03/22/2011 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB131 | |
| Overview by the Alaska Moose Federation | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 131 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 22, 2011
1:04 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Peggy Wilson, Chair
Representative Lance Pruitt, Vice Chair
Representative Eric Feige
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz
Representative Max Gruenberg
Representative Pete Petersen
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
BILL: HB 131
SHORT TITLE: COMMUNITY AND TRANSPORTATION ADV. BOARD
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) MUNOZ
01/28/11 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/28/11 (H) TRA, FIN
03/15/11 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
03/15/11 (H) Heard & Held
03/15/11 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
03/22/11 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
HOUSE BILL NO. 131
"An Act establishing the Alaska Community and Public
Transportation Advisory Board and relating to a long-range
community and public transportation plan; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 131(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
OVERVIEW BY THE ALASKA MOOSE FEDERATION
- HEARD
WITNESS REGISTER
KENDRA KLOSTER, Staff
Representative Cathy Munoz
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 131.
PAT BRANSON, Executive Director, Senior Citizens of Kodiak;
Member; Alaska Commission on Aging (ACG);
Member; Governor's Coordinated Transportation Task Force(GCTTF)
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 131
GARY OLSON, Executive Director
Alaska Moose Federation (AMF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview on issues related to
moose on roadways.
PAT KEMP, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during discussion.
RON JORDAN, Chair
Taku/Campbell Community Council
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Moose Federation overview.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:04:46 PM
CHAIR PEGGY WILSON called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:04 p.m. Representatives Wilson,
Johnson, Munoz, Feige, Gruenberg, and Petersen were present at
the call to order. Representative Pruitt arrived as the meeting
was in progress.
HB 131-COMMUNITY AND TRANSPORTATION ADV. BOARD
1:05:13 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the first only order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 131, "An Act establishing the Alaska
Community and Public Transportation Advisory Board and relating
to a long-range community and public transportation plan; and
providing for an effective date."
1:05:39 PM
KENDRA KLOSTER, Staff, Representative Cathy Munoz, Alaska State
Legislature, recapped HB 131 on behalf of the prime sponsor.
She explained that HB 131 would create a Community and
Transportation Advisory Board (CTAB), which was recommended by
the Governor's Coordinated Transportation Task Force (GCTTF).
The GCTTF has been doing an excellent job in addressing
community transportation needs across the state, but it decided
having a permanent board, the Community and Transportation
Advisory Board (CTAB) would be advantageous. She explained that
nearly seven million trips are provided by the communities
annually. The proposed CTAB member composition would be similar
to the GCTTF except for the addition of a representative from
the Denali Commission. She reiterated the additional CTAB
members. She explained the fiscal note, relating the Department
of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) indicated that
$90,000 in costs would be covered by federal receipts, $10,000
in state matching funds, and an additional $10,000 from the
Alaska Mental Health Trust general fund monies.
1:07:39 PM
PAT BRANSON, Executive Director, Senior Citizens of Kodiak;
Member; Alaska Commission on Aging (ACG); Member; Governor's
Coordinated Transportation Task Force(GCTTF), stated that the
Senior Citizens of Kodiak is the lead agency for the Kodiak
Coordinated Transportation System. She related that it provides
1,500 rides to seniors and Alaska Mental Health Trust
beneficiaries each month. The transit system provides a link to
senior services and routine trips for dental, medical or
shopping. Access to these activities helps keep senior citizens
active in the community. The added community transportation
system adds to the local economy and helps provide a balanced
community. She asked members to imagine returning to their home
communities and not have a car or the ability to travel to
places they wished to go. She said people cannot always count
on friends and relatives for rides. She indicated the goal of
these organizations is to help people retain a sense of
remaining in their own community, no matter what age, and living
independently for as long as possible. She maintained that this
goal is one the GCTTF wants for all Alaskans. She reported that
with respect to the ACG, of the 2,797 seniors who responded to
an ACG survey, 47 percent rated transportation of great
importance. Recent surveys in Kodiak also rated transportation
of even higher importance in Kodiak. She explained that one of
the positive results from participating in the GCTTF has been to
discuss and review funding and approaches with various agencies
to provide efficient transportation to communities.
1:09:57 PM
MS. BRANSON explained the importance of having a full scope of
connecting agencies that understand funding streams,
transportation needs, and availability. Many state agencies
fund transportation services but do not connect or understand
transportation funding. The Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities (DOT&PF) receives federal pass through funds
directed to transit systems for public and coordinated transit
systems. However, state funding does not support transit
systems, she said. The Department of Health and Social Services
(DHSS) also obtains federal pass through funding for senior
transportation. Other agencies, such as the Department of Labor
& Workforce Development (DLWD) and Vocational Rehabilitation, or
Medicaid provide transportation services, but the services are
not coordinated or streamlined to provide efficient
transportation for dollars spent. The GCTTF has held long-range
planning discussions statewide, including public input. The
public has clearly identified transportation as a key issue for
residents no matter where they live in the state or which mode
of transportation they use.
1:11:01 PM
MS. BRANSON highlighted the importance of HB 131 since it would
provide a permanent board to continue to improve agency
coordination, efficiencies, cost saving measures for the
delivery of transit services, and removal of barriers that
prevent Alaskans from traveling within their communities so they
can remain in Alaska.
1:11:31 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 131.
1:12:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG made a motion to adopt Amendment 1,
which read, as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Page 3, line 7, following "year"
Insert, ", or is otherwise unable to serve."
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG explained that proposed Amendment 1
would allow the majority of the board the right to petition the
governor to remove a board member if a member misses more than
two meetings in a calendar year or is not able to serve. This
would make it clear that the board is not limited to the ability
to petition for any reason other than missing meetings.
There being no objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
1:13:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG made a motion to adopt Amendment 2,
labeled 27-LS0418\M.1, Kane, 3/15/11, which read, as follows:
Page 4, line 3, following "available":
Insert "(1)"
Page 4, line 6, following "funding":
Insert "; and
(2) from federal sources for the expenses
of the board and report that information to the
governor, the chairs of the senate and house finance
committees, and the chairs of the senate and house
transportation committees"
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG explained Amendment 2 would expand the
annual review to include examining the effective use of funding
from federal sources, plus it would further identify the
specific committees who would receive the report. He explained
that this would help identify an issue in which the federal
funds were pulled and the legislature was not aware of the
change.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON removed his objection. There being no
objection, Amendment 2 was adopted.
1:15:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG moved to report HB 131, as amended, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, the CSHB
131(TRA) was reported from the House Transportation Standing
Committee.
^Overview by the Alaska Moose Federation
OVERVIEW BY THE ALASKA MOOSE FEDERATION
1:16:27 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the final order of business would
be a brief overview by the Alaska Moose Federation.
1:17:05 PM
GARY OLSON, Executive Director, Alaska Moose Federation (AMF),
explained that the Alaska Moose Federation is a solely nonprofit
organization. He offered to e-mail his presentation to
committee members. He reported that the parents of a serviceman
who was tragic killed in a vehicle/moose collision came to
Juneau to talk to legislators about the death of their son,
Specialist (Spc.) Steven "Max" Cavanaugh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs.
Cavanaugh related that their son had returned from Iraq after
surviving 300 convoys as a turret gunner. In December 2007,
shortly after returning home, Spc. Cavanaugh was killed in a
vehicular crash involving a moose at Dowling and New Seward
Highway, two weeks prior to his scheduled discharge from the
military. He remarked that in 2007, Spc. Cavanaugh was the
sixth person who died as a result of a moose/vehicular crash.
1:18:48 PM
MR. OLSON explained that due to the multiple fatality collisions
the AMF has urged state agencies to make changes. Historically,
wildlife has been a part of life in Alaska. Animals frequently
use the roadways and railroad corridors. In 1995, The Airborne
Warning and Control System (AWACS) plane, the first of its kind
to crash, killed 24 airmen when it crashed on Elmendorf Air
Force Base (AFB). The plane lost power to both port side
engines after these engines ingested several Canada Geese during
takeoff. As a result, the state prioritized airport safety,
changing the types of plants that were planted along the runways
in order to reduce wildlife on the runways. The same changes
have not happened along the roadways but are necessary, he said.
He related that the AMF proposes several suggestions to mitigate
the moose/vehicle fatalities, including not planting any moose
browse, such as mountain ash, along the roadways, in the
medians, or at schools. He pointed out that moose are
frequently seen feeding on mountain ash or other ornamental
shrubs or trees along the highways and at schools. He remarked
it is unacceptable for the state to continue to plant moose
browse. The AMF would like the state to implement programs that
have succeeded in the past.
MR. OLSON thanked the new leadership in the Governor's
administration, relating the AMF has made more progress in the
past six months than it has in the previous six years. He
applauded the new leadership at the Alaska Department of Fish &
Game (ADF&G), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF).
1:21:53 PM
MR. OLSON explained some changes that have happened. The DOT&PF
has provided grant funds which have allowed the AMF to outfit
donated trucks so crews can salvage moose kills as part of the
salvage program. The AMF performs salvage operations under the
Alaska State Trooper (AST) oversight, he said. He explained
that charities are no longer required to come to the roadway
during the middle of the night for animal recovery. He
highlighted that he has personally picked up 25 to 30 moose
himself as part of the salvage crew. He reported that the AMF
is on call "24/7" and they time their salvage operations. The
ATF has documented saving the Anchorage Police Department 2.5
hours per retrieval for moose roadway kills as compared to the
time it would take for a charity to respond. Previously,
various charities would be called and would often butcher a
moose along the roadway. He detailed some "horror stories" that
have ensued, including charity members spending long hours
hunched over a moose carcass along the highway.
MR. OLSON related that the AST officers have requested the AMF
expand its program. He characterized the AMF salvage as a good
program. The AMF identified that when a cow moose is killed in
a crash, often within a day or two the moose cow's calf would
also be killed in a subsequent crash. He related once he
reported the issue to the ADF&G, the ADF&G researched the
matter, and discovered a prior in-house study that demonstrated
moose calves remain in the traffic corridor after a moose cow is
killed. He suggested that AMF recommends surviving moose calves
be sedated and relocated by the ADF&G.
1:23:33 PM
MR. OLSON encouraged the committee to address these issues since
it will save lives. He suggested expanding the right-of-way
area in known moose areas. He highlighted that the DOT&PF has
expanded the right-of-way, removed trees along a 13-mile stretch
of roadway on the Parks Highway from Willow. However, the
DOT&PF did not remove the tree roots, so the next year the trees
will grow and become a "moose buffet." The AMF would like the
right-of-way roadway cleared so moose will be silhouetted and
visible to drivers. The U.S. government has performed similar
work along the Alaska/Canada (ALCAN) highway, he said. He
explained that once trees and shrubs are removed from the
roadway corridor, the corridor can then be maintained with a
mower.
1:24:50 PM
MR. OLSON described other technologies, including at-grade
crosswalks comprised of a rubber material mat with a copper
matrix that emits a charge when an animal attempts to cross the
roadway. This technology has been proven to be safe for humans
who derive insulation from shoes and car tires. This technology
is being implemented as standard protocol in Washington, Utah,
and other Lower 48 states. He reported that DOT&PF intends to
use this technology on the Glenn Highway between Fort Richardson
and Muldoon Road.
MR. OLSON highlighted the Alaska Highway Safety Office (AHSO)
currently grooms trails parallel to the Parks Highway to
encourage moose to use the trails rather than using the roadway
and birch trees are cut every few hundred feet to supply food.
The AMF would like to expand this process into a diversionary
feeding program which would use silage grown at Point Mackenzie
to feed moose during the winter. Similar feeding programs have
been used in Norway. He reported that during an 18-year study,
this feeding program has resulted in a 46 percent reduction in
moose/vehicle collisions. He recapped that the tools to reduce
moose/vehicle collisions are available. He reiterated that the
AMF requests the legislature make this a priority and to work
with the agencies to accomplish moose mitigation goals. In
closing, he told members about a school incident which happened
recently. He related that a kindergarten student was kicked by
a moose last week and is still in a coma. This incident
illustrated the problems moose pose around schools. He
applauded the administration and urged members to consider
mitigation measures as an investment and not a cost,
particularly at a time in which federal dollars may be reduced.
1:28:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN recalled that the ADF&G has been
considering relocating moose calves. He asked for a definition
of a moose calf and whether he is speaking about a yearling calf
or a smaller animal.
MR. OLSON responded that two different programs would apply. In
one, the AMF and ADF&G would rescue the smallest moose calf
orphans and care for them at Point MacKenzie for the intent to
later release them in areas with depleted moose populations. He
recalled that in the 1950s, 24 orphan calves were released in
the Copper River Delta area, which did not have an indigenous
moose population. Since 1960 local area residents have
harvested over 5,000 moose so the moose have been thriving. He
outlined the intent of relocating orphan moose calves would be
to use them as seed stock to expedite recovery in some moose
herds. The larger moose calves would require sedation and
transport via trailer. The plan would be to move the moose
calves away from transportation corridors to existing herds with
problems, such as Game Management Unit 13, away from
transportation corridors. Another plan would be to pull the
moose on pallets behind snow cats and relocate them five miles
away from the road corridors so they have a chance to survive.
1:30:58 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON, referred to a letter in members packets from
DOT&PF which indicated that the AMF may not qualify for federal
or state grants. She remarked that does not diminish the
importance of the safety issue. She recalled a personal
experience when she was working in Tok. A person had a heart
attack and needed transport from the Tok clinic to Anchorage.
The person said he was afraid of flying so he did not want to be
flown to Anchorage. He arranged for his friend to drive him and
during the trip, their vehicle hit a moose and they both died.
She further recalled the Tok ambulance driver would have a
passenger sitting in the front seat whose job was to watch for
moose adjacent to the road. She reiterated the big safety
issue.
1:33:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG mentioned that his wife is president of
Anchorage Unleashed. This organization encourages the use of
dog parks in Anchorage. He asked for contact information and
suggested that the AMF work with the Anchorage Unleashed since
the organization is considering plantings in dog parks, such as
wild roses. He reiterated the suggestion that the organizations
confer with the AMF since some plants attract moose and
Anchorage Unleashed would not want to attract moose to the
roadway near Jewel Lake Road.
MR. OLSON agreed. He related that planners have the best
intentions but continue to plant moose browse on school grounds.
He suggested school age children should participate in the
process to educate adults about the dangers moose browse causes
on school grounds.
1:36:16 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON asked whether he could advise if any plants are
not food.
MR. OLSON answered that anything without leaves. In further
response to Chair P. Wilson, he responded that the Strategic
Highway Safety Plan steering committee contains the moose
mitigation measures. He pointed out that the Safe Routes to
School Program encourages students to bike to school yet the
schools attract moose with the trees and other vegetation
planted on school grounds and near bike paths.
1:38:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked how extensive the AMF organization is
and whether it is a statewide organization.
MR. OLSON responded that the AMF has been focused on the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough and Anchorage areas but in the past
few months has expanded to other areas of the state.
1:39:13 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON asked whether the AMF would be requesting state
funding.
MR. OLSON answered yes. He explained that the AMF has requested
$3 to $4 million related to its safety programs. In further
response to Chair Wilson, he offered his belief that the funding
would be included in the capital budget.
1:40:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked whether the AMF has considered
recommending harvesting more moose in the highway corridor areas
in Anchorage.
MR. OLSON related that historically hunts have happened in Eagle
River and Eklutna. He recalled an archery hunt in which a cow
moose laid down in someone's driveway with an arrow projecting
from it. It was front page news. The AMF has attempted to
avoid hunting and non-hunting issues. While the AMF is not
opposed to hunting and has strong rural participation, the
immediate focus has been focused on the roadways. He surmised
the meat value of a moose in rural Alaska is $8,500. He
suggested the potential value of a calf moose could result in
about 70 animals over time if the calf produces offspring so the
choice could be to either hunt the moose cow or use it as seed
stock. He stated that the AMF would support a hunt in the
Anchorage Bowl to reduce collisions.
1:41:56 PM
PAT KEMP, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities (DOTPF), reported that he first became
involved in the AMF in January. He related that DOT&PF has two
programs which are not specifically set up to address the moose
mitigation issues. He stated the National Highway
Transportation Safety Administration grants and the Highway
Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) are programs that are data
driven. He considered setting up a mitigation bank through the
U.S. Corps of Engineers permitting funds but found out it is not
possible. He pointed out that his efforts resulted in the March
9, 2011 letter Chair Wilson previously mentioned. However, the
DOT&PF will contemplate pursuing a program with a steady source
of funding to help mitigate the problem. The DOT&PF has
previously issued a number of grants to the AMF totaling
$276,000, but the funds used were from the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA). However, he said he did not believe the
FHWA source would be a reliable source for ongoing funds. He
affirmed that to address the moose/collision issues, the DOT&PF
would need a more reliable source of funding.
1:44:15 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON asked about the Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
She asked whether the DOT&PF would begin to look at plantings
and how wide median is on new construction projects.
MR. KEMP related that the DOT&PF will clear to the edge of
right-of-way, which also protects the roadway from roots
encroaching on the roadway. He said he was unaware of the re-
growth issues. He suggested that some features could be
included in the capital projects but generally speaking, the
DOT&PF is not set up to address the moose issues.
CHAIR P. WILSON asked whether the legislature could provide any
guidance to ensure emphasis on the moose problems around
roadways. She emphasized her desire to see moose mitigation
issues taken into account.
MR. KEMP cautioned that the legislature must be careful since
the price of mitigating moose may be higher cost than the road
rehabilitation. He suggested that the DOT&PF may be able to
develop a policy to consider the features and put extra effort
into moose crossing areas. He hoped to find solutions.
1:47:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked whether he has ever lived in rural
areas.
MR. KEMP answered no.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked whether changing the regulations that
would allow hunting from the roadway reduce moose issues.
MR. KEMP said he is not an expert in that matter.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE stated he represents the highway district,
that he knows where all the crossing points are located. He
pointed out the DOT&PF has cleared trees along some roadways,
which has made a big difference. He offered his belief the
solution will be in including specifications in the
rehabilitation. He also suggested better lighting, including
halogen lighting, which can considerably help motorists avoid
accidents.
1:50:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN recalled noticing trees planted in the
median and moose foraging. He suggested not planting any trees
in the median.
MR. KEMP answered that all of these suggestions will be
considered by the DOT&PF. He related the DOT&PF will also
consider working with the U.S. Corps of Engineer to use
mitigation funds.
1:52:24 PM
RON JORDAN, Chair, Taku/Campbell Community Council, stated that
the Taku/Campbell Community Council area is bordered by
Minnesota Drive, New Seward Highway, Anchorage International
Airport Road and Dimond Boulevard. He has lived in the area for
18 years and has chaired the council for six years. He related
his understanding that in the past 10 to 15 years approximately
400 moose have been killed in the area due to the foliage on the
roadway. He told members he has a photo of a moose walking
along Arctic Boulevard and C Street going side to side eating
trees. He agreed that public safety is a concern. He stressed
that he has encouraged planners not to plant trees as part of
the Dowling Road Extension project. He said a moose was killed
within one week of the roundabout completion on C Street and
O'Malley Road opening. He noted that foliage had been planted
in the center of the roundabout. He suggested the state do what
it can to prevent accidents.
1:54:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON inquired whether the DOT&PF is required
to plant and vegetate the roadway as part of the FHWA standards.
MR. KEMP related that the DOT&PF plants for slope stability, but
much of the foliage is driven through the public beautification
process. He offered his belief that the DOT&PF can review the
standards. He related he understands the concerns and issues
being outlined today.
CHAIR P. WILSON asked him to check on any rules that apply.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON explained that he is very familiar with
the roundabouts in Anchorage. He related that part of the
psychology of a roundabout is to slow people down. He further
related that the trees are placed in the roundabout so drivers
cannot see the opposite side of the roundabout and so the
drivers slow down. He reiterated the plantings represent a
psychological engineering technique. He said he likes the
roundabout process, but obscuring the view never made sense to
him. He now has a better understanding about the roundabouts.
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ stated that HB 131 represents an
opportunity to bring this issue into the planning process since
it represents an opportunity to coordinate community and public
transportation.
1:58:07 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 1:58
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 131 JEDC Resolution 03-11.pdf |
HTRA 3/22/2011 1:00:00 PM |
HB 131 |
| HB131 JEDC Letter.pdf |
HTRA 3/22/2011 1:00:00 PM |
HB 131 |
| JEDC Support Letter HB131.pdf |
HTRA 3/22/2011 1:00:00 PM |
HB 131 |
| HB 131 ACoA support ltr.pdf |
HTRA 3/22/2011 1:00:00 PM |
HB 131 |