Legislature(2003 - 2004)
03/27/2003 09:03 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 27, 2003
9:03 AM
TAPES
SFC-03 # 34, Side A
SFC 03 # 34, Side B
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Gary Wilken convened the meeting at approximately 9:03 AM.
PRESENT
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice Chair
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Robin Taylor
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Ben Stevens
Also Attending: JOHN MACKINNON, Deputy Commissioner of Highways &
Public Facilities, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities; NANCY SLAGLE, Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Attending via Teleconference: There were no teleconference
participants.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SB 100-APPROP: CAPITAL PROJECTS
The Committee heard testimony from the Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities. The bill was held in Committee.
SENATE BILL NO. 100
"An Act making capital appropriations and reappropriations;
capitalizing a fund; making appropriations under art. IX, sec.
17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska, from the
constitutional budget reserve fund; and providing for an
effective date."
This was the eighth hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Alaska Marine Highway System-Vessel Overhaul and
Rehabilitation
$ 4,900,300 general funds
Reference No.: 30624
Project Type: Renewal and Replacement
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 12/31/2004
On-Going Project
Annual maintenance and overhaul on vessels and at terminals,
particularly component or system failures, which will impact
service in the short term.
JOHN MACKINNON, Deputy Commissioner of Highways & Public
Facilities, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
informed the Committee that this request is an annual item that
would provide for the annual overhauls of the system's nine vessels
and for the inspections that are required by the United States
Coast Guard and other regulatory agencies. He noted that this work
would require a vessel to be dry-docked, as the work could not be
performed while a vessel is underway. He noted that while $4.5
million of the request would be used to address vessel needs, the
balance of the request would be utilized to provide for such things
as shore facilities maintenance, shipboard safety improvements, and
completion of the Maintenance Management System.
Material Stockpiles-Dalton Highway, Glenn Highway, Richardson
Highway and Tok Cutoff
$ 600,000 general funds
Reference No.: 33853
Project Type: Deferred Maintenance
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
Phased Project
Pay for crushing materials used for maintenance that is not
reimbursable by federal funding. Materials stockpiles will be
contracted in conjunction with major federal-aid highway
projects on the Dalton Highway, Glenn Highway, Richardson
Highway and Tok Cutoff.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would allow the Department
to stockpile materials that would be used to repair and maintain
roads. He stated that these stockpiles are required in areas where
no local aggregate resource materials are available.
Senator Hoffman asked whether the mild winter that has been
experienced would allow some of the previous year's materials to be
available.
Mr. MacKinnon clarified that, rather than being material that is
used to sand icy roads, these materials are used for road
maintenance needs such as chip sealing. He noted that while the
State did experience a relatively mild winter, the conditions
generated more icing conditions, and therefore, he shared, more
sand and chemical treatment was required than normal.
Airport Deferred Maintenance
$ 850,000 general funds
Reference No.: 30633
Project Type: Deferred Maintenance
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 09/30/2004
On-Going Project
To repair the backlog of maintenance items that cannot be done
through the operating budget funding levels. Typical items are
pavement repairs, lighting repairs, fencing repairs, and bird
and animal control.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would allow the Department
to address a portion of its $20 million accumulation of airport
deferred maintenance needs. He reviewed the items that would be
addressed as specified in the project description. In addition, he
stated that the request would assist the Department in addressing
airport security improvements that have been required as a result
of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the country.
Senator Bunde asked whether any projects at the Ted Stevens
Anchorage International Airport, the Juneau International Airport,
or the Fairbanks International Airport would be addressed.
Mr. MacKinnon responded that primarily rural and small community
airport projects would be addressed through this request. He noted
that the Juneau airport is a municipal airport and that a different
funding mechanism is in place to address the Anchorage and
Fairbanks' airport maintenance needs.
Senator Bunde noted that airport landing fees are the primary
funding source for the Anchorage and Fairbanks' airport maintenance
needs whereas there is no local contribution funding mechanism in
place at the small rural airports.
Mr. MacKinnon concurred, and commented that the Anchorage and
Fairbanks' airports are encouraged to operate with "enterprise
funds."
Senator Taylor asked whether the Department or the Governor Frank
Murkowski Administration is considering implementation of a
statewide airport-landing fee. He reminded Members that the State
was obligated to provide maintenance funds to the Sitka airport
after the city turned its airport operation responsibilities over
to the State a few years prior. He commented that other than the
communities of Ketchikan and Juneau, which operate municipal
airports, no other airports in Southeast Alaska charge landing
fees. He urged the Department to consider imposing landing fees as
a revenue source.
Mr. MacKinnon communicated that the City of Sitka is considering
imposing a passenger facility charge to address airport upgrade
needs; however, he voiced that he is unaware of other communities'
plans.
Senator Taylor asked whether the Department could develop a report
regarding airport revenue generating options.
Co-Chair Wilken furthered that being provided a list of the FY 03
airport maintenance expenditures and a list of the projected FY 04
projects would be helpful to the Committee.
NANCY SLAGLE, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities supplied a
Department Memorandum [copy on file] from Frank T. Richards, P.E.
Statewide M&O Engineer to Regional Directors, M&O Managers, dated
July 5, 2002 to the Committee. She noted that the Department's
identified airport deferred maintenance needs are identified in the
Memorandum.
Senator Hoffman commented that a complete list of deferred airport
maintenance needs would also be helpful.
Highway Deferred Maintenance
$ 1,500,000 general funds
Reference No.: 30631
Project Type: Deferred Maintenance
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 09/30/2004
On-Going Project
To address some of the needs that have not been handled
through the operating budget maintenance funds. Typical items
are surface and embankment repairs, drainage culverts and
ditch repairs, guardrail repairs, marking and sign repairs,
and brushing.
Mr. MacKinnon read the project description to the Committee.
Senator Taylor asked whether this request would address the
earthquake damage that occurred on the Tok Highway.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request does not include those
emergency repairs, which, he noted, would total approximately $50
million.
Facilities Deferred Maintenance and Critical Repairs
$ 1,000,000 general funds
Reference No.: 30632
Project Type: Deferred Maintenance
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 09/30/2004
On-Going Project
To address the most critical deferred maintenance needs at
Department of Transportation maintained facilities.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would address some of the
"absolute most critical" maintenance needs for facilities to
prevent "further deterioration."
Senator Hoffman requested that the Committee be provided with a
complete list of facilities' deferred maintenance needs.
Mr. MacKinnon responded that the backlog of deferred maintenance
projects "scares me." He stated that the needs are reported to be
approximately $50 million.
Ms. Slagle specified that a large majority of this $50 million
expense addresses the Chandalar, Willow, East Fork, and Nome
maintenance facilities that the Department was forced to close due
to structural problems.
Co-Chair Wilken asked whether the aforementioned Memorandum
includes information pertaining to both facilities and airport
deferred maintenance needs.
Ms. Slagle verified that both are included in the handout.
Emergency and Non-Routine Repairs
$ 700,000 general funds
Reference No.: 30634
Project Type: Health and Safety
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 09/30/2004
On-Going Project
Repairs to transportation facilities needed because of natural
disasters, such as floods, snow, wind, earthquakes, etc. These
repairs would be ineligible for federal funds. Also used to
meet imminent failure needs caused by deferred maintenance.
Mr. MacKinnon read the request description.
Ms. Slagle provided a list of the FY 03 "Emergency and Non-Routine
Maintenance Projects" [copy on file] to the Committee as an example
of the needs. She pointed out that the list includes approximately
$60,000 in earthquake repair needs that did not qualify for federal
highway or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds as well
as other projects including avalanche relief funds for highways,
airports, and facilities.
Co-Chair Green questioned why these items could not included in the
supplemental budget request legislation as she stated that this
request sounds like "a slush fund for things that happen that might
happen unexpectantly."
Ms. Slagle explained that the authorization of this request would
allow the Department to respond to a variety of unexpected
emergency needs on an on-going basis as opposed to being required
to present specific requests via the supplemental budget.
Furthermore, she stated that approval of this request would provide
sufficient funding to address these needs without placing a
"burden" on the Department's regular budget until the supplemental
authorization is provided. However, she allowed that while the
Department does include some projects in the supplemental budget,
it attempts to keep its supplemental requests "to a minimum."
Chandalar Maintenance Station Replacement
$ 5,202,000
$ 850,000 Fed Rcpts
$4,352,000 general funds
Reference No.: 32478
Project Type: Construction
Category: Transportation
Location: Chandalar
Election District: Unidentified Election District
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
One-Time Project
After the collapse of the Department's maintenance structures
at Cascade Station on the Glenn Highway and 7-Mile Camp on the
Dalton Highway, Commissioner Perkins ordered structural
evaluations of suspect buildings. From the initial
evaluations, the Chandalar building was found to be unsafe for
occupancy and was vacated and demolished in the summer/fall of
2001.
Mr. MacKinnon read the project's needs description and stated that
these funds would allow the Department to rebuild the Chandalar
maintenance station. He informed the Committee that in addition to
the installation of a temporary tent at the site to allow limited
winter service to be available, a nearby the Alyeska Pipeline shop
also provides temporary space to the Department. He stated that the
new facility would equate to approximately the same square footage
as the original station and would provide a warm maintenance and
storage shop for the heavy equipment that is required to maintain
the Dalton Highway from Mile 210 to Mile 284. He communicated that
because the Department would also be maintaining the Chandalar
airport, the federal aviation administration (FAA) would be
contributing $850,000 to the project.
Senator Hoffman asked for further information regarding the
collapse of the previous structure, specifically whether the
structure was insured.
Mr. MacKinnon replied that the previous structure was built during
the construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline, and he shared that
from the onset, it had foundation and structural problems.
Ms. Slagle informed the Committee that the station was not intended
to be a permanent structure.
Senator Hoffman asked whether this structure and others were
insured.
Ms. Slagle responded that all the State's buildings are insured;
however, she clarified that rather than collapsing, this building
was demolished as the result of an engineering analysis that
determined it to be unsafe. She noted that the collapse of two
other maintenance stations and the unsafe condition of the
Chandalar station "raised the level" of the Department's awareness
regarding the structural conditions of its buildings.
Senator Taylor asked whether the State built the Cascade Station
and 7-Mile Camp maintenance facilities. He additionally asked
whether an engineer had designed them, and if so, was it within the
last eight years.
Ms. Slagle responded that the history of the buildings would be
provided to the Committee.
Senator Taylor informed that, according to State law, an engineer
could be liable for structural failures if the situation occurs
within the first eight years of the building's life.
Ms. Slagle noted that the majority of the Department's facilities
"are pretty old."
Senator Bunde asked whether the aforementioned Alyeska Pipeline
facility might be available to the State as opposed to building a
new structure.
Ms. Slagle responded that, while the Alyeska Pipeline facility has
been "generously" made available, she believed that the Pipeline
would continue to use to facility and that it would not be
available on a long-term or lease basis. She noted that while the
Department is continuing to use the temporary tent facility at the
Chandalar site to keep equipment warm in the harsh conditions, its
functionality is minimal.
Senator Olson calculated that the proposed facility would cost
approximately $500 per square foot. He asked how this equates to
other comparable facilities in the area.
Mr. MacKinnon agreed that the cost appears to be high; however,
while he could not provide a comparable cost analysis to other
facilities in the area, he stated that the conditions of the area
are harsh and the remoteness of the area would tend to elevate
material and labor expenses. He stated that further cost analysis
information would be provided.
Co-Chair Wilken agreed that the $482 per square foot price of the
facility seems high, particularly in that minimal site preparation
would be required. He noted that the cost of building a home is
approximately $50 per square foot and that the cost of building a
hospital at Fort Wainwright was $400 per square foot. He asked the
Department to reevaluate the expense.
Senator Bunde stated that he was familiar with the site and that he
would not classify it a remote location.
Corps of Engineers-Harbors Program Formulation
$ 200,000 G/F Match
Reference No.: 7091
Project Type: Planning
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
On-Going Project
Participation with the Corps of Engineers and local
governments in harbor breakwaters, dredging, feasibility
studies, and program assistance.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would allow the Department
to assist communities with the initial planning and feasibility
study stage of developing harbor projects. He stressed that this
work would allow communities to have a harbor project "ready to go"
if and when the Corps of Engineers announced that funding was
available.
Corps of Engineers-Harbors Program Construction
$ 8,250,000 G/F Match
Reference No.: 36453
Project Type: Construction
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
Phased Project
Participation with the Corps of Engineers and local
governments in harbor breakwaters, dredging, feasibility
studies, and program assistance.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would allow for the actual
construction of harbor projects; particularly, he stated, the
construction of a harbor in Wrangell. He noted that the total
funding of the Wrangell Harbor would consist of twelve million
dollars from the federal government, six million dollars from the
local government, and four million dollars from the State. He
stated that construction could begin once the City of Wrangell
completes its financing plan for its share of the expense.
Bethel Dock Deferred Maintenance and Transfer
$ 600,000 general funds
Reference No.: 37905
Project Type: Deferred Maintenance
Category: Transportation
Location: Bethel
Election District: Bethel
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
One-Time Project
The city of Bethel has expressed an interest in local
ownership subject to the State addressing the deferred
maintenance issues. This project was not included in HB 525
(bonds) or HB 528 (debt reimbursement) last year.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would allow for "substantial
repairs" to be made to the Bethel dock, and upon its completion,
the responsibility for the dock would be transferred from the State
to the City of Bethel.
Senator Bunde asked how the overall dock upgrade and transfer
program is going; specifically he asked whether any community that
received title to their dock has requested additional funding
assistance since the transfer occurred.
Mr. MacKinnon responded that no community has requested additional
funds. He mentioned that the conditions of the recent bond package
that was issued to support dock upgrades and transfer endeavors
differed from previous ones in that it established a reimbursement
program rather than an initial transfer of funds to a community. He
noted that the feedback from communities is that the original
funding transfer is the preferred system. He avowed that the
program is a successful program.
Senator Taylor asked the number of communities that are currently
participating in the program.
Mr. MacKinnon replied that several communities are in the planning
stage.
Senator Taylor stated that some communities have not been able to
participate in the program because of the projected maintenance
burden the community would assume or because the bond issuance was
problematic. He understood that the revisions to the most recent
bond package that Mr. MacKinnon discussed were supposed to address
community concerns; however, he attested that he has continued to
hear concerns. He voiced, however, that the Department's report is
"encouraging."
Ms. Slagle conveyed that there has been a lot of "enthusiasm" about
this program, and she noted that a dock facility transfer would
transpire in the City and Borough of Juneau within a few days.
Community Access Roads
$ 5,000,000
$ 1,000,000 Fed Rcpts
$ 4,000,000 General Funds
Reference No.: 38455
Project Type: Construction
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
State Match Required
One-Time Project
Funding for potential Community Access Improvements.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that constructing access roads is a priority
of Governor Frank Murkowski's Administration. He noted that several
areas have been identified in which roads could "very readily be
constructed" to connect communities and enable them to, for
instance, share an airport or school facilities. He stated that
sharing facilities could lower operating costs in the long-term.
Senator Bunde attested "that history doesn't bear out your
optimism." Furthermore, he pointed out that several communities in
Southeast Alaska that are connected by roads have two separate
school districts. He stated that perhaps the Legislature should do
more to encourage communities to share resources.
Co-Chair Wilken observed that relatively little backup information
accompanies this request, and he asked whether additional backup
information is available.
Mr. MacKinnon exampled that one proposed road connection could be
between Illiamna and Nondalton. He noted that the difficult
decision in this case would be which of the two airports would be
closed.
Co-Chair Wilken asked that the Department work with his staff to
develop additional backup information, as he attested, a plan would
be required.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that the Department is identifying a number of
projects. He assured that additional information would be
forthcoming.
Senator Hoffman noted that one obstacle in furthering the
Illiamna/Nondalton road connection is the on-going litigation
regarding the construction of a bridge in the area. He asked
whether this issue has been resolved as it has been a problem for
more than ten years.
Mr. MacKinnon responded that, "the person that brought suit has a
very good case." However, he voiced optimism that "a little bit of
language change in statute" could provide a solution to the
situation.
Senator Taylor observed that the Committee's request for more
backup material for this nine million dollar request is
interesting, as he noted that a similar request is not asked of the
Municipality of Anchorage when the Legislature appropriates
approximately $40 million to it for its Anchorage Metropolitan Area
Transportation Study (AMATS) road system. He opined that it would
be interesting to know how the lists would compare.
Co-chair Wilken asked that the Committee's attention remain on the
projects being presented.
Senator Stevens interjected that a list of Anchorage Road projects
is available.
Senator Taylor declared that the State has not "build roads
anyplace in this State in the last twenty years."
Industrial Development Roads
$ 5,000,000 general funds
Reference No.: 38454
Project Type: Construction
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
One-Time Project
Funding for potential Industrial Development Roads
Mr. MacKinnon stated that building industrial roads is another
priority of the Administration as their construction could expand
economic opportunities in the State. He exampled that providing
road access to such places as the Donlin Creek Mine could encourage
additional resource development in the area. He stated that another
road that could be constructed is off the Dalton Highway in the
North Slope region. He attested that this road would provide access
to acreage that could be viable for oil development and exploration
leases that might generate additional royalty payments to the
State.
Co-Chair Wilken opined that, were Congress to reauthorize the
federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21)
funding, it would supplant these State funds.
Senator Bunde asked whether consideration would be given to making
these tolls roads, were the reauthorization of the TEA-21 funds
disallowed.
Mr. MacKinnon responded that the Department is examining a variety
of financing that might include such things as in-kind
contributions and financial assistance from the affected industries
and regional Native corporations.
Co-Chair Wilken asked the Department to provide additional backup
information pertaining to this request.
State Equipment Fleet Replacement
$ 15,000,000 Hwy Capiti
Reference No.: 30628
Project Type: Equipment
Category: General Government
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2005
On-Going Project
Replacement and/or refurbishment of equipment and vehicles
which have reached the end of their useful life cycle and all
extension periods and for the continued conversion of vehicles
to alternate fuel and related alternate fuel program expenses.
Mr. MacKinnon read the project description.
Senator Taylor asked which vehicles would be converted to alternate
fuel.
Mr. MacKinnon voiced uncertainty as to whether any vehicles would
be converted to propane.
Ms. Slagle expressed that the Department's fleet includes vehicles
that use natural gas; however she noted that the number of vehicles
using alternate fuel is small and typically includes sedan-type
vehicles. She stated that, as required by State statute, the
Department is investigating alternate fuel sources.
Senator Taylor voiced the understanding that the State had a built-
in amortization system for equipment replacement. Therefore, he
puzzled as to the reason that general funds are requested on an
annual basis to fund equipment replacement needs.
Co-Chair Wilken asked Ms. Slagle to explain the Highway Capital
Fund that is identified as the funding mechanism for this request.
Ms. Slagle stated that the Highway Working Capital Fund is an
account to which user agencies make monthly payments to provide
monies for maintenance, operation, and replacement of their
vehicles. She stated that Legislative authorization is required in
order to access the funds. Therefore, she concluded that this is a
request seeking the authorization of those funds to be utilized to
replace vehicles.
Senator Taylor asked whether the Department has considered lease
purchase agreements as opposed to maintaining and repairing State
owned vehicles.
Ms. Slagle stated that, "when it is appropriate for the needs" of
the Department, it does lease vehicles. However, she stated that,
rather than paying lease expenses, it is more economical to
purchase and maintain vehicles such as snowplows, graters, and
heavy-duty trucks. She noted that all vehicles that are maintained
by the Department, including trooper vehicles belonging to the
Department of Public Safety, are included in this request.
Senator Taylor continued to voice concern that numerous departments
purchase rather than lease their vehicles. He questioned whether
allowing the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to
maintain other departments' vehicles is a sound economic decision,
as he attested that the Department charges "a very high rate" for
that maintenance. He stressed that "an aggressive leasing program"
would result in significant savings to the State.
Co-Chair Wilken understood that efforts are underway to develop a
lease program for FY 05.
Senator Hoffman requested that a list detailing the types of
vehicles that would be purchased and their usage location be
supplied to the Committee.
Senator Olson asked whether a study has been conducted to determine
whether or not alternate fuel programs are cost effective.
Ms. Slagle responded that this information would be provided.
Senator Bunde echoed Senator Hoffman's request concerning the types
of equipment that would be purchased. He shared private industry
concerns that the Department might be purchasing major construction
equipment that might sit idle 50 weeks out of the year.
Mr. MacKinnon surmised that Senator Bunde might be referring to a
drill rig that the State owns. He assured that a list would be
provided.
State Equipment Fleet Equipment Management System Replacement
$ 2,000,000
$ 200,000 CIP Rcpts
$ 1,800,000 Hwy Capiti
Reference No.: 35835
Project Type: Renewal and Replacement
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
One-Time Project
Replacement or upgrade of State Equipment Fleet's Equipment
Management System (EMS) as recommended by the DMG Maximus
Consulting Review of the State of Alaska Fleet Operations.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would provide for the
replacement of the equipment management system that the Department
uses to keep track of its 7,000 vehicles statewide. He stated that
the new system would allow the State to properly conduct a
preventative maintenance program that would extend the life of
vehicles and keep them is safe operating condition. He noted that
the current system is antiquated and is not able to adequately
perform the necessary functions.
Ms Slagle commented that the new system would also allow the
Department to better track warranty information and repair costs.
Senator Taylor observed that the backup information states that
some components of the original Equipment Management System never
functioned at all.
Ms. Slagle responded that the current management system is of poor
quality, is not user friendly, and is unable to provide pertinent
management information.
Senator Hoffman asked whether the new system would be sophisticated
enough to recommend the types of equipment that would function
better in certain regions of the State. He voiced that a
conventional, easy to repair, piece of equipment would be preferred
to utilizing a modern piece of construction equipment in a remote
area that might be rendered inoperable for a long period of time
while awaiting unique replacement parts.
SFC 03 # 34, Side B 09:51 AM
Ms. Slagle stated that the new Equipment Management System would
allow the Department to better track those areas experiencing
excessive equipment downtime and excessive associated costs. This
tracking, she avowed, would allow the Department to better access
the need to provide alternative vehicles.
Senator Olson assumed that the cost associated with maintaining
other departments' vehicles is reflected in the backup material.
Ms. Slagle confirmed.
Senator Olson asked whether requiring other departments to maintain
their own vehicles would be cost effective.
Ms. Slagle stated that "decentralizing" this responsibility would
result in a duplication of efforts.
Senator Olson asked whether the various State departments would
agree that having the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities maintain State vehicles is a cost effective measure.
Ms. Slagle hoped that they would; however, she allowed that this
response could not be guaranteed.
Senator Olson communicated that, in his experience, this has not
been the case.
Ms. Slagle voiced that the Department is investigating whether an
alternate billing structure could be implemented.
Weights and Measures Testing Unit Replacement
$ 75,000 General Funds
Reference No.: 32605
Project Type: Equipment
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2003 - 06/30/2008
Phased Project
The Weights and Measures equipment which is beyond its useable
service life.
Mr. MacKinnon stated that this request would allow for the purchase
of a 500 Gallon Trailer Mounted Stainless Steel Volumetric Prover
that would travel throughout Southeast Alaska. In addition, he
noted that it would provide for federally required upgrades to be
made to the Anchorage Metrology Laboratory.
Co-Chair Wilken asked whether Senator Taylor has access to the
AMATS road projects list that Senator Taylor asked about earlier in
the meeting.
Senator Taylor responded yes; however, he reiterated that Committee
approval of AMATS projects is not required.
Senator B. Stevens responded that AMATS projects are federally
reviewed. He voiced that he takes issue with Senator Taylor's
comment that the Municipality of Anchorage "wastes" AMATS money.
Senator Taylor stated that, rather than implying that Anchorage
wastes the money, the intention of his remark was to point out that
the list of AMATS projects does not have to be approved by the
Committee.
Senator Bunde informed the Committee that during the previous day's
Department of Environmental Conservation capital budget
presentation, a question arose regarding the total funds that have
been required to support the Village Safe Water Project
Administration project, reference number 33820. He stated that
since the project's inception, the amount has totaled $872,964,115.
The bill was HELD in Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Gary Wilken adjourned the meeting at 09:59 AM.
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