Legislature(2019 - 2020)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)

05/07/2019 03:30 PM Senate COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS

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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
*+ HJR 10 SUPPORTING ROAD BELT ELECTRICAL LINE TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSHJR 10(RES) Out of Committee
-- Public Testimony --
*+ HJR 14 URGING SUPPORT FOR NOME DEEP-DRAFT PORT TELECONFERENCED
Moved HJR 14 Out of Committee
-- Public Testimony --
*+ HJR 9 ELIZABETH PERATROVICH COMMEMORATIVE COIN TELECONFERENCED
Moved CSHJR 9(STA) Out of Committee
-- Public Testimony --
                    ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE                                                                                  
    SENATE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE                                                                  
                          May 7, 2019                                                                                           
                           3:29 p.m.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Click Bishop, Chair                                                                                                     
Senator Chris Birch, Vice Chair                                                                                                 
Senator Mia Costello                                                                                                            
Senator Lyman Hoffman                                                                                                           
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
MEMBERS ABSENT                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
All members present                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
COMMITTEE CALENDAR                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10(RES)                                                                                       
Supporting development  of the road belt  electrical transmission                                                               
line; and urging members of  the Alaska delegation in Congress to                                                               
pursue the development  of this high- voltage  electrical line in                                                               
the interior of the state.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
     - MOVED CSHJR 10(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14                                                                                                   
Urging   the   Alaska    Congressional   delegation   to   pursue                                                               
infrastructure  funding for  a deep  draft Arctic  port in  Nome;                                                               
requesting   the   Department   of  Transportation   and   Public                                                               
Facilities  to  send  a  letter  from the  state  to  the  Alaska                                                               
Congressional delegation  supporting a deep draft  Arctic port in                                                               
Nome; and requesting the Department  of Transportation and Public                                                               
Facilities to  work collaboratively  with the City  of Nome  on a                                                               
deep draft Arctic port in Nome.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
     - MOVED HJR 14 OUT OF COMMITTEE                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9(STA)                                                                                        
Requesting the  United States Secretary  of the Treasury  to mint                                                               
not less  than 5,000,000 $1 coins  honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich                                                               
under the Native American $1 Coin Act.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
     - MOVED CSHJR 9(STA) OUT OF COMMITTEE                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
BILL: HJR 10                                                                                                                  
SHORT TITLE: SUPPORTING ROAD BELT ELECTRICAL LINE                                                                               
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TALERICO                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
03/04/19       (H)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
03/04/19       (H)       ENE, RES                                                                                               
03/14/19       (H)       ENE AT 10:15 AM CAPITOL 17                                                                             
03/14/19       (H)       Moved CSHJR 10(ENE) Out of Committee                                                                   
03/14/19       (H)       MINUTE(ENE)                                                                                            
03/15/19       (H)       ENE RPT CS(ENE) 4DP 2NR                                                                                
03/15/19       (H)       DP: RAUSCHER, PRUITT, FIELDS, SPOHNHOLZ                                                                
03/15/19       (H)       NR: ZULKOSKY, HOPKINS                                                                                  
03/29/19       (H)       RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
03/29/19       (H)       Heard & Held                                                                                           
03/29/19       (H)       MINUTE(RES)                                                                                            
04/01/19       (H)       RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
04/01/19       (H)       Moved CSHJR 10(RES) Out of Committee                                                                   
04/01/19       (H)       MINUTE(RES)                                                                                            
04/03/19       (H)       RES RPT CS(RES) 7DP 1NR                                                                                
04/03/19       (H)       DP: TUCK, HANNAN, TALERICO, RAUSCHER,                                                                  
                         RASMUSSEN, SPOHNHOLZ, TARR                                                                             
04/03/19       (H)       NR: HOPKINS                                                                                            
04/26/19       (H)       TRANSMITTED TO (S)                                                                                     
04/26/19       (H)       VERSION: CSHJR 10(RES)                                                                                 
04/29/19       (S)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
04/29/19       (S)       CRA                                                                                                    
05/07/19       (S)       CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
BILL: HJR 14                                                                                                                  
SHORT TITLE: URGING SUPPORT FOR NOME DEEP-DRAFT PORT                                                                            
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) FOSTER                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
03/25/19       (H)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
03/25/19       (H)       TRA                                                                                                    
04/18/19       (H)       TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
04/18/19       (H)       Heard & Held                                                                                           
04/18/19       (H)       MINUTE(TRA)                                                                                            
04/23/19       (H)       TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124                                                                              
04/23/19       (H)       Moved HJR 14 Out of Committee                                                                          
04/23/19       (H)       MINUTE(TRA)                                                                                            
04/24/19       (H)       TRA RPT 6DP 1NR                                                                                        
04/24/19       (H)       DP: DRUMMOND, CLAMAN, STORY, TALERICO,                                                                 
                         WOOL, STUTES                                                                                           
04/24/19       (H)       NR: RASMUSSEN                                                                                          
04/29/19       (H)       TRANSMITTED TO (S)                                                                                     
04/29/19       (H)       VERSION: HJR 14                                                                                        
04/30/19       (S)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
04/30/19       (S)       CRA                                                                                                    
05/07/19       (S)       CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
BILL: HJR 9                                                                                                                   
SHORT TITLE: ELIZABETH PERATROVICH COMMEMORATIVE COIN                                                                           
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) JOHNSON                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
02/27/19       (H)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
02/27/19       (H)       STA                                                                                                    
03/05/19       (H)       STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120                                                                           
03/05/19       (H)       Heard & Held                                                                                           
03/05/19       (H)       MINUTE(STA)                                                                                            
03/12/19       (H)       STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120                                                                           
03/12/19       (H)       Moved CSHJR 9(STA) Out of Committee                                                                    
03/12/19       (H)       MINUTE(STA)                                                                                            
03/13/19       (H)       STA RPT CS(STA) 6DP                                                                                    
03/13/19       (H)       DP: VANCE, LEDOUX, WOOL, STORY, KREISS-                                                                
                        TOMKINS, FIELDS                                                                                         
03/20/19       (H)       TRANSMITTED TO (S)                                                                                     
03/20/19       (H)       VERSION: CSHJR 9(STA)                                                                                  
03/22/19       (S)       READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS                                                                        
03/22/19       (S)       CRA                                                                                                    
05/07/19       (S)       CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
WITNESS REGISTER                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE DAVE TALERICO                                                                                                    
Alaska State Legislature                                                                                                        
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HJR 10, provided an overview of                                                                
the resolution.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
CRYSTAL ENKVIST, Executive Director                                                                                             
Alaska Power Association                                                                                                        
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 10.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE NEAL FOSTER                                                                                                      
Alaska State Legislature                                                                                                        
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HJR 14, provided an overview of                                                                
the resolution.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
JOY BAKER, Port Director                                                                                                        
City of Nome                                                                                                                    
Nome, Alaska                                                                                                                    
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 14.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
CHARLES LEAN, Vice Chair                                                                                                        
Port Commission                                                                                                                 
City of Nome                                                                                                                    
Nome, Alaska                                                                                                                    
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 14.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
RICHARD BENEVILLE, Mayor                                                                                                        
City of Nome                                                                                                                    
Nome, Alaska                                                                                                                    
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 14.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
WILLIAM HARRINGTON, representing self                                                                                           
Anchorage, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 14.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE DELENA JOHNSON                                                                                                   
Alaska State Legislature                                                                                                        
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HJR 9, provided an overview of                                                                 
the resolution.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
MARCY HERMAN, Staff                                                                                                             
Representative DeLena Johnson                                                                                                   
Alaska State Legislature                                                                                                        
Juneau, Alaska                                                                                                                  
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of HJR 9.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
RICHARD HANSCOM, representing self                                                                                              
Fairbanks, Alaska                                                                                                               
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HJR 9.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
ACTION NARRATIVE                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
3:29:35 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR  CLICK  BISHOP called  the  Senate  Community and  Regional                                                             
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to  order at 3:29 p.m. Present                                                               
at  the   call  to  order  were   Senators  Gray-Jackson,  Birch,                                                               
Costello, and Chair Bishop.                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
          HJR 10-SUPPORTING ROAD BELT ELECTRICAL LINE                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
3:30:23 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR  BISHOP   announced  the   consideration  of   House  Joint                                                               
Resolution 10 (HJR 10).                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
3:30:34 PM                                                                                                                    
REPRESENTATIVE DAVE  TALERICO, Alaska State  Legislature, Juneau,                                                               
Alaska,  sponsor  of  HJR  10,   explained  that  the  resolution                                                               
supports the  development of a road  belt electrical transmission                                                               
line and  urges the  members of the  Alaska delegation  to pursue                                                               
the  development  of the  electrical  transmission  line for  the                                                               
state.                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
He detailed that Alaska has a  rail belt intertie which runs from                                                               
Homer  to Fairbanks  and down  to Delta  Junction. For  years the                                                               
road  belt  electrical  transmission  line has  been  studied  to                                                               
complete what  is called a  bus loop that  would go up  the Glenn                                                               
Highway  and  the  Richardson  Highway   and  complete  a  looped                                                               
electrical  system that  would provide  contiguous power  and the                                                               
ability to have redundancy along the road system.                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
He said  one of  the reasons  for interest  in having  the Alaska                                                               
congressional  delegation   support  the  road   belt  electrical                                                               
transmission line  is due  to the  state's developments  with the                                                               
U.S. Department of  Defense at Eielson Air Force  Base, Clear Air                                                               
Force Station  Base, and  Fort Greely Army  Base. The  main theme                                                               
behind  HRJ 10  is  to  support the  national  defense system  by                                                               
making sure power is available.                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
He  explained  that as  projects  proceed  at military  bases  in                                                               
Alaska, the  state's economic base  and population base  are also                                                               
expanded.  Along the  road  belt corridor  there  are 17  smaller                                                               
communities that  will benefit from  lower cost  energy. Economic                                                               
development  will   be  improved  for  communities,   mines,  and                                                               
agriculture.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
He said the  first phase of  the project will start with a study.                                                               
Concerns regarding an underground  alternative for overhead lines                                                               
in certain areas will be addressed.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
3:31:35 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR HOFFMAN joined the committee meeting.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
3:34:10 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP  noted that the  committee received  a comprehensive                                                               
overview of the  road belt electrical transmission  line on March                                                               
14,  2019.  He  said  Representative  Talerico  reemphasized  the                                                               
importance  and  need  in  support   of  the  resolution  to  the                                                               
congressional delegation.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
3:34:37 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP opened public testimony.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
3:34:52 PM                                                                                                                    
CRYSTAL  ENKVIST, Executive  Director, Alaska  Power Association,                                                               
Anchorage, Alaska, testified  in support of HJR 10.  She said the                                                               
association  supports  the  deployment of  electric  transmission                                                               
infrastructure that  brings reliable electricity to  Alaskans and                                                               
stimulates economic development.  Should the transmission project                                                               
receive   the  necessary   funding  support   from  the   federal                                                               
government,  the reliability  of Alaska's  electric system  would                                                               
increase.   More  renewable   energy  will   be  allowed,   power                                                               
reliability   to  military   installations   will  increase,   an                                                               
alternate power  route for the Anchorage-Fairbanks  intertie will                                                               
be  provided,  and  economic  development  opportunities  in  the                                                               
Greater Cooper Valley Region will be enabled.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
3:37:08 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP closed public testimony.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
3:37:29 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR  BIRCH  moved  to report  [CSHJR  10(RES)],  version  31-                                                               
LS0596\S,  from  committee  with individual  recommendations  and                                                               
attached zero fiscal note.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
3:37:43 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR  BISHOP found  no objection  and CSHJR  10(RES) moved  from                                                               
Senate Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
3:37:47 PM                                                                                                                    
At ease.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
         HJR 14-URGING SUPPORT FOR NOME DEEP-DRAFT PORT                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
3:39:24 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR   BISHOP  reconvened   the   meeting   and  announced   the                                                               
consideration of House Joint Resolution 14 (HJR 14).                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
3:40:04 PM                                                                                                                    
REPRESENTATIVE  NEAL FOSTER,  Alaska  State Legislature,  Juneau,                                                               
Alaska, sponsor  of HJR  14, explained  that the  resolution asks                                                               
for  three things  regarding  the Nome  deep  draft Arctic  port.                                                               
First,  it urges  the Alaska  congressional delegation  to pursue                                                               
infrastructure funding. Second, it  asks the Alaska Department of                                                               
Transportation  and Public  Facilities to  send a  letter to  the                                                               
Alaska congressional delegation supporting  the deep draft Arctic                                                               
port  in   Nome.  Third,  it   asks  the  Alaska   Department  of                                                               
Transportation  and  Public  Facilities to  work  collaboratively                                                               
with  the  City  of  Nome   to  provide  technical  support.  The                                                               
resolution  does not  ask for  funding from  the state.  The deep                                                               
draft Arctic  port project has  been underway for some  time. Due                                                               
to previous  funding, the project  is ready and able  to complete                                                               
final feasibility  and design. HJR  14, if passed,  expresses the                                                               
legislature's  and  the  department's support  for  the  critical                                                               
maritime transportation project in Nome.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
3:41:31 PM                                                                                                                    
JOY BAKER, Port  Director, City of Nome,  Nome, Alaska, testified                                                               
in support  of HJR 14. She  explained that the Arctic  deep draft                                                               
port is a  project that the City of Nome  has been moving towards                                                               
for many years.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
She addressed, "Arctic Deep Draft  Port Study: Site Selection" as                                                               
follows:                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
   • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Alaska Department                                                                 
     of Transportation and Public Facilities evaluated 13                                                                       
     locations in the 2011-2015 "Alaska Deep Draft Arctic Port                                                                  
     Study."                                                                                                                    
   • Nome was selected as the most cost-effective location for                                                                  
     further investigation and initial investment.                                                                              
   • Site selection was based on:                                                                                               
        o Existing Port Infrastructure,                                                                                         
        o Intermodal Connections,                                                                                               
        o Uplands Support,                                                                                                      
        o Water Depth,                                                                                                          
        o Navigation Accessibility.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
She  noted that  the project  was paused  when Royal  Dutch Shell                                                               
pulled out of the Arctic in 2015.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
She addressed,  "Port of Nome Modification  Feasibility Study" as                                                               
follows:                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
   • 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act                                                                  
     (WIIN Act) provided new provisions to allow the Nome Arctic                                                                
     Port Study to proceed:                                                                                                     
        o Remote and Subsistence Harbor Authority allows the                                                                    
          U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include non-economic                                                                  
          factors in the study and design of projects in the                                                                    
          region.                                                                                                               
        o Requires that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to                                                                     
          consult with U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S.                                                                  
          Coast Guard to:                                                                                                       
             square4 Identify national security benefits associated                                                             
               with an Arctic deep draft port.                                                                                  
             square4 Authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to                                                             
               consider such benefits in determining whether an                                                                 
              Arctic deep draft port is feasible.                                                                               
   • New authorities enabled the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to                                                                
     execute a cost-share agreement with the City of Nome for                                                                   
     further investigation of an Arctic Deep Draft Port:                                                                        
        o Study schedule:                                                                                                       
             square4 Federal Cost-Share Agreement (FCSA):                                                                       
                  • February 2018.                                                                                              
             square4 Alternatives Milestone:                                                                                    
                  • June 2018.                                                                                                  
             square4 Tentatively Selected Plan:                                                                                 
                  • March 2019.                                                                                                 
             square4 Agency Decision Milestone:                                                                                 
                  • August 2019.                                                                                                
             square4 MSC Transmittal of Final Report:                                                                           
                  • March 2020.                                                                                                 
             square4 Chief's Report Signed:                                                                                     
                  • June 2020.                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
3:43:42 PM                                                                                                                    
MS.   BAKER   addressed,   "Benefits   of   Developing   Maritime                                                               
Infrastructure in the U.S. Arctic" as follows:                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
   • Supports the people and communities in the region.                                                                         
   • Addresses elements of increasing maritime traffic.                                                                         
   • Responds to growing strategic interest in the region.                                                                      
   • Supports development of significant natural resource                                                                       
     potential.                                                                                                                 
   • Prepares for unique marine environmental challenges.                                                                       
   • Captures benefits at regional, state and federal levels,                                                                   
     namely in the protection of:                                                                                               
        o National Security,                                                                                                    
        o Life Safety,                                                                                                          
        o Environmental Safety,                                                                                                 
        o Economic Viability,                                                                                                   
        o Sustaining Culture.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
She noted that Arctic maritime  activity continues to rise due to                                                               
the  available open  water and  increased interest  in navigating                                                               
the  Arctic  waters  for  the  purposes  of  commodity  movement,                                                               
resource   development,  tourism,   geopolitical  and   strategic                                                               
reasons.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
MS. BAKER  addressed, "Targeted Benefits  of Expansion  to Deeper                                                               
Water" as follows:                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
   • National Security & Life Safety:                                                                                           
        o Critical refuel and resupply support.                                                                                 
        o Strengthen U.S. presence in Arctic.                                                                                   
   • Environmental Safety:                                                                                                      
        o Reducing offshore fuel transfers.                                                                                     
   • Economic and Cultural Sustainability:                                                                                      
        o Lowering regional transportation costs.                                                                               
   • Tourism:                                                                                                                   
        o Support increased ship calls with more ice-hardened                                                                   
          vessels in construction.                                                                                              
   • Research:                                                                                                                  
        o Enhanced mission support.                                                                                             
   • Resource Development:                                                                                                      
        o Oil, gas, and mining resupply.                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
She  said having  a  deep draft  Arctic port  in  Nome will  save                                                               
larger  ships three  to five  sailing  days to  Dutch Harbor  for                                                               
vessels transiting and working in the Arctic.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
She  said the  additional scope  of the  feasibility study  is to                                                               
provide  safe,  reliable,  and efficient  navigation  for  trans-                                                               
shipping fuel, cargo, and gravel through the Arctic region.                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
3:45:18 PM                                                                                                                    
She   addressed,  "Port   of   Nome  Shore-Based   Infrastructure                                                               
Development" as follows:                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
   • Nome's Strategic Development Plan:                                                                                         
        o Thirty-four acres of laydown property available for                                                                   
          use.                                                                                                                  
        o Sixteen acres in development, more in planning phase.                                                                 
        o Moorage expansion area fully permitted and designed:                                                                  
             square4 Congestion will be mitigated in the Small Boat                                                             
               Harbor.                                                                                                          
        o Haul-out facilities currently being upgraded and                                                                      
          expanded.                                                                                                             
        o Alaska   Department   of  Transportation   and   Public                                                               
          Facilities' improvements scheduled to 2021.                                                                           
        o Alaska   Department   of  Transportation   and   Public                                                               
          Facilities' Nome Port Road improvements scheduled for                                                                 
          2021.                                                                                                                 
   • Port Reception Facilities:                                                                                                 
        o Federal, state, regional  and local stakeholders should                                                               
          work  together  to   accelerate  construction  of  port                                                               
          facilities    that    meet    International    Maritime                                                               
          Organization  (IMO) Polar  Code regulations  to service                                                               
         U.S. vessels as well as international traffic.                                                                         
        o Minimizing operational discharges helps:                                                                              
             square4 Protect Arctic marine environment for subsistence                                                          
               hunting and fishing.                                                                                             
             square4 Enhance maritime operations by extending vessel                                                            
               duration in the region.                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
MS. BAKER  said one of  Nome's priority projects is  developing a                                                               
port reception  facility to accept  all forms of ship  waste from                                                               
the regional  and Arctic maritime  fleets. The project,  which is                                                               
in the planning and design  phase, is critical for protecting the                                                               
marine and environment which many  use as a significant source of                                                               
subsistence foods across the region.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
3:46:10 PM                                                                                                                    
She  addressed,  "Arctic  Deep   Draft  Port:  Path  Forward"  as                                                               
follows:                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
   • Feasibility Study  Tentatively Selected Plan:                                                                              
        o Extend Causeway 3,500 feet.                                                                                           
        o Construct three docks in deep  basin dredged to 40-foot                                                               
          Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).                                                                                          
        o Remove breakwater.                                                                                                    
        o Construct new 3,900-foot causeway with ship dock;                                                                     
        o Dredge existing outer basin to 28-foot MLLW.                                                                          
   • Project Delivery Schedule:                                                                                                 
        o Chief's Report scheduled to Congress in June 2020.                                                                    
        o Water  Resources  Development  Act (WRDA)  2018  allows                                                               
          project to move into design upon signed Chief's                                                                       
          Report.                                                                                                               
        o Congress  is  expected  to  authorize  the  project  in                                                               
          FY2021-FY2022.                                                                                                        
        o Project bid  and construction could  start as  early as                                                               
          2023 and last through 2027.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
She addressed,  "Building an Arctic  Deep Draft Port at  Nome" as                                                               
follows:                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
   • The City of Nome requests project support from the Alaska                                                                  
     State Legislature to do the following:                                                                                     
        o Assist in bringing economic development to the region                                                                 
          to support jobs for Alaskan residents.                                                                                
        o Assist in sustaining the Alaska Native culture by                                                                     
          protecting marine food resources and the environment.                                                                 
        o Attract investment capital in maritime infrastructure                                                                 
          development through a variety of P3 agreements.                                                                       
        o Assist in generating long-term economic benefits to                                                                   
          the region, the state and the nation.                                                                                 
        o Capitalize on opportunities to develop the Arctic's                                                                   
          natural resources while sustaining the environment.                                                                   
        o Provide suitable maritime infrastructure for Arctic                                                                   
          tour ships and attracting more ships to the state.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
MS. BAKER said  the City of Nome is not  seeking funding from the                                                               
legislature  but  requests  support  for the  projects  with  the                                                               
passage of HJR  14. The deep draft port project  is essential for                                                               
supporting   the   region's   economies,  the   state's   natural                                                               
resources, and the nation's  sovereignty and security. Therefore,                                                               
it is important to demonstrate  the state of Alaska's support for                                                               
Nome's national project.                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR  BIRCH noted  that he  was the  project manager  for Nome's                                                               
causeway  extension in  the mid-1980s  that the  proposed project                                                               
will be  adding to.  He said  he is very  encouraged to  see this                                                               
sort of  initiative and direction. He  asked if the rock  for the                                                               
project will be locally sourced.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
MS.  BAKER answered  yes;  the rock  quarry east  of  Nome has  a                                                               
hundred-year life expectancy.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR BIRCH recalled that the quarry has good rock.                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
MS. BAKER replied  that it is the highest quality  rock along the                                                               
coast and  sought out  by many owners  and project  designers for                                                               
breakwater stone.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR  BISHOP concurred  with Senator  Birch that  the Nome  rock                                                               
quarry has good rock.                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
3:48:53 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP [opened public testimony].                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
3:49:22 PM                                                                                                                    
CHARLES LEAN,  Vice Chair, Port  Commission, City of  Nome, Nome,                                                               
Alaska,  testified in  support of  HJR  14. He  pointed out  that                                                               
Alaska has  50 percent of  the nation's coastline and  the Arctic                                                               
ocean  waters  are  approximately  half of  Alaska's  waters  and                                                               
therefore  the  Arctic  waters  account for  25  percent  of  the                                                               
country's  marine waters  and Nome  is the  central port  for the                                                               
Arctic waters.  Nome's port is  not only important as  a regional                                                               
hub, but also for the  nation. Freight passing through the Bering                                                               
Strait represents  an approximate 40 percent  reduction in travel                                                               
distance.  Freight from  Alaska going  to the  East Coast  of the                                                               
U.S.  would  have reduced  cost  and  is therefore  important  to                                                               
Alaska and the region.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
3:51:11 PM                                                                                                                    
RICHARD BENEVILLE,  Mayor, City of Nome,  Nome, Alaska, testified                                                               
in support  of HJR  14. He noted  that the only  two ways  to get                                                               
from the  Atlantic Ocean to  the Pacific  Ocean by water  are the                                                               
Bering Strait  and the Panama  Canal. Nome  is 70 miles  from the                                                               
Bering Strait. Secondly, other Arctic  nations are not looking at                                                               
the future, they are living in  it as we speak. The United States                                                               
is  lagging behind  other Arctic  nations  in infrastructure  and                                                               
strategic preparation. He emphasized that  the world is coming to                                                               
Alaska.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR BISHOP  concurred with Mayor Beneville's  comments on other                                                               
Arctic nations.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
3:54:08 PM                                                                                                                    
WILLIAM   HARRINGTON,  representing   self,  Anchorage,   Alaska,                                                               
testified  in support  of  HJR 14.  He said  as  an Alaskan,  the                                                               
buildout of  an Arctic port  in Nome  is exciting to  protect and                                                               
service the  communities in the  region. Coupled with  the touted                                                               
railroad through Canada to the  Lower 48, there will be centuries                                                               
of  benefits for  the  northern half  of  the state.  Eighty-five                                                               
percent  of   statewide  freight  passes  through   the  Port  of                                                               
Anchorage,  a port  located in  an  active earthquake  zone is  a                                                               
strategy that places all the eggs in one basket.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
He  said  he encourages  a  push  to  open the  state's  northern                                                               
extremities to  bring affordable and safe  transportation via the                                                               
Nome port expansion  and cross-boundary rail link.  He added that                                                               
port expansion  at Kotzebue and  Bethel should  be in the  mix to                                                               
allow for  direct delivery  from Seattle  to lower  freight costs                                                               
and the cost of living throughout the state.                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
3:56:03 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP closed public testimony.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  FOSTER   highlighted  that  a   recent  newspaper                                                               
article  warned   of  the  dangers   from  Russian   and  Chinese                                                               
activities in the Arctic. He opined  that there is a race for the                                                               
Arctic.                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
3:56:59 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR BIRCH  moved to report  HJR 14, version  31-LS0593\M from                                                               
committee  with  individual  recommendations  and  attached  zero                                                               
fiscal note.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
3:57:15 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP fund  no objection and HJR 14 moved  from the Senate                                                               
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
3:57:20 PM                                                                                                                    
At ease.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
         HJR 9-ELIZABETH PERATROVICH COMMEMORATIVE COIN                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
3:58:58 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR  BISHOP   announced  the   consideration  of   House  Joint                                                               
Resolution 9 (HJR 9).                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
3:59:17 PM                                                                                                                    
REPRESENTATIVE DELENA JOHNSON,  Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,                                                               
Alaska,  sponsor   of  HJR  9,   provided  an  overview   of  the                                                               
resolution. She  disclosed that the legislation  was suggested by                                                               
an Alaska  4-H group from  Eagle. She detailed that  the American                                                               
Coin  Act  was passed  in  2018  with  a  proviso that  a  Native                                                               
American  coin  be  included.   A  coin  commemorating  Elizabeth                                                               
Peratrovich  has been  chosen to  be the  fourth Native  American                                                               
coin.                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
She  detailed  that  the Elizabeth  Peratrovich  coin  will  have                                                               
Sacagawea on the reverse side.  She emphasized that there will be                                                               
no cost to the state. The U.S.  Mint is an enterprise fund of the                                                               
U.S. government  which means  it makes  money from  the collector                                                               
edition runs.                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
She explained  that the resolution  asks for an extra  $2 million                                                               
in coinage  to be distributed  through the San  Francisco Federal                                                               
Reserve  Bank  of  San  Francisco, Seattle  Branch  so  that  the                                                               
Elizabeth  Peratrovich  coins  can   be  distributed  in  Alaska.                                                               
Typically,  collector editions  only  go to  collectors, but  the                                                               
Alaska 4-H group  from Eagle requested the resolution  to ask for                                                               
an additional  $2 million  in coins be  distributed in  Alaska so                                                               
that  the coin  can be  used in  the state.  She emphasized  that                                                               
Elizabeth Peratrovich is a national  figure and having her on the                                                               
commemorative  coin will  make her  the [fourth]  singular Alaska                                                               
Native woman besides Sacagawea on a coin.                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
4:02:18 PM                                                                                                                    
MARCY HERMAN, Staff, Representative  DeLena Johnson, Alaska State                                                               
Legislature, Juneau,  Alaska, advised that  Elizabeth Peratrovich                                                               
would be  the fourth  singular Alaska  Native on  a commemorative                                                               
coin but the first woman other than Sacagawea.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR BISHOP asked if the  Elizabeth Peratrovich coin design [NA-                                                               
2020-01] was selected.                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON answered  that she was not  certain that a                                                               
final design had been chosen.                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR   BISHOP  commented   that   he   would  select   Elizabeth                                                               
Peratrovich coin design [NA-2020-06].                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
4:03:30 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP opened public testimony.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
4:03:39 PM                                                                                                                    
RICHARD HANSCOM, representing  self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified                                                               
in support  of HJR  9. He disclosed  that he is  a member  of the                                                               
Fairbanks Coin  Club. He  said the current  practice of  the U.S.                                                               
Mint is to make dollar coins  for sale only to collectors. If the                                                               
Elizabeth  Peratrovich coin  is  not placed  in circulation,  the                                                               
coin will  be just  another collectors' coin  that is  unknown to                                                               
the general public.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
He explained  that the act  of placing the  Elizabeth Peratrovich                                                               
coin into circulation will reaffirm  the commitment to the Alaska                                                               
Anti-Discrimination   law  passed   by  the   Territorial  Alaska                                                               
Legislature in  1945. Circulating the Elizabeth  Peratrovich coin                                                               
will  be   a  fitting  way   to  honor  the  work   of  Elizabeth                                                               
Peratrovich.  A circulating  coin  will be  a  daily reminder  to                                                               
adults and an educational tool for the children.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
CHAIR  BISHOP  noted that  he  grew  up as  a  coin  buff and  he                                                               
supports HJR 9.                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
4:05:01 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP closed public testimony.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked  Representative Johnson for bringing                                                               
the  resolution  forward.  She added  that  she  likes  Elizabeth                                                               
Peratrovich coin design [NA-2020-05].                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON summarized  that Elizabeth Peratrovich was                                                               
a  stellar figure  in the  state's  history. Prior  to the  Civil                                                               
Rights Act  of the 1960s,  Elizabeth Peratrovich was  involved in                                                               
the   Alaska   Anti-Discrimination   Act   of   1945.   Elizabeth                                                               
Peratrovich was a  recipient of discrimination and  she found her                                                               
voice and made sure her voice was known in Alaska.                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
REPRESENTATIVE  JOHNSON   said  it  is  fitting   that  Elizabeth                                                               
Peratrovich  was chosen  to  be on  the  commemorative coin.  She                                                               
added  that she  is delighted  to carry  the legislation  forward                                                               
from the Interior Alaska 4-H group from Eagle.                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                
4:06:51 PM                                                                                                                    
SENATOR  BIRCH moved  to report  [CSHJR 9(STA)],  work order  31-                                                               
LS0573\M,  from  committee  with individual  recommendations  and                                                               
attached zero fiscal note.                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
4:07:02 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP found  no objection and CSHJR 9(STA)  moved from the                                                               
Senate Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
4:07:09 PM                                                                                                                    
At ease.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
4:08:53 PM                                                                                                                    
CHAIR BISHOP called the committee back to order.                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
4:09:14 PM                                                                                                                    
There being  no further  business to  come before  the committee,                                                               
Chair  Bishop  adjourned  the   Community  and  Regional  Affairs                                                               
Standing Committee meeting at 4:09 p.m.                                                                                         

Document Name Date/Time Subjects
HJR014A.PDF SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR014 Sponsor Statement.pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
Nome ADDP - Senate CRA 2019.pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR014 Supporting Documents High North News Article 4-25-19.pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR014 Supporting Documents Project Milestones 4-25-19.pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR014 Senate Armed Services Committee Transcript (PAGE 61 IS THE IMPORTANT PAGE).pdf HTRA 4/18/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR014 Supporting Documents Senate Bill 3021.pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR014 Supporting Documents Washington Post Article .pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR014-1-2-042419-DOT-N.PDF SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 14
HJR009 Version M.PDF SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 9
HJR009 Explanation of Changes A to M.pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 9
HJR 9 - Sponsor Statement 3.5.2019.pdf HSTA 3/5/2019 3:00:00 PM
HSTA 3/12/2019 3:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 9
HJR 9 - Supporting Document, EP Image Options 3.5.2019.pdf HSTA 3/5/2019 3:00:00 PM
HSTA 3/12/2019 3:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 9
HJR 9 Fiscal Note LEG-SESS.pdf HSTA 3/5/2019 3:00:00 PM
HSTA 3/12/2019 3:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 9
HJR 10 Fiscal Note.pdf HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Sponsor Statement.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Project Description.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Map 1.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Map 2 .pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Document Support List.pdf HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Article APM.docx.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Article ADN.pdf SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Alaska Federation of Natives.docx.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR10 Supporting Document - 2019 Support Exploration of Road Belt Electrical Line 3.28.19.pdf HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Ahtna Inc..pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
2019-03-07 - Alaska Power Association Support for HJR10.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Alaska Power Telephone Company .pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Chickaloon Village Tradition Council.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Chitina Electric Inc Resolution.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Chitina Native Corp.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Chitna Electric Inc.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Copper Valley Devlopment Association.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Copper Valley Electrical Association Resolution.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Golden Valley Electrical Association .pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Northway Traditional Council.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR 10 Supporting Documents Tanana Chiefs Conference.pdf HENE 3/14/2019 10:15:00 AM
HRES 3/29/2019 1:00:00 PM
HRES 4/1/2019 1:00:00 PM
SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10
HJR010 version S.PDF SCRA 5/7/2019 3:30:00 PM
HJR 10