Legislature(1999 - 2000)
01/18/2000 01:04 PM House TRA
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
January 18, 2000
1:04 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Andrew Halcro, Chairman
Representative Bill Hudson
Representative John Cowdery
Representative Albert Kookesh
Representative Vic Kohring
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Beverly Masek
Representative Allen Kemplen
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 266
"An Act renaming the Palmer-Wasilla Highway as the James Arland
Rowland, Jr., Memorial Highway."
- MOVED CSHB 266(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 8
"An Act naming the pedestrian underpass at Montana Creek on the
Parks Highway as Shelby's Way."
- MOVED HB 8 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 266
SHORT TITLE: NAMING ROWLAND MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
1/10/00 1889 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 12/30/99
1/10/00 1889 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
1/10/00 1889 (H) TRA
1/10/00 1889 (H) REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
1/18/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 8
SHORT TITLE: NAMING SHELBY'S WAY PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
1/19/99 19 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/99
1/19/99 19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRAL(S)
1/19/99 19 (H) TRA
1/26/99 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
1/26/99 (H) BILL POSTPONED TO A CALL OF THE CHAIR
1/26/99 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
1/18/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
STEPHANIE DENNIS BROWN
PO Box 1536
Palmer, Alaska 99645
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 266.
WANDA ROWLAND, Mother
of James Arland Rowland, Jr.
HC 02 Box 7870
Palmer, Alaska 99645
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 266.
JAMES ROWLAND, SR., Father
of James Arland Rowland, Jr.
HC 02 Box 7870
Palmer, Alaska 99645
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 266.
BOYD J. BROWNFIELD, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
3132 Channel Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801-7898
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 266 and HB 8,
expressing concerns relating to the long-range fiscal impact of
renaming highways and state facilities.
BRENDA POTTER, Mother
of Shelby Larsen
PO Box 872263
Wasilla, Alaska 99687-2263
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 8.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 00-1, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIRMAN ANDREW HALCRO called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:04 p.m. Members present at the
call to order were Representatives Halcro, Hudson, Kookesh and
Kohring. Representative Cowdery arrived as the meeting was in
progress.
HB 266 - NAMING ROWLAND MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
CHAIRMAN HALCRO announced the first order of business as House Bill
266, "An Act renaming the Palmer-Wasilla Highway as the James
Arland Rowland, Jr., Memorial Highway."
Number 0057
REPRESENTATIVE VIC KOHRING, sponsor of HB 266, explained that the
bill would rename the Palmer-Wasilla Highway in honor of a police
officer who was shot to death in the line of duty - James Arland
Rowland, Jr. At present, there is a small memorial in his honor
near the site of the incident. Representative Kohring explained
that Mr. Rowland, Jr. was shot to death while proceeding to
investigate a suspicious vehicle. The death was a shock to the
Mat-Su Valley and was a tremendous loss. Mr. Rowland, Jr. grew up
in the valley; his parents still call Palmer home.
Number 0237
STEPHANIE DENNIS BROWN testified via teleconference from Mat-Su in
support of HB 266. Those who knew and loved Mr. Rowland, Jr. do
not need a physical memorial to remember him; he will be alive in
their memories forever. The community, however, needs this
memorial to remind its members that he was a husband, son, father
and friend who was admired and appreciated. The community needs
this memorial so that those who "stand in the face of danger"
aren't taken for granted.
Number 0318
WANDA ROWLAND, Mother of James Arland Rowland, Jr., testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su in support of HB 266. She seconded the
testimony of Stephanie Dennis Brown, and stated the following:
We, as his family, don't need this. We remember every
single time that we wake up even -- we don't even have to
go to the area to remember that our son was killed on
that spot. But for the officers, the EMT [emergency
medical technician] workers, (indisc.), everybody in the
whole area would like this to remember Jim, to honor him
and each one of our police officers. I think, if it is
named this, that people that pass by see it will remind
them, 'Hey, let's honor our police officers. They're out
there giving their -- laying their lives on the line
everyday, giving their best to our nation, to our
community rather. And, I think, it would be a high honor
to our police officers. And they're the ones that
suggested this, not my husband and I or anyone in our
family, it's the police officers themselves that asked
for this. And I thank you for your time and all your
energy that you put forth for this bill.
Number 0410
JAMES ROWLAND, SR., Father of James Arland Rowland, Jr., testified
via teleconference from Mat-Su in support of HB 266. He stated the
following:
We are in favor of this not just for ourselves, but
especially for the community. We've heard so much, even
from kids in (Indisc.) Elementary School that were
touched by his life as he would go and demonstrate to
them that policemen aren't bad, that policemen are there
to help. And the children even put up a memorial sign.
They signed a little flag that was put up there. There's
been others that have done the same thing. He was doing
all he could. We had talked to him before about -- you
realize this job could cost you your life and he said, 'I
know, but I'm doing what I can for my community.' He
loved Palmer. He was raised around Palmer and he knew a
lot of people there. And, I think if we can do this...
We were actually the one that helped to erect his
memorials that are there now, but we need something more
of a permanent -- something that people can remember that
this man gave his life to protect their community. And,
we'll probably never know exactly what happened and we'll
probably never know the thoughts and ideas behind this
man and what he had in mind for our community with what
weapons and arsenal we've found that he had. He had some
big things in mind for our community and it was not good.
There could have been many, many deaths instead of just
one. Jim gave his life to protect our community and if
we can do anything to help people to realize that he did
all he could and we need to do all we can. He left some
pretty big shoes to fill and we'd like to make this an
honorable way if we can do anything we can to fill his
shoes, not only in police work but in supporting the
community and supporting the area, the valley, the Mat-Su
Valley, and the neighboring communities that -- if we can
do anything to help us to remember that someday we might
be the one who will be called on to give our life to
support and to help and protect somebody that we don't
even know - friends and relatives or whoever it may be.
Thank you.
Number 0618
BOYD J. BROWNFIELD, Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities [DOT/PF], came before the
committee to present the department's position. The department
clearly supports and recognizes the legislature's prerogative to
name and rename public facilities. The department supports HB 266;
however, it is concerned that there isn't a policy for naming
highways and other facilities. He cited about 70 to 80 people
annually are lost on the highways throughout the state. Who
deserves it? Who doesn't deserve it? What sort of criteria should
be used? It seems that there should be some sort of policy to
address these types of questions. In addition, the renaming of a
highway takes away the traditional reason for naming that
particular highway, especially when its name connects two different
communities. In addition, it is also important to look at the
consequences of changing the postal addresses as the result of a
renaming. Mr. Brownfield further explained that the department has
submitted a zero fiscal note. It costs less than $1,000 to put up
two signs; however, there should be some consideration for the
fiscal responsibility to take care of these signs as they mount up.
Number 0914
REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON stated, in response to Mr. Brownfield's
testimony, that the policy is this type of process - when a good
purpose comes about. He noted that a few years ago the legislature
named a number of highways and bridges after Alaskan veterans. He
also stated that the combined fiscal note is something that perhaps
the legislature would have to put money into at some point down the
line.
Number 1008
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN COWDERY stated that his post office address has
changed from Anchorage to Spenard and back to Anchorage after
unification, but he has never physically moved. He doesn't believe
that the inconvenience of changing one's address as the result of
the renaming of a highway is significant enough not to support
this.
Number 1057
CHAIRMAN HALCRO stated this is the second time in less than a year
that the legislature has entertained something like this. It is
his hope and desire that the legislature would never have to name
a highway or public facility after a fallen law officer ever again,
but this is a fitting tribute; it shows the community that the
legislature respects the services provided by the individuals in
public safety. He understands the department's concern in regards
to the maintenance of signs, but overall the cost is negligible and
worth absorbing.
Number 1121
REPRESENTATIVE ALBERT KOOKESH asked: At what point should there be
a fiscal note? Where is the line between having a fiscal note and
not having a fiscal note? It adds up after a while. It doesn't
seem fair to the public to show a zero fiscal note. If it costs
$1,000 then there should be a fiscal note, unless there is a
cutoff. He's not objecting to the bill or the merits of the bill,
but he believes there ought to be a clear policy on when there
should or should not be a fiscal note.
Number 1169
MR. BROWNFIELD stated the cost of the two signs will be less than
$1,000; but over a period of time the department will find itself
having to replace them and having to include sufficient monies in
its budget for such. At the present time, however, the department
will put the signs up with no fiscal note, but there will be a
long-range [fiscal] impact that at some point in time will have to
be addressed.
Number 1225
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY wondered whether there is any sign that
doesn't have to be replaced yearly because of bullet holes. Isn't
it part of the cost of operations for the department? He
specifically asked Mr. Brownfield whether the department has a sign
shop or whether the department uses the private sector to make such
signs.
MR. BROWNFIELD replied the department has a sign shop, and uses a
private contractor to build some of its signs. In further
response, the department has to replace a lot of signs with bullet
holes on an annual basis. He said the more signs, the more bullet
holes, the more signs that have to be replaced, which is the
long-range [fiscal] impact to the department.
Number 1297
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON stated, in agreement with Representative
Cowdery, that there is an ongoing expense to replace signs, but at
some point there might have to be a sub-allocation to meet that
expense. He noted, as manager of the Alaska Marine Highway System,
there was ongoing money for signs for when a vessel changed its
name, which is probably the same for DOT/PF.
Number 1344
CHAIRMAN HALCRO closed the meeting to public testimony.
Number 1350
REPRESENTATIVE KOHRING asked Mr. Brownfield whether it would be
more appropriate to rename or coname the highway. He has an
amendment to coname it so that those who have businesses and live
along the highway wouldn't have to change their address and incur
any expense(s).
MR. BROWNFIELD replied the department has in the past left an old
name up and put a new name up; the department would not object to
the amendment.
Number 1457
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY made a motion to adopt Amendment 1. There
being no objection, it was so ordered. The amendment reads as
follows:
Page 1, line 1:
Delete "renaming the Palmer-Wasilla Highway as"
Insert "designating"
Page 1, line 6:
Delete "renamed"
Insert "concurrently designated as"
Number 1469
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON made a motion to move HB 266, as amended, out
of committee with individual recommendations and attached zero
fiscal note(s); he asked unanimous consent. There being no
objection, CSHB 266(TRA) so moved from the House Transportation
Standing Committee.
HB 8 - NAMING SHELBY'S WAY PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS
CHAIRMAN HALCRO announced the next order of business as House Bill
8, "An Act naming the pedestrian underpass at Montana Creek on the
Parks Highway as Shelby's Way."
Number 1498
CHAIRMAN HALCRO called for a brief at-ease at 1:25 p.m. and called
the meeting back to order at 1:30 p.m.
Number 1520
REPRESENTATIVE KOHRING, sponsor of HB 8, noted the bill was drafted
last year and tabled by the chairman of the House Transportation
Committee because of a pending lawsuit. At this point, however,
the lawsuit has been resolved.
REPRESENTATIVE KOHRING explained that the bill would name an
underpass that will be constructed on the Parks Highway as
"Shelby's Way." He explained Shelby passed away in an accident
while camping and fishing with her family at Montana Creek, the
site of the underpass. It is sad that an accident such as Shelby's
was needed to get an underpass. Nevertheless, he credited DOT/PF
for its immediate recognition of the need for the underpass and
announced that construction will begin this summer. Representative
Kohring further stated that, at the conclusion of the construction,
there will be a community-wide picnic to celebrate Shelby's life
and to dedicate the underpass in her honor. The bill is the
official vehicle for that to happen.
Number 1675
BOYD J. BROWNFIELD, Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities [DOT/PF], came before the
committee to present the department's position. He stated that the
department supports HB 8 and noted that his comments on HB 266
apply to this bill as well.
Number 1700
BRENDA POTTER, Mother of Shelby Larsen, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su. She stated the following:
Shelby was a beautiful, little five year old who touched
the lives of everyone she met. Truly God's little gift.
Because of the potential danger in these bridge areas and
in memory of my little girl, I launched a small crusade
to get safety in these areas enhanced for us and our
loved ones. This bridge work has been started and will
continue this year. This all started with the death of
one little girl, Shelby. I believe it is only right,
since she took her last breath on that bridge and the
work that we're getting done, that it bears her name -
Shelby's Way. Thank you.
Number 1742
CHAIRMAN HALCRO closed the meeting to public testimony.
Number 1747
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON stated the ultimate tribute to Shelby is the
fact that there will be a tunnel [underpass] constructed. However,
he wonders what the policy should be in these types of incidents.
He knows of two very fine individuals who were killed on a highway
in Juneau. He can understand designating a stretch of a highway to
a state trooper to credit all other troopers or all veterans who
have served the state, but he is hesitant to move quickly towards
this kind of a designation. He doesn't mean any disrespect; he
just doesn't want to establish a new pattern, whereby anybody could
come before the legislature to designate a stretch of a highway to
someone who has lost his/her life.
Number 1852
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY stated it seems that DOT/PF chose to
construct an underpass for future safety reasons. There is a lot
of activity at that bridge, especially when the salmon are running
in the summer. The bill simply names the underpass.
Number 1900
CHAIRMAN HALCRO stated he finds himself agreeing with
Representative Hudson, but for a different reason. Last year,
DOT/PF and the Department of Law took issue with the danger, as
this was the first time for a fatality or pedestrian accident. But
it goes a step beyond that. In this case, a five-year-old girl was
left unsupervised and she ran into the middle of the street, yet
with all the activity on the bridge it was the first time in 20
years somebody was killed, and unfortunately, very unfortunately,
it was a five-year-old little girl. He will support the bill, but
he is concerned about the future implications for the state. He
reiterated that this is different than naming a corridor of a
highway after a slain officer in the line of duty; this is
surrounded by litigation in which the state had to settle on who
was liable.
Number 2042
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY made a motion to move HB 8 out of committee
with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note(s);
he asked unanimous consent. There being no objection, HB 8 so
moved from the House Transportation Standing Committee.
Number 2056
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, Chairman
Halcro adjourned the House Transportation Standing Committee
meeting at 1:47 p.m.
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