Legislature(2003 - 2004)
02/27/2003 09:03 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 27, 2003
9:03 AM
TAPES
SFC-03 # 11, Side A
SFC 03 # 11, Side B
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Gary Wilken convened the meeting at approximately 9:03 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice Chair
Senator Ben Stevens
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Robin Taylor
Also Attending: LARRY PERSILY, Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Revenue; PAM VARNEY, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs
Agency; TIM LAMKIN, Staff to Senator Gary Wilken;
Attending via Teleconference: From Fairbanks: LARRY BREDEMAN,
Tanana Chiefs Conference
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SB 51-BONDS OF BOND BANK AUTHORITY
The Committee heard testimony from the Department of Revenue. The
bill was reported from Committee.
CHANGE IN LONGEVITY POLICY
The Committee heard from the Legislative Affairs Agency regarding
this administrative matter of business. The Committee adopted a
policy.
SCR 1-SUPPORT ROADS/HOT SPRINGS LOOP ROAD
The Committee heard from the sponsor, and the Tanana Chiefs
Conference. Two amendments were considered and adopted and a
committee substitute was reported from Committee.
SENATE BILL NO. 51
"An Act relating to revenue bonds issued by the Alaska
Municipal Bond Bank Authority and the total amount of bonds
and notes outstanding of that authority; and providing for an
effective date."
Co-Chair Wilken gave a brief overview of the legislation, sponsored
by the Senate Rules Committee by request of the Governor, as
follows.
SB 51 increases the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank's total
borrowing limit from $300 million to $500 million. In
addition, the amount of revenue bonds may be issued in any one
fiscal year is increased from $50 million to $75 million. The
current limits have not been raised since 1983 and 1984.
LARRY PERSILY, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Revenue, gave a
history of the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority (MBBA) created
in 1975 to assist municipalities in issuing debt for projects. By
working through the bond bank authority, he stated, municipalities
could obtain lower interest rates on debt and lower issuance costs.
He stressed that the debt is not the State's, but rather general
obligation bonds or revenue bonds issued by municipalities.
Mr. Persily listed the first statutory borrowing limit of the MBBA
as the $50 million annual limit on the amount of revenue bonds that
could be issued during any one year, which has not increased in 20
years. He furthered that the second statutory limit is the $300
million maximum total general obligation and revenue debt that
could be carried by the MBBA at any one time. This statute, he
reminded has been in place since 1984.
Mr. Persily assured that the MBBA has sufficient reserves to
continue financing at the proposed higher levels. He informed that
the MBBA reserves are utilized to pay the costs of the Authority as
well as pay annual dividends to the State treasury.
Mr. Persily reported that the Authority has issued $27 million in
revenue bonds in FY 03 to date with an additional $50 million
possible. He remarked this would be a record amount, although it
would be above the statutory annual limit of $50 million.
Mr. Persily furthered that the total debt amount of the MBBA was
$235 million in January 2003. He stated that the possible
additional issuances in the remainder of FY 03, plus issuances in
FY 04, would increase the total debt and the $300 limit would
almost be reached.
Mr. Persily listed the proposed projects for which revenue bonds
have been issued in FY 03 as follows.
Juneau hospital expansion $25 million
Juneau port improvements 5.6 million
Valdez hospital replacement 19 million
Lake Peninsula Borough dock project 1 million
City of Homer seawall 1 million
City of Homer dock improvements 1 million
Kenai Peninsula Borough solid waste project*
City of Fairbanks fire protection facility*
*amount not available
Mr. Persily then listed the proposed projects for which general
obligation bonds have been issued in FY 03 as follows.
Northwest Arctic Borough school projects*
City of Petersburg refinancing existing debt $1 million
Aleutians East Borough school project*
Kodiak Island Borough refinancing existing debt $3 million
*amount not provided
Co-Chair Green asked how additional revenue would be generated and
additional expense incurred yet no changes are reflected in the
fiscal note, which is zero.
Mr. Persily compared preparation of the annual budget for the MBBA
to that of projecting oil prices; it is difficult to accurately
estimate the future activity. He explained that in years of less
than anticipated issuance activity, the MBBA expends fewer funds,
and in years of higher activity, a supplemental budget request is
submitted to cover the additional expenses. Therefore, he stated,
the fiscal note does not reflect additional funds, as the intention
would be to request supplemental funds if activities in FY 04 are
higher than anticipated. He exampled that the FY 03 initial
appropriation was $522,700 and because of higher activity the
Department has requested $142,000 supplemental funding to cover
bond issuance expenses.
Co-Chair Green asked if the FY 03 supplemental request is for
reimbursement of funds already expended.
Mr. Persily corrected that the funds have not yet been expended
although they would be expended by the end of March 2003 if this
legislation were to pass, thus allowing additional bond issuances.
Co-Chair Green wanted to know the consequences if this bill did not
pass into law and the supplemental request was approved.
Co-Chair Wilken commented that this bill should pass.
Mr. Persily responded that once $50 million limit was reached those
remaining communities requesting bond issuance in FY 03 would be
instructed to reapply the following fiscal year.
Senator Hoffman asked the delinquency rates.
Mr. Persily assured that no community has every defaulted on a
Municipal Bond Bank loan.
Senator Hoffman clarified his request for the instances of overdue
payments.
Mr. Persily would provide this information.
Senator Olson pointed out that the increase from $300 million to
$500 million would almost double the amount of bonded indebtedness
of the MBBA. He asked the impact this would have on the bond
rating.
Mr. Persily responded that the MBBA currently has sufficient
reserves to cover a $500 million debt, and therefore the increase
would not jeopardize the bond rating. He furthered that each bond
issuance is rated individually based upon the specific project and
municipality involved.
Mr. Persily then elaborated on the decision to request the
authority for a limit that would be viable for several years to
avoid the need to make repeated requests over the same period of
time. He also noted that several municipalities are now funding
projects rather than obtaining funding from the State and federal
governments. Therefore, he expected more bonds would be issued.
Senator Taylor offered a motion to report SB 51 from Committee.
Without objection SB 51 moved from Committee with individual
recommendations and zero fiscal note #1 from the Department of
Community and Economic Development and zero fiscal note #2 from the
Department of Revenue.
CHANGE IN LONGEVITY POLICY
PAM VARNEY, Executive Director, Legislative Affairs Agency,
testified that the Senate and House of Representatives employment
policy has been in effect since 1988 "and has worked well for the
Legislature with the exception of longevity steps J through M." She
cited AS 39.27.022(d), which permits a committee of the Legislature
to determine whether longevity pay increments would be granted
under this statute to employees under the authority of that
committee. She requested the Senate Finance Committee not adopt
this portion of the statute, but rather adopt a separate policy.
Ms. Varney informed the Members of the other committees that voted
to not adopt this policy: Senate Rules Committee on February 3,
2003; House Rules Committee on February 4; Legislative Council on
February 20; Administrative Regulation Review Committee on February
19. She furthered that the House Finance Committee and the
Legislative Budget and Audit Committee have scheduled this matter
for consideration. She noted that if all committees take this
action, the Legislature would have a consistent policy throughout
the Legislative Branch.
Ms. Varney specified the difficulties with the term "continuous" as
contained in current statute. She explained that some staff work
for different legislators at various wage steps, or work at
different pay ranges during the legislative session and the
interim. These employees, she stated, would not qualify for
scheduled step increases because the salary steps are not
continuous.
Ms. Varney referenced proposed language, which does not include the
word "continuous." [Copy on file.]
Senator Olson asked the disadvantages of adopting the different
policy.
Ms. Varney was unaware of opposition and could not perceive any
disadvantages. She stressed that staff to both Majority and
Minority legislators are affected, as well as those in nonpolitical
positions.
Co-Chair Green offered a motion that the Senate Finance Committee
not adopt AS 39.27.022-Pay increments for longevity for State
service but instead adopt their own plan, which better applies to
legislative service. This new policy is before the Members and
would be effective January 16, 2003.
There was no objection and the motion PASSED.
CS FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1(STA)
Relating to economic development generated by new road
construction and to the design and construction of the Hot
Springs Loop Road to connect Chena Hot Springs and Circle Hot
Springs, of a highway along the Bradfield/Iskut Rivers
transportation corridor, of the Knik Arm Crossing, and of a
road from Illiamna Bay to Pile Bay.
TIM LAMKIN staff to Co-Chair Wilken, read the sponsor statement
into the record as follows.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1
"Relating to economic development generated by new road
construction and to the design and construction of the Hot
Springs Loop Road to connect Chena Hot Springs and Circle Hot
Springs."
SCR 1 is submitted to advance economic development in Interior
Alaska.
This resolution addresses the following:
1) There is considerable tourism activity at both Chena and
Circle Hot Springs. Connecting these two sites will spur
further tourism activity at both locations, and
potentially at new sites established along the way.
2) Local residents also frequent these locations, not only to
enjoy the hot springs' facilities, but also to access
fishing, hunting, camping and hiking areas that intersect
the routes to both hot springs. Extending the road to form
a loop will extend and improve access to these Alaskan
resources and pastimes.
3) The increased traffic along this Loop Road will lend
itself to increased commercial and industrial activities,
including resource extraction and entrepreneurial
ventures, thus promoting job opportunities and long-term
economic growth to the area and to the State.
Across Alaska there may be many worthwhile road construction
projects currently under consideration to improve Alaska's
highway infrastructure. However, SCR 1 does not intend to give
preference to any one project. Instead, it aims to identify
and evaluate one model project that would significantly
improve the quality of life and potential for development in
Interior Alaska and encourage further like discussions in
other areas of our State.
Co-Chair Wilken referenced maps of the proposed Hot Springs Loop
Road and additional proposed projects that had been added to the
resolution in the Senate State Affairs committee substitute.
[Copies on file.]
Hot Springs Loop Road
Co-Chair Wilken indicated the location of Central, Circle and
Circle Hot Springs approximately 130 miles north of Fairbanks. He
informed that the hot springs have been a destination for trappers
and travelers from around the world for 80 to 90 years. He next
located Chena Hot Springs on the map, about 60 miles from
Fairbanks, which he stated has been developed into an "absolutely
world class destination" for viewing the Aurora Borealis or bathing
in the hot springs. He pointed out the 260-mile distance to travel
to both locations. He explained the proposal to link the two roads,
creating a loop. This, he stated would make travel to these
destinations a manageable two-day, two-night trip.
Co-Chair Wilken noted the relation of the existing roads and
proposed road within the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the
federally owned Steese National Conservation Area.
Bradfield/Iskut Corridor
Co-Chair Wilken informed that this project was included in the
resolution at the request of Senator Taylor.
Senator Taylor indicated that Southeast transportation plans
propose extending the road system on Wrangell Island to Fools Inlet
on the southern end of the island, with a shuttle ferry carrying
vehicles and passengers to the Cleveland Peninsula on the mainland.
He continued that the plans include constructing a 12 mile long
road along the Tyee power lines of the Four Dam Pool, which is
currently under construction, to link with existing logging roads
on Revillagigedo Island leading into Ketchikan. He stated that
another shuttle ferry would connect Wrangell to roads into
Petersburg.
Senator Taylor next pointed out the Dick Sykes Logging Camp and the
26 miles of logging road built from the camp along the Bradfield
River. He declared that this area has been clear-cut logged and is
not "pristine wilderness." He informed that 11 more miles of road
would reach the Canadian border, and 23 additional miles of road
would link to an existing mine. He told of large ore trucks
utilizing the existing road along the Iskut River between the mine
and Highway 37, which he said is the newest highway in British
Columbia, Canada.
Senator Taylor reported that an average of 72 trucks with empty
refrigeration containers travel southbound on this highway each
day. He also told of "well over 100 million salmon" that could not
be processed and transported to market.
Senator Taylor emphasized this road has been under consideration
for over 40 years, with both the United States and Canadian
governments constructing portions of the road. He expressed that
the roads should be connected. He stated that other potential sites
for a road connection between Southeast Alaska and British Columbia
would not be permitted because they are located in designated
wilderness areas.
Senator Taylor noted that the proposed road would require
construction of a "small tunnel at the upper end".
Senator Taylor surmised that the construction of this road and
accompanying shuttle ferry would "totally turn around our marine
highway system" and "we would no longer be paying the high subsidy
that we currently pay."
Senator Taylor informed that approximately $1.5 million in federal
highway funds are being utilized for "the initial scoping". He told
of meetings with Canadian officials on this matter.
Co-Chair Wilken asked if the existing roads are public roads.
Senator Taylor replied that "guarded access" is granted to the
Canadian portion of the road because of the types of vehicles
currently traveling to and from the mine. He furthered that the
Alaskan portion of the road is a U.S. Forest Service road is
available to the public although it is overgrown.
Co-Chair Wilken asked an estimate of the cost to complete this
project.
Senator Taylor spoke about a haul road for transporting resources.
He indicated that one engineering firm conducted a survey in 1986
and estimated the cost would be $29 million, including construction
of the tunnel. He qualified that additional costs would be incurred
to update this cost study. He complained about the air surveys and
cost estimates performed by the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities, arguing that the $180 million to $350 million
estimates derived from these surveys are over projected. Therefore,
he concluded that no official accurate estimate exists at this
time, and he projected the cost of a "paved road quality" would be
approximately $200 million. He added that a "utility grade" road
would cost approximately $50 to $60 million.
Senator Taylor expressed that mining companies are interested in
establishing operations in the proposed area, but are currently
prevented from doing so because of the lack of electrical service
and road connection. He asserted the proposed road would bring
energy supplies and road access into Southeast Alaska.
Co-Chair Green clarified this project requires a joint effort
between Alaska and Canada.
Senator Taylor affirmed and told of an 1825 treaty between the
Russians and the British relating to trapping and trading rights
and access to the Pacific Ocean.
Senator Olson asked the total population that would be affected by
this project, noting the number of communities impacted.
Senator Taylor asserted that the 7,000 residents of Prince of Wales
Island as well as Juneau residents would benefit from this road
connection. He relayed that road travel between Juneau and the
Lower 48 requires ferry transportation to Skagway and calculated
that the new corridor would eliminate 350 miles from the current
route. He concluded that a minimum of 70,000 people would benefit.
Senator Olson asked the cost of maintaining this road. He pointed
to the steep grade at the site of the proposed road.
Senator Taylor did not have an estimate of maintenance costs.
However, he pointed out that the mining company maintains the road
between the mine and Highway 37 year-round. He spoke to the limited
snowfall in the current year and surmised that maintenance of this
road would be no less costly than other roads in Southeast Alaska
and would be less expensive than the road to Valdez or the road
from Skagway.
Senator Taylor then commented on legislation passed in 1986
relating to the Whittier Tunnel and Bradfield Haul Road, and
authorized the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
(AIDEA) to issue revenue bonds for toll roads. He indicated that
this generated $29 million.
LARRY BREDEMAN, Tanana Chiefs Conference, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks, representing Circle City in favor of
the Hot Springs Loop Road. He also supported the inclusion of the
proposed Wrangell road in this resolution.
Mr. Bredeman spoke to concerns that the Hot Springs Loop Road must
be paved. He pointed out that rental vehicles are restricted from
driving on unpaved roads. He asserted that pavement would allow
economic development and he encouraged the pavement of roads
statewide.
Co-Chair Wilken expressed that he would research whether car rental
agencies classify the High Float Road as gravel. He noted that the
road between Circle and Central is one of only two roads that
access to the Yukon River.
Senator Olson asked if the witness, as representative of the Tanana
Chiefs Conference (TCC), has received indication of any opposition
from residents preferring to remain isolated from surface
connection to Fairbanks.
Mr. Bredeman replied that he has not received comments of such
concerns. He noted that due to hardships in the fishing industry,
residents are seeking alternative revenue sources. He reiterated
that the largest concern voiced to him is the need to upgrade
existing roads before constructing new roads.
Senator Olson asked the opinions of the non-Native population that
would be affected.
Mr. Bredeman surmised that some prefer no changes to Alaska;
however, he did not have documentation of such opposition.
Senator Bunde understood this is substantial investment. While the
federal government would fund a significant portion of the
construction, he pointed out that maintenance expenses would be the
responsibility of the State. He asked if area residents would be
willing to contribute to these expenses.
Mr. Bredeman replied that he is willing to forgo a portion of his
permanent fund dividend to pay such expenses. He suggested he could
conduct a survey of affected residents to determine whether others
would agree.
Senator Hoffman asked if the communities or the TCC have adopted
any official resolution supporting this project.
Mr. Bredeman replied that no resolution has been adopted to date.
Knik Arm Crossing
Co-Chair Wilken opined, "This will change the face of South Central
Alaska. It's a huge project."
Co-Chair Green furthered, "It does speak for itself and has been
widely publicized." She told of the potential for nearby residents
to become trapped by the recent Miller's Reach Fire, and the
realization that this area does not have an escape route.
Co-Chair Green demonstrated on the map that this crossing would
complete a loop. She indicated the distance between the proposed
crossing and the City of Anchorage is less than one mile. She
predicted that utilizing this crossing would eliminate
approximately two and one-half hours driving time for travelers
from Fairbanks, Talkeetna and other northern origins.
Co-Chair Green added that the possible addition of a rail line
would create a direct route for timber and other products from
Fairbanks, Healy and the Northern Susitna Valley, into Anchorage.
Co-Chair Wilken asked the location of Port McKenzie and the Goose
Bay State Game Refuge in relation to the proposed crossing.
SFC 03 # 11, Side B 09:50 AM
Senator Bunde indicated the locations on the map.
Senator Taylor asked how the proposed crossing would link to
existing roads in Anchorage.
Senator B. Stevens detailed the route across Ship Creek and Gambell
Road, following a bluff and linking to an existing road.
Senator B. Stevens then emphasized that the population in the Mat-
Su region is one of the fastest growing in the State. He informed
that currently people from Wasilla and the Palmer area commute to
Anchorage for their means of economic sustainability. He stated
that this crossing would create a mechanism that would reduce the
commute to about one-third the amount of time.
Senator B. Stevens furthered that Anchorage is "essentially
bordered by water on three sides and Bicentennial Park on the east
side and our ability for potential growth in the Anchorage Bowl is
at capacity." He asserted that this corridor is essential to allow
continued growth in the Mat-Su Valley without overburdening the
current road system. He opined, "The benefits of this project are
huge."
Co-Chair Wilken asked if shipping activity occurs above the
location of the proposed crossing in the Knik Arm.
Senator B. Stevens explained the shipment of gravel from a location
north of Goose Bay to the Port of Anchorage. He stated this is a
"small tug and barge operation" which operates year-round. He
reported that large shipping operations do not travel past the
port.
Co-Chair Green added that shipping activity on the Mat-Su side of
the Knik Arm is centered at Port McKenzie, which is undergoing
upgrades to its road access infrastructure. .
Senator B. Stevens assured that no additional dredging from the
U.S. Corps of Engineers would be required.
Co-Chair Wilken next asked the ownership of the land north of the
Knik Arm, which would be accessed by the proposed crossing.
Senator B. Stevens informed that most of the land is privately
owned. He stated that much of the land is developed for
agriculture, that many cabins are located in the area, as well as a
growth of residential housing.
Co-Chair Green interjected that the population is "still rather
sparse". She noted that much of the land is divided into 640-acre
parcels and 320-acre parcels with some active farms and diaries.
Senator Olson pointed to the map and the appearance that the
distance between Wasilla "proper" and Downtown Anchorage is the
same along the existing Glenn Highway route as along the proposed
Knik Arm Crossing route.
Co-Chair Green indicated areas on the map where the distance would
be shorter, agreeing that for many other areas the distance would
not be shorter. However, she pointed out that the diversion of some
traffic to the proposed route would reduce the number of vehicles
traveling on the Glenn Highway, which would lessen the travel time
along that route as well.
Senator Taylor asked the estimated cost of this project.
Co-Chair Green responded that a current estimate was not available.
Co-Chair Wilken expressed that the expense would be significant,
indicating the total project includes more elements than the bridge
itself.
Senator Bunde asked if opposition to the project has been expressed
by those residing in the now-isolated areas who do not want
increased access from Anchorage.
Co-Chair Green had not received notification of such concerns.
Pile Bay to Iliamna Bay
Co-Chair Wilken informed that this proposal is included in the
committee substitute at the request of Senator Dyson.
Senator Bunde described the disrepair of the existing gravel road
crossing, which is "little used" at present to portage commercial
fishing vessels between Cook Inlet to Lake Illiamna and down
Kvichak River to Bristol Bay. He informed the low usage is due to
narrow passages on steep hillsides.
Senator Hoffman affirmed he has traveled this route and upgrades
and repairs are necessary.
Senator B. Stevens furthered that the road is primarily used as
portage for the Bristol Bay gillnetting fleet between Homer and
Seldovia fishing grounds and Bristol Bay. He informed that a span
of bridge with a 12-foot width restriction is an impediment for the
newer, wider fishing boats. He stated that the route had been used
more in the past before the construction of the wider boats.
Co-Chair Wilken requested Senator Dyson to prepare information on
the impacted residents and economic development for the region.
Senator Hoffman commented that the affected area had been in his
election district before redistricting occurred.
Amendment #1: This amendment inserts language on page 3, following
line 12 of the committee substitute to read as follows.
WHEREAS the Donlin Creek Road project has been a project
identified as a project that will greatly enhance economic
development and establish a transportation corridor in the
Kuskokwim area, which will have a profound effect on future
development in the region.
This amendment also inserts language on page 3, following line 28
of the committee substitute to read as follows.
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports
the continued effort for construction of the Donlin Creek
Road.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Wilken objected for an explanation.
Senator Hoffman asserted that construction of this road would
access the largest economic development potential in rural Alaska.
He compared the 3 million ounces of proven reserve at Fort Knox to
the proven reserves of Donlin Creek of approximately 28 million
ounces. He listed economic benefits to the region: employ 500-600
during construction; employ 450-550 in operation with the average
salary of $49,000 and annual total salaries of $25 to $40 million;
$50 to $80 million annual expenditures in the region; estimated
annual production of 1 to 1.4 million ounces.
Senator Hoffman described the proposed 15-mile road between Crooked
Creek and Donlin Creek.
Senator Bunde commented that the other proposed projects are public
roads and noted this road would be on private land. He asked if the
road would become public or be a private road.
Senator Hoffman responded that he would research the matter.
Senator Taylor remarked that the State has "assisted" other mining
activities, exampling the construction of the port and road to the
Red Dog Mine. He informed that this project was funded through the
issuance of bonds and that tolls are now collected. He spoke of the
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) and opined that
the State is less involved in selecting road projects. He supported
the use of toll roads to finance the construction of all the
proposed projects included in this resolution.
Co-Chair Wilken removed his objection and the amendment was
ADOPTED.
Amendment #2: This amendment inserts new language on page 3,
following line 28 of the committee substitute to read as follows.
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature supports
the design and construction of a road to Rock Creek, bypassing
Moon Light Springs, for the development of mineral extraction
on the Seward Peninsula.
Senator Olson moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Wilken objected for an explanation.
Senator Olson spoke to the amendment informing that Novagold has
identified mining reserves in the affected area, within three miles
outside the City of Nome boundary. He explained that current access
to Rock Creek is by the Glacier Creek Road, which travels along
Moon Light Springs, the city's drinking water supply. He detailed
the proposal to construct a three-mile road between the Nome Teller
Road and the Glacier Creek Road, bypassing the spring.
Senator Olson warned of the potential contamination of the water
supply if an accident involving tanker trucks traveling to the mine
were to occur.
Co-Chair Wilken removed his objection and the amendment was
ADOPTED.
Senator Taylor offered a motion to report CS SCR 1 (FIN) from
Committee.
Senator Bunde objected for discussion. He expressed he wanted
consideration of other funding sources for these projects.
Co-Chair Wilken agreed and explained the attempts of the Alaska
Congressional Delegation to secure a six-year appropriation of $450
million to the Denali Commission for "the Rural Road Initiative"
that would require no matching funds. He recommended that this
resolution should be in effect at the time the U.S. Congress
reauthorizes federal highway funding for the Denali Commission.
Senator Taylor commented on maintenance expenses of these roads. He
told of road maintenance in British Columbia, which is privately
contracted and inspected by government personnel.
Senator Bunde removed his objection and CS SCR 1 (FIN) moved from
Committee with individual recommendations and accompanying zero
fiscal note #1 from the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Gary Wilken adjourned the meeting at 10:14 AM
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