which
requires an authorization from the legislature. She noted that
discussions have been occurring between the railroad and federal
government for a couple of years now. Moreover, this proposed
committee substitute includes an exchange for transfer of land to
certain individuals at milepost 133 and milepost 134.
Representatives from the railroad can address why that route was
chosen. She further noted that the Municipality of Anchorage is
required to "sign off" on the exchange that involves municipal
land, which will be presented to the voters on April 4. The
railroad wants to straighten the track to reduce wear and tear on
equipment and to reduce travel time between Anchorage and Wasilla,
which will be reduced by 35 minutes. She hopes that a reduction in
travel time will encourage people to view the railroad as a
commuter, thereby reducing pressure on the road system. She also
pointed out that, according to the railroad, this is an investment.
The construction plan involves $45 million to $60 million, which
will come from federal transportation grants and the railroad's
operating revenues. It will not come from general fund dollars.
Moreover, there is a stretch of track 14 miles outside of Seward
that would allow for improvements in the highway as well, which is
where the Chugach Alaska Corporation fits into the picture. She
noted that several representatives of the railroad are here today
to make a presentation.
Number 0500
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY stated that an encroachment by the railroad
was recently brought to his attention. He asked Representative
Murkowski whether she would be opposed to a friendly amendment to
correct that matter in the form of an exchange.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI replied she would hesitate to accept any
"add-on" to the proposed committee substitute. She has had many
suggestions for inclusions, but she feels that they would detract
from the real mission - to straighten the track between Anchorage
and Wasilla for efficiency and expediency. She is afraid that any
add-on would create a "Christmas tree."
Number 0610
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY replied he doesn't think that his friendly
amendment would create a Christmas tree. Moreover, he doesn't see
where there would be any opposition to jeopardize this legislation.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI indicated that she would be happy to talk
about this issue further. Her initial reaction is one of
hesitation; she can think of many individuals who would have good
reasons to "tack on" their issues as well.
Number 0689
CHAIRMAN HALCRO asked Representative Murkowski whether anybody
opposes this legislation. He noted that there are several
resolutions of support from communities and organizations in the
bill packet.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI replied the railroad has made a very
concerted effort to work with the principals involved. There was
a period of time when certain individuals in the Birch Creek area
had some issues, but she thinks that they have been resolved. It's
important to keep in mind that the entities involved, not just the
railroad, would benefit from this legislation in terms of safety
enhancements. She cited underpasses and separated crossings as
examples.
Number 0815
KRAIG HUGHES, Project Engineer, Alaska Railroad Corporation,
Department of Community & Economic Development, came before the
committee and gave a PowerPoint presentation.
MR. HUGHES stated there are three distinct projects associated with
this legislation. The first project involves milepost 8 to
milepost 18 on the Seward Highway, a Department of Transportation
& Public Facilities' project, which includes a land swap with
Chugach Alaska Corporation and provides for a grade separation.
The second project involves a realignment from Anchorage to Eagle
River. The third project involves a realignment from Eagle River
to Wasilla.
MR. HUGHES further stated that the objectives include improving
safety and efficiency of operations by reducing the maximum degree
of curvature to 2 degrees, which would reduce running time between
Anchorage and Wasilla from 95 minutes to 55 minutes. He noted that
with those improvements the train could run at 50 miles per hour
instead of its current speed of 30 miles per hour.
MR. HUGHES further stated that the benefits include decreased
running time, reduced track and equipment wear, more consistent
train handling, more efficient and safer railroad operations, and
safer public access across rights-of-way.
MR. HUGHES further stated that the project from Anchorage to Eagle
River starts at milepost 117 and extends to milepost 127.5, which
equates to 10.5 miles. It consists of a double track construction,
and funding will be through the Department of Defense. Land issues
involve a swap of an existing right-of-way for a new one, which
equates to 227 acres of military land and 229 acres of railroad
land.
MR. HUGHES further stated that the project from Eagle River to
Wasilla starts at milepost 128 and extends to milepost 158, which
equates to 30 miles. It consists of a single track construction,
and funding will be through Amtrak, the Federal Transit
Administration [FTA], and matching funds of 20 percent from the
Alaska Railroad Corporation. Land issues involve private property
at milepost 133 and milepost 136. Land issues also include Eklutna
and Cook Inlet Regional Corporation property at six locations
equating to 65 acres, Department of Transportation & Public
Facilities' property at milepost 151, and municipal property at
milepost 132 and milepost 133.
MR. HUGHES further stated that the impacts include five crossings
from Anchorage to Eagle River, and nine crossings from Eagle River
to Wasilla. He noted that a diagnostic team will review the
crossings, which will include engineers, policy makers, and local
law enforcement officials. The crossings will also include a grade
separation at Vandenberg Avenue and Beach Lake Road.
MR. HUGHES further stated that another impact includes ski/sled
trails, of which, there is no direct impact. Skiers/sliders will
be able to utilize a grade separation at Beach Lake Road, and the
railroad will provide fencing, as necessary, in areas of concern.
He pointed out that there is support from the local Nordic ski
groups.
MR. HUGHES further stated that another impact includes
environmental concerns. The stretch from Anchorage to Eagle River
is in the NEPA [National Environmental Policy Act] process, while
the stretch from Eagle River to Wasilla has been completed. He
pointed out that this will impact 12.9 acres of wetlands, and the
railroad has agreed to mitigation measures. This will also impact
some archeological sites at Eklutna Village and Knik River Butte.
MR. HUGHES further stated that another impact includes noise and
vibration. Mitigation measures include a longer rail, faster
train, and reduced number of at-grade crossings, which all help
reduce noise and vibration. He noted that a reduction in the
number of at-grade crossings will reduce the number of preempted
whistles.
MR. HUGHES further stated that another impact includes moose and
animals. Mitigation measures include an increased sight distance
for both engineer and animal. He pointed out, however, that there
isn't a correlation between velocity and number of incidents; it's
more a factor of snow depth.
MR. HUGHES further stated that another impact includes trespass
incidents. Mitigation measures include participation in lifesaver
programs, public service announcements, channeling traffic
patterns, a pedestrian underpass at Beach Lake Road, and increased
sight distance.
MR. HUGHES further stated that the municipal land swap involves
13.6 acres of park land in exchange for 9.6 acres of existing
right-of-way. Of that 9.6 acres, 4.5 acres will be dedicated back
to Beach Lake Park and 5.1 acres will be dedicated back to adjacent
landowners. He pointed out that - by law - the railroad has to
revert ownership back to adjacent landowners when it stops
utilizing lands for the purpose for which it was granted.
Furthermore, as part of the agreement with Eklutna, the railroad
will dedicate a portion of the land at Beach Lake Road for the
potential development of a road. The approval for these land swaps
will be presented to the people in the form of a ballot on April 4.
MR. HUGHES further stated, in conclusion, that the Alaska Railroad
Corporation requests the support of the legislature. Any
construction this summer will depend on legislative approval of HB
362 or SB 235.
Number 1705
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY asked Representative Murkowski whether the
disposal of railroad property relates to legislation passed last
year requiring legislative approval to accept property.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI replied, "I don't believe it does,
Representative Cowdery."
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY asked Representative Murkowski whether it
would take additional legislation to dispose of property.
REPRESENTATIVE MURKOWSKI deferred the question to James Kubitz from
the Alaska Railroad Corporation.
Number 1771
JAMES KUBITZ, Vice President, Real Estate and Project Planning,
Alaska Railroad Corporation, Department of Community & Economic
Development, came before the committee to answer questions. The
legislation passed last year that Representative Cowdery is
referring to dealt with the approval and acceptance of federal
property for Whittier. Furthermore, the railroad considers an
exchange as a disposal, and this legislation allows the railroad to
dispose of property in the form of an exchange.
Number 1815
REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON asked what the overall expense would be
to the railroad.
MR. HUGHES answered $45 to $60 million.
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON asked whether there would be any expense
incurred by the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities,
or whether it would be covered under railroad obligations.
MR. HUGHES answered that there may be some minor expenses incurred
to improve crossings, for example. He pointed out that the
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities holds permits to
cross the railroad, and that they are required to upgrade those
crossings.
Number 1871
CHAIRMAN HALCRO noted that this legislation deals with the
authorization to conduct an exchange, which is why a zero fiscal
note is attached.
Number 1881
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY asked Mr. Kubitz whether this legislation
would impact future land exchanges.
MR. KUBITZ replied it would only impact the lands discussed today
by Representative Murkowski and Mr. Hughes.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO closed the meeting to public testimony.
Number 1916
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY asked Mr. Kubitz whether there has been any
consideration given to an S-tie type of technology in relation to
the curves in the track.
MR. KUBITZ replied the railroad has experimented with concrete and
metal ties at different points along the track, but they always
come back to using timber because of the current weight and speed
of the trains.
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY pointed out that a zig-zag tie has the
effect of more control in relation to side-motion, which is the
type of technology bullet trains use in the Orient.
MR. KUBITZ stated he is not aware of that type of technology.
MR. HUGHES noted that the railroad has not conducted any experiment
on a zig-zag type of tie. They do not see it as a feasible
alternative because of current maintenance and velocity of the
trains.
MR. KUBITZ pointed out that bullet trains need total fencing, total
overpass, and total grade separation.
Number 2088
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON made a motion to move CSHB 362, version
1-LS1455\D, Utermohle, 2/18/00, out of committee with individual
recommendations and attached zero fiscal note; he asked unanimous
consent. There being no objection, CSHB 362(TRA) so moved from the
House Transportation Standing Committee.
HB 182 - CHARITABLE GAMING & GAMING ON FERRIES
CHAIRMAN HALCRO announced the next order of business as House Bill
182, "An Act relating to charitable gaming and to gaming on state
ferries; and providing for an effective date."
Number 2228
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY made a motion to move CSHB 182, version
1-LS0805\D, Luckhaupt, 2/11/00, as amended, out of committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s).
[SEE HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DATED 2/17/00 FOR
DISCUSSION ON THE CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENTS]
Number 2241
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY MASEK objected to the motion. The committee
members were not notified that this legislation was being heard
today.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO replied that sufficient notice has been given. The
bill was discussed last week, at which time he announced it would
be brought up again this week.
REPRESENTATIVE MASEK announced that she still objects to the
motion.
Number 2279
REPRESENTATIVE VIC KOHRING stated he intends to vote to move this
legislation out of committee, but he objects to any legislation
dealing with the advocation or promotion of gambling in the state.
Furthermore, he was approached by the sponsor of this legislation,
the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who assured him that
he does not intend to move it out of that committee, but that he
would just like to debate the issue and look at some formulated
measures.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO stated he would not support this legislation if it
ever made it to the floor of the House of Representatives.
Number 2305
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY stated he doubts that the bill would ever
make it to the floor of the House of Representatives. However, he
would honor the request of the House Judiciary Committee chairman
to move it out of this committee.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Kohring, Hudson,
Halcro and Cowdery voted "yea." Representatives Masek, Kemplen and
Kookesh voted "nay." By a vote of 4-3, CSHB 182(TRA) so moved from
the House Transportation Standing Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
CHAIRMAN HALCRO called for a brief at-ease in order to prepare for
an overview on the railroad station at the Anchorage International
Airport by the Alaska Railroad Corporation.
[FOR THE ABOVE COVER SHEET PLEASE SEE MINUTES FOR THE HOUSE
TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE DATED, 3/2/00 AT 1:55 P.M.]
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