Legislature(1999 - 2000)
02/29/2000 01:08 PM House TRA
| Audio | Topic |
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 29, 2000
1:08 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Andrew Halcro, Chairman
Representative Beverly Masek
Representative Bill Hudson
Representative John Cowdery
Representative Allen Kemplen
Representative Albert Kookesh
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Vic Kohring
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 319
"An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of state
guaranteed transportation revenue anticipation bonds for the
purpose of paying the cost of transportation projects that qualify
for federal highway aid and the allocation of those bond proceeds;
and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED HB 319 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 59
"An Act relating to the motor fuel tax; and providing for an
effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HB 319
SHORT TITLE: TRANSPORTATION REVENUE ANTICIPATION BONDS
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
1/26/00 2007 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
1/26/00 2007 (H) TRA, FIN
1/26/00 2007 (H) FISCAL NOTE (REV)
1/26/00 2007 (H) ZERO FISCAL NOTE (DOT)
1/26/00 2007 (H) GOVERNOR'S TRANSMITTAL LETTER
2/17/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
2/17/00 (H) <Bill Postponed to 2/22>
2/22/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
2/22/00 (H) Heard & Held
2/22/00 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
2/29/00 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
MARK RORICK
1055 Mendenhall Peninsula Road
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
AMI REIFENSTEIN
PO Box 210375
Auke Bay, Alaska 99821-0375
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
DONALD OTIS, Mayor
City of Haines
PO Box 1049
Haines, Alaska 99827
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 319.
ROBERT VENABLES, President
Haines Chamber of Commerce
219 Main Street, Suite 1
Haines, Alaska 99827
POSITION STATEMENT: Deferred his comments to Donald Otis.
VINCE HANSEN, Administrator
City of Haines
PO Box 1049
Haines, Alaska 99827
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 319.
KEN RUSSO
(Address not provided)
Skagway, Alaska 99840
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
MIKE O'DANIEL
(Address not provided)
Skagway, Alaska 99840
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
JOHN MIELKE, Mayor
City of Skagway
PO Box 415
Skagway, Alaska 99840
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
BRIAN McNITT, Director
Sitka Conservation Society
PO Box 6533
Sitka, Alaska 99835
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
JERRY LAPP, Mayor
Haines Borough
PO Box 1209
Haines, Alaska 99827
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
GREG O'CLARY, Director
Legislative & Governmental Affairs
Marine Engineers Beneficial Association/District Number 1 AFL-CIO
229 4th Street
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
JAN WRENTMORE, Lobbyist
City of Skagway
PO Box 271
Skagway, Alaska 99840
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
BART HENDERSON (PH)
(Address not provided)
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
NANCY WEBB, Assembly Member
Fairbanks North Star Borough
PO Box 71267
Fairbanks, Alaska 99707
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HB 319.
JOSEPH L. PERKINS, Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
3132 Channel Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801-7898
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions regarding HB 319.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 00-13, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIRMAN ANDREW HALCRO called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:08 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.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO announced that the committee will not be taking up
HB 59 due to the current rise in the price of gasoline. He will
put it on the "back burner."
CHAIRMAN HALCRO announced that the committee will not be taking up
HB 182. The sponsor has indicated that he doesn't have the votes
to move the bill out of committee. Chairman Halcro will give the
sponsor until Thursday, March 2, 2000 to get the votes.
HB 319 - TRANSPORTATION REVENUE ANTICIPATION BONDS
CHAIRMAN HALCRO announced the first order of business as House Bill
319, "An Act providing for and relating to the issuance of state
guaranteed transportation revenue anticipation bonds for the
purpose of paying the cost of transportation projects that qualify
for federal highway aid and the allocation of those bond proceeds;
and providing for an effective date."
CHAIRMAN HALCRO indicated that the Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities was very responsive in regards to the questions
he submitted earlier. The answers are in the bill packet.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO opened the meeting to public testimony.
Number 0254
MARK RORICK came before the committee to testify. He is a 25-year
resident of Juneau and is speaking for himself. He read the
following into the record:
Chairman Halcro, Representative Hudson, committee
members. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on the
Governor's accelerated transportation plan. I'm here to
speak in favor of the $70 million in the bond proposal
for the construction of two Alaska Marine Highway vessels
to service Southeast Alaska. In particular, the one for
the Lynn Canal route, which would run between Juneau,
Haines and Skagway. These vessels will add needed
capacity to the system, and do so on a convenient,
everyday schedule. They can also be running in the near
future, rather than in maybe--in 10 years or so as is the
case with the road. The vessels are safe, reliable and
have demonstrated their capabilities with, if I remember
Bob Doll's comments correctly, over a thousand vessels of
similar type in service worldwide. One has already been
approved for Southeast Alaska. This vessel, along with
the two in the Governor's bond proposal, would be
interchangeable. This lessens maintenance costs and
provides an ability to shift boats to where they are
needed most when demand conditions change. The wide use
of this type of vessel also means that should it not be
needed at some time in the future there's a ready market
should the state wish to sell it. This adding of
capacity to an already existing system in Lynn Canal,
using the recently upgraded ferry terminal in Auke Bay,
also means that DOT won't have to go through a lengthy
and contentious EIS [Environmental Impact Statement]
process to provide the access and improvements Lynn Canal
communities desire, as they would if they were going to
build a new terminal 43 miles out-the-road in Berners
Bay. After years of public discussions of these ferries
and various transportation plans including the 1999
Southeast ferry plan, I applaud Commissioner Perkins and
Governor Knowles for coming forward with an accelerated
plan that with the approval of the voters would bring
them online in an expeditious manner.
One last point to remember. The construction of these
vessels does not close off the pursuit of any other
options and doesn't represent an irreversible decision on
Juneau's future. I urge you to give this bond proposal
to improve marine access in Lynn Canal a chance to work.
Thank you.
Number 0404
AMI REIFENSTEIN came before the committee to testify. She has been
living in Juneau for twenty-five years. She doesn't have all the
facts with her, but having grown up in Juneau she appreciates the
uniqueness of not having a road that goes to other places. She
strongly believes that Juneau should remain the way it is, with
improved ferry access. Moreover, she wants to raise her family in
Juneau, but a road might compromise safety by bringing in drifters
and strangers. A road would change a lot of things; she will not
raise her family here, if there is one. She said, "Juneau's a
great community and if it changes a whole lot then, I think, a lot
of people are gonna leave."
Number 0588
DONALD OTIS, Mayor, City of Haines, testified via teleconference
from Haines. Improved access is important to Juneau, Haines,
Skagway and to the rest of the state. It's long overdue. Haines
is united in their opposition to an east-side road. Haines
supports a high-speed ferry to allow for access; it's very
positive. A road, on the other hand, would be very negative to
Haines, Skagway, and ultimately to Juneau and the rest of the
state. He urged the committee members to move the bill forward.
Number 0680
ROBERT VENABLES, President, Haines Chamber of Commerce, testified
via teleconference from Haines. He deferred to Mr. Donald Otis'
comments in the interest of time.
Number 0705
VINCE HANSEN, Administrator, City of Haines, testified via
teleconference from Haines. The time is now to act, he said. This
proposal allows for movement forward in order to improve access.
He also believes that using bond funds to help reduce the match
requirement is a good idea. It reduces pressure on other spending,
which affects everybody. A daily or regular ferry service, he
said, will open up many opportunities for Haines. More people will
plan activities with consistent service, and Haines sorely needs
economic stimulus. The proposal also addresses long-standing
concerns regarding access to the Interior and other parts of
Southeast Alaska. Furthermore, the ferries will have a role with
the road option, in that they will provide more flexibility. He
urged the committee members to move the bill forward. Thank you.
Number 0777
KEN RUSSO testified via teleconference from Skagway. He is
speaking on his own behalf as a concerned citizen of Skagway. The
great majority of the citizens of Skagway, he said, are in favor of
ferry and marine access. This proposal seems to be in the best
interest of the northern communities by improving access to Juneau
and Lynn Canal. He urged the committee members to support the
funding package. Thank you.
Number 0860
MIKE O'DANIEL testified via teleconference from Skagway. He is a
52-year-resident of Skagway. He is representing himself, Skagway
Air Service and Skagway Hardware, both of which are family
companies. He feels that the fast ferries are a lesser evil to air
carriers than the road. He announced, for the record, that he has
always been staunchly opposed to the road. He is concerned about
businesses in the transportation industry competing against
transportation systems that are subsidized. Air carriers are part
of the infrastructure of the economy of Skagway, which has suffered
a blow in the last 10 to 15 years, and it's companies like his that
have a retirement plan and health care program that take direct
shocks when the economy suffers. He suggested that the committee
members take a serious look at the subsidy part of this issue; the
studies really didn't look at that specifically. He expressed his
appreciation for being heard.
Number 0974
CHAIRMAN HALCRO explained to Mr. O'Daniel that the topic of
competition came up at the last committee hearing [2/22/00], at
which time it was indicated that the cost of shipping cargo by air
is prohibitive. It was also indicated that ferries provide a
needed service of shipping cars. Although this committee is
sensitive to the issue of competition between the government and
the private sector, it was concluded that this is a case where it
is warranted; it provides a needed service in Southeast Alaska.
Number 1040
JOHN MIELKE, Mayor, City of Skagway, testified via teleconference
from Skagway. The fast-ferry option, he said, moves in a direction
that creates an avenue for better access for all of Southeast
Alaska. Anything else would just cause delay, thereby affecting
the rest of Southeast, not just the upper Lynn Canal and Juneau.
It's important for everyone to note that access to Juneau is not
just an avenue for recreation. This is a statewide issue. He also
reminded the committee members that fast ferries were discussed in
the Southeast Transportation Plan for 1986, at which time trial
runs were made in upper Lynn Canal. Moreover, this does not
eliminate a road in the big picture; it gives access sooner rather
than later. He asked the committee members to pass the bill out of
committee fully intact. Thank you.
Number 1162
BRIAN McNITT, Director, Sitka Conservation Society [SCS], testified
via teleconference from Sitka. SCS strongly supports the expanded
use of ferries throughout Southeast Alaska. The ferries, he said,
have always been an important transportation mode for freight,
residents, and visitors, which are an important part of Sitka's
economy. SCS feels that this type of ferry would increase service
to Sitka by freeing up ferries at some point "down the road." SCS
urged the committee members to pass the bill out of committee and
continue to expand the ferry system for Southeast Alaska.
Number 1251
REPRESENTATIVE JOHN COWDERY indicated that the proposal is more
than just a ferry bill. There are projects in Fairbanks,
Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley and Bethel. He asked Chairman Halcro
whether anybody from those locations are online to testify.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO replied no.
REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON pointed out that at the last committee
hearing there was testimony from Fairbanks, Anchorage, Mat-Su
Valley and even a few rural areas. [See House Transportation
Committee minutes dates 2/22/00.]
Number 1300
JERRY LAPP, Mayor, Haines Borough, testified via teleconference
from Haines. The borough, he said, fully supports this legislation
and would like to see it move forward. The committee members can
see from the testimony that there is a lot of support. He thinks
that this will improve the transportation needs of Southeast
Alaska, which has been needed for a long time. Thank you.
Number 1355
GREG O'CLARY, Director, Legislative & Governmental Affairs, Marine
Engineers Beneficial Association/District Number 1 AFL-CIO, came
before the committee to testify. He has been a resident of Alaska
since 1950, primarily as a resident of Juneau. He has been
involved in the Alaska Marine Highway System since 1963. He is
aghast at the comments from a few individuals involved in the
so-called "Juneau Access Committee." The system, he said, needs
more vessels. Moreover, fast ferries are not a new idea. The idea
has been around for years and years. He remembers when
Representative [Bill] Hudson discussed a fast ferry during his
first term in office. Furthermore, the Lynn Canal corridor has
been studied enough; it has had a lot more money spent on it than
any other project that hasn't come to fruition. As testimony from
Haines and Skagway has indicated, there is no foreclosure on a
potential road. The Governor, he said, made the right decision
under the circumstances. He urged the committee members to pass
the bill to the next committee of referral with the two fast
ferries intact.
Number 1528
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON asked Mr. O'Clary whether the marine
engineers are working with the Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities in relation to the performance of the high-speed
ferry between Juneau and Sitka. He is concerned about safety in
Sergius Narrows.
MR. O'CLARY replied yes. The marine engineers have been involved.
They were invited early on to participate. The same invitation was
also offered to the "ship drivers." He further noted that the
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities has been very
forthcoming with information as well.
Number 1657
JAN WRENTMORE, Lobbyist, City of Skagway, came before the committee
to testify. Skagway feels that the fast ferries are an excellent
solution to the bottleneck in northern Lynn Canal. The ferries
will give the city great versatility in responding to traffic
demands at different times of the year for various events.
Moreover, fast ferries have been used all over the world. They are
used in Scandinavia where the weather conditions are similar:
narrow fjords, high winds, and big tides. If they can work there,
she said, they can work in Alaska. Furthermore, by building three
ferries of the same model, the state will save money on
construction, design and maintenance costs because of
interchangability. Skagway also supports Auke Bay as the departure
point for passenger convenience. Departing from another location,
she said, would require an EIS, thereby creating a further delay.
The fast ferries are the short-term, expedient solution. Thank
you.
Number 1734
BART HENDERSON (PH) came before the committee to testify. He is
the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Marine Access Committee.
The economic benefit in the off-season of daily ferry service
between Haines, Skagway and Juneau represents a new opportunity,
especially since Haines and Skagway suffer from a seasonal economy.
It is seen as a means of directing tourism-related spending towards
upper Lynn Canal and vice versa, which should not be overlooked.
In addition, as the user-friendliness of the ferry system improves,
more people will use it, which will help with the ongoing funding
issues that the ferry system always faces. The Juneau-Skagway link
has always been the most self-supporting part of the entire system,
and those in the northern end believe that making this service more
reliable, predictable and faster will create an even larger base of
clientele. He said, "The old theory, if you build it they will
come, I think, is never more appropriate than [ever] in this
situation." He urged the committee members to support the bill.
Number 1861
NANCY WEBB, Assembly Member, Fairbanks North Star Borough,
testified via teleconference from Fairbanks. She is a member of
the Infrastructure & Public Works Committee, which deals with
transportation issues. The financing mechanism, she said, is
interesting and worth pursuing, but she is hesitant about the
process used to decide which projects should go on the ballot. She
is not clear on what the people should expect to see on the ballot.
She further said that the downtown project is the best type of
project to be addressed by this type of funding because of its
rapid development, otherwise it appears that it will take a long
time to get funding on the STIP [Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program]. The other assembly members would share that
same feeling; however, she is not speaking in a way that reflects
the whole assembly. The other two Fairbanks projects, as far as
she can tell, would not move up in the timetable by placing them on
the ballot.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO called on Commissioner Joseph L. Perkins
[Department of Transportation & Public Facilities] to address Ms.
Webb's concerns.
MS. WEBB asked Commissioner Perkins what affect this legislation
would have on the University Avenue project and Illinois Street
project in Fairbanks; it doesn't seem that they would move forward
any faster.
JOSEPH L. PERKINS, Commissioner, Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities, came before the committee to answer Ms. Webb's
questions. He explained that the department looked at projects
that could be developed quickly. The projects that Ms. Webb
referred can be developed within the next few years, and this
legislation would gain time on construction by about three years
for both projects.
Number 2086
MS. WEBB asked Commissioner Perkins whether there would be a
problem with the downtown project since there hasn't been a study
done yet. She further asked Commissioner Perkins how he sees the
regular process through local government approval fitting in with
this project.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied the downtown project was presented by
the mayor and various other individuals in Fairbanks. It would be
done in conjunction with the city. It would probably be very
similar to what was done to 5th and 6th Avenues in downtown
Anchorage. It is not an enormous project to start; it mainly
includes sidewalks, lighting facilities, and flower boxes. There
would probably be some utility work, but he thinks that the project
is quite deliverable in a short time once the city determines what
they want.
Number 2172
MS. WEBB asked Commissioner Perkins whether the money could be
spent on improvements and enhancements for other types of projects.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied that the funding would be limited to
projects listed in the legislation.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO referred Ms. Webb to page 3, line 9, of the bill,
and noted that the language reads, "downtown revitalization
improvements," which gives the department the ability to decide on
what amenities to fund.
Number 2277
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON asked Commissioner Perkins whether the
projects listed in the legislation are in addition to regularly
funded projects.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied the legislation advances those
projects forward; however, they are still part of the regular
program. He said,
If the regular program is $350 million a year, and our
payment is $30 million, just as an example, then the
regular program is going to be reduced to $320 million.
So, they will be in the regular program, but they will be
in for an equal amount of money each year for 15 years,
assuming we sold the bonds. So, they would be in the
program.
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON said it seems that the legislation expands
the transportation program appreciably. He asked Commissioner
Perkins whether the legislature could anticipate accumulative
projects in excess of $350 million a year.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied, yes, in the early years. The money
would be spent up front.
Number 2346
REPRESENTATIVE BEVERLY MASEK asked Commissioner Perkins whether the
legislation would affect projects already slated for construction.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied there would be no impact in the first
three years of the STIP, but beyond that, there would be some
impact. He further said,
But there'll be very little money paid back. Our
payments, our big debt-service payments won't occur until
probably three years into the program. You will be
paying some interest, but it will be a minor impact. So,
I would say the current STIP that you will look at for
01, 02 and 03 will have no impact. 04 is probably the
year that gets charged the $30 million. Again, that's
out of our illustrative program that we have just
basically for information. It's not scheduled and it
changes all around. So, that's the impact not on the
three years of the STIP.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO closed the meeting to public testimony.
Number 2406
REPRESENTATIVE ALLEN KEMPLEN referred to the Glenn Highway-Gambell
Street project in the legislation and noted that improvements in
that part of town have always been fairly controversial. In 1991,
he cited, AMTAS identified this area as special, in that it needed
additional evaluation. Furthermore, when he contacted the
neighborhood leaders they were not aware that this project was
moving forward, which may result in some upset neighborhoods.
TAPE 00-13, SIDE B
Number 0001
COMMISSIONER PERKINS indicated that just about every project he
does has some degree of controversy. He noted that a contractor is
onboard to start the environmental work on the Glenn
Highway-Gambell Street project, which will involve public hearings.
The expected start date will give the department more than
sufficient time to talk to the neighborhoods and get opinions from
all those involved.
Number 0057
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN indicated that he is questioning whether or
not the voters in those communities would share that same sense of
accommodation. He is not questioning the success of the department
in pushing projects.
Number 0088
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON made a motion to move HB 319 out of committee
with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes; he asked
unanimous consent.
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN objected to the motion in order to offer an
amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON withdrew his motion.
Number 0120
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN offered the following amendment [Amendment
1]:
Page 2, line 29
delete "Gambell Street"
Page 2, line 30
delete "to McCarrey Street"
insert "Interchanges at Bragaw & Airport Heights"
Page 2, line 31
change "65,000,000" to "25,000,000"
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN explained that the purpose of the amendment
is to reflect safety concerns expressed by the neighborhoods.
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON indicated that he doesn't feel comfortable
amending the legislation without a substantive understanding of the
effects.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO stated he would like to amend the legislation as
well, but he doesn't want to turn it into a "Christmas tree."
However, in deference to Representative Kemplen and the fact that
this is a neighborhood issue, he will allow the commissioner to
speak to the amendment and let the committee deal with it.
Number 0260
COMMISSIONER PERKINS explained that Glenn Highway reduces to two
lanes for about a mile then expands to three lanes at Gambell
Street. There are traffic lights at the intersections, but the
real problem is with congestion caused by the number of lanes. He
doesn't think that the amendment would solve or even start to solve
the problem.
Number 0316
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN replied, certainly, there are issues of
congestion in that part of town, but he questions whether the
department has taken the best approach. He cited that a number of
states are using computer and video technology to increase
throughput by up to 20 percent in corridors. This amendment would
allow for work to proceed for those interchanges where there is
consensus, and would allow for a six-lane project through the
normal capital improvement process.
Number 0465
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON asked Commissioner Perkins whether the issues
brought up by Representative Kemplen are part of the normal STIP.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied that the plan for the Glenn Highway
for the last 25 years has been to include six lanes. The project
in this legislation is the last piece. He asked, "Now, if this
wasn't the plan, why did we do the piece that goes all the way out
to Muldoon, and why did we do the piece down by Gambell?" This
area involved is very built up, but it's not built up with
neighborhoods; it's built up with businesses. He reiterated that
this has always been part of the plan, for it doesn't make sense to
go from three lanes to two lanes then back to three lanes.
Number 0560
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN urged the committee members to be very
cautious in supporting capital projects that are solely oriented
towards movement of vehicles at the expense of adjacent
neighborhoods. He pointed out that the "six-laning" of Glenn
Highway split the Mountain View neighborhood, which resulted in a
decline of property value to the point that it is one of the
poorest neighborhoods in Anchorage and probably the state. These
types of road improvements, he said, have significant influence on
adjacent land use and the people who live there. This amendment
would provide for a balance. It would allow for some of the needed
improvements, and would ensure that the adjoining neighborhoods are
protected.
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY said,
You know when I first came to Alaska we had that road
changed to about 3rd Avenue, I think. We had a north and
south Mountain View then. To say that crime has been
influenced by this freeway...I would think that if
there's crime in the area the thing to do is let the
people get through there in a hurry. If that's the case,
to tie this in to anything like that...I can't agree on
that.
REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY called the question.
CHAIRMAN HALCRO stated that he was very tempted to make a change to
this legislation to include a project at the interchange of Lake
Otis and Tudor, but he elected not to because of how the proposal
is put together. He will not support the amendment, but he agrees
with the concept.
Number 0730
REPRESENTATIVE MASEK asked Commissioner Perkins whether there were
public hearings when the highway was brought to six lanes.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied that he wasn't around during those
days, but he thinks that the rules were the same.
REPRESENTATIVE MASEK asked Commissioner Perkins how many public
hearings will be held.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied he's not sure exactly, but there will
be a "bunch."
REPRESENTATIVE MASEK asked Commissioner Perkins whether the
department will be working with AMATS in relation to this project
in order to iron out any problems, should they arise.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied that this is a National Highway System
project, but the department will nonetheless work with AMATS as
well.
REPRESENTATIVE MASEK asked Commissioner Perkins whether he assumes
that there will be a lot of public input.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied both Representative Kemplen and the
neighborhoods will have adequate opportunity to comment on the
plans, which is true for every project.
Number 0917
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON asked Commissioner Perkins how many miles are
involved in this stretch of highway.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied he's not sure exactly, but it's no
more than a mile.
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON said,
I'm being a little facetious now. But it's $65,000 for
one mile, and I'm just looking for 50 miles, which I
think I can do for $240 million. It seems to me that we
ought to be able to make a deal here, somewhere.
COMMISSIONER PERKINS replied the difference is, there are 60,000
cars a day that travel down the Glenn highway.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Kemplen and Kookesh
voted "yea." Representatives Hudson, Masek, Halcro and Cowdery
voted "nay." The amendment failed by a vote of 2-4.
Number 0983
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON made a motion to move HB 319 out of committee
with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes; he asked
unanimous consent.
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN objected to the motion. He is still
concerned about the Glenn Highway-Gambell Street project,
especially as it relates to the state's lack of skilled labor. He
is concerned that the state is pushing too much work into the
economy, which would result in an importation of labor from the
Lower 48, especially when a more reasonable approach can be taken
to ensure that only Alaskans are hired. He is also concerned about
the expenses associated with operation and maintenance, especially
since maintenance stations are being closed around the state. He
hopes that these issues would be considered before the legislation
leaves the purview of the House Transportation Committee.
Number 1162
CHAIRMAN HALCRO replied that the commissioner has already testified
that there are a sufficient number of contractors and workers
interested in these projects. He further stated one thing that
attracts him to this bond package is the fact that it doesn't build
any new roads; it simply improves existing ones. He said, "As we
all know, a lot of federal highway money can't be used to fix
potholes or haul snow or repair sidewalks." This legislation is an
innovative way to allow for improved transportation flow, improved
amenities, and improved access.
Number 1255
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN stated he doesn't see a fiscal note attached
to the legislation. What is the actual cost? It's one thing to
talk anecdotally; it's another thing to have hard numbers,
especially before making a decision. Any business person, he said,
who is serious about keeping a tight control on cost-structures
always wants to know what is going to be the long-term obligation
before incurring debt.
Number 1321
REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON stated that, according to previous testimony,
the projects in this legislation would not "super heat" the
economy. They would be spread over a number of years. Moreover,
if there is a shortage of labor, it's probably because of the
tremendous transportation boom down South, which may not be all
that bad; it may result in additional training for Alaskans.
REPRESENTATIVE KEMPLEN maintained his objection to moving the bill
out of committee.
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Hudson, Masek, Halcro,
Cowdery and Kookesh voted "yea." Representative Kemplen voted
"nay." By a vote of 5-1, HB 319 so moved from the House
Transportation Standing Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, Chairman
Halcro adjourned the House Transportation Standing Committee
meeting at 2:25 p.m.
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