Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/16/2009 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB75 |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 75 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 16, 2009
9:03 a.m.
9:03:38 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stedman called the Senate Finance Committee meeting
to order at 9:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Joe Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice-Chair
ALSO PRESENT
Nancy Slagle, Director, Division of Administrative Services,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; Jim
Beedle, Deputy Commissioner, Marine Operations, Marine
Highway System, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities; Frank Richards, Deputy Commissioner, Highways &
Public Facilities, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities.
SUMMARY
SB 75 "An Act making and amending appropriations,
including capital appropriations, supplemental
appropriations, and appropriations to capitalize
funds; and providing for an effective date."
SB 75 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL #75
"An Act making and amending appropriations, including
capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations,
and appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing
for an effective date."
RECESSED: 9:10:21 AM
RECONVENED: 9:22:34 AM
9:23:23 AM
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
NANCY SLAGLE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES stated
that the requested funds address deferred maintenance on
vessels and facilities for the Alaska Marine Highway. The
administration introduced approximately $40 million in top
priority projects for the vessels. The listing of facilities
includes 16 state owned terminals requiring deferred
maintenance. She mentioned maintenance required for mooring,
electrical systems, and the air handling systems for life
boats.
Co-Chair Stedman noted that historically the legislature
approved two appropriations, one for shore side and one for
vessel maintenance. He noticed the budgetary reduction and
the unchanged backup. He requested the plan addressing the
reduction and wished to understand the appropriations
inclusion.
Ms. Slagle answered that a typical request is for inclusion
versus separation of appropriation. The lists presented to
the committee are in priority order, providing flexibility
to shift between types of projects. The reduced funds limit
the priority list accomplishments, leading to the delay of
some deferred maintenance projects.
Co-Chair Stedman understood that the requests were combined
this year. Ms. Slagle responded that the appropriation
received this year was separated although the request was
for one appropriation.
Co-Chair Stedman understood that most departments and
governors prefer one appropriation. He noted concern over
minimizing appropriations.
9:26:58 AM
Reference Number 42001
Ms. Slagle discussed reference number 42001, (page 7), The
Alaska Marine Highway (AMH) System "Vessel and Facility
Deferred Maintenance," and reference number 30624 and the
AMH Vessel and Terminal Overhaul and Rehabilitation, which
is an attempt to overhaul the Marine Highway vessels to
ensure optimal performance. The overhaul work includes
certification requirements for each of the vessels, ensuring
proper function in all areas. One area of particular
consideration is life boat assessment.
Co-Chair Stedman asked to know the projects eliminated as a
result of the budget reduction. Ms. Slagle responded that
areas of passenger services, security items, computer
replacement, and terminal work are eliminated, prioritizing
on the vessels themselves.
Co-Chair Stedman voiced that the concentration of funds
taken from the original request include $8.87 million for
the purpose of vessel overhaul. Ms. Slagle concurred.
9:29:32 AM
Reference Number 6391
Ms. Slagle described appropriation number 6391, the
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Projects. She
stated that an annual request of $595 thousand is for
deconstruction of physical barriers to state facilities. The
list of projects is lengthy and provides accessibility for
physically disadvantaged citizens.
Co-Chair Stedman revisited the previous appropriation
request. He pointed out that the Northern route of the inner
island ferry between Coffman Cove, Petersburg, and Wrangell
will not run this year. He asked if the change presented
budgetary issues to put the facilities associated with these
communities in remission. He asked the administration's
position on this issue.
JIM BEEDLE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MARINE OPERATIONS, MARINE
HIGHWAY SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES explained that the dock in Petersburg is the
state's responsibility but the Petersburg terminal is
temporary and belongs to the Inter Island Ferry (IFA). The
Coffman cove site belongs to the community of Coffman cove.
The dock side is maintained by the state, but the terminal
belongs to IFA.
Co-Chair Stedman summarized that the terminal and dock in
Coffman Cove was a responsibility of that community. Mr.
Beedle agreed and mentioned that if the community of Coffman
Cove desired to relinquish the property to the state then
maintenance would be the state's responsibility. Co-Chair
Stedman recalled the high expense of the facility in Coffman
cove and he wished to prevent disrepair during vacancy.
9:32:43 AM
Reference Number 32534
Ms. Slagle introduced the next project for discussion as
reference number 32534. She noted the appropriation request
as $1.5 million in Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
receipts for the Capital Improvement Program Equipment
Replacement. The funds purchase equipment to support
construction projects. Equipment purchased includes copiers,
plotters, computers, computer software, etc.
Reference Number 30648
Ms. Slagle introduced reference number 30648, $1.1 million
for the Coordinated Transportation and Vehicles Program. She
stated that $800 thousand from the general fund and the
mental health trust provides transportation services for
mental health trust beneficiaries including vans and other
required transportation methods.
9:34:40 AM
Reference Number 46709
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 46709 for a $1,150,000
general fund match request matching funds from the Corp of
Engineers-Harbor Program. The Saint Paul Harbor Project
provides the match funds necessary to assure that the Core
of Engineers project is initiated in Saint Paul Harbor. She
mentioned match money for feasibility studies to work with
communities in helping determine potential future projects.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the community of Savoonga. Mr.
Beedle responded that he lacked the specific information,
but promised to provide it to the committee.
Reference Number 47534
Ms. Slagle continued with reference number 47534 for $3
million in general funds requested for bridge design on the
Seward Highway. The Ptarmigan Creek, Falls Creek, and Trail
River bridges require repair. General obligation bond funds
enabled emergency repairs, but the bridges require
replacement.
Co-Chair Stedman touched on the bond issue, and he wondered
if the projects qualify for federal funding. Ms. Slagle
stated that the bonds provide immediate repairs to allow
traffic to continue.
FRANK RICHARDS, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, HIGHWAYS & PUBLIC
FACILITIES, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES, explained the plans for the Ptarmigan and Falls
Creek bridges involve Bailey bridge structures constructed
over the existing bridges. He explained the intention to use
general bonds.
Co-Chair Stedman asked why the projects were not listed in
the federal fund category. Why were federal funds
supplanting general funds?
9:38:37 AM
Mr. Richards responded that the challenge with the State
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds is that the
bridge category is a "stovepipe" and funds received are
specifically identified for bridges. He explained that other
bridges remain in the queue with STIP funds allocated to
them. The general fund request would enable repair of the
Ptarmigan and Falls Creek bridges in the timeliest fashion.
Co-Chair Stedman asked why the Ptarmigan and Falls Creek
bridges do not supplant other bridges on the STIP list if
they are in emergency condition.
Mr. Richards answered that if the state has a project in
progress, then the elimination of one project does not
obligate federal money to Alaska. He explained the process
as a tenuous mix and match of projects to the funding
category.
9:40:39 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked how reference number 47534 related to
another item (page 45) requesting an additional $1 million
for state-wide emergency bridge repair.
Mr. Richards answered that the state-wide emergency bridge
repair fund provides for immediate response and actions in
the event of flood or earthquake damage. This fund enabled
necessary work on the Seward Hwy this year.
Co-Chair Stedman suggested that General Obligation (GO)
bonds may be used in the future for emergency issues.
Bonding projects are traditionally used for major projects
or natural disasters.
Mr. Richards agreed that the discussion is welcome. He
acknowledged that the state was fortunate to have the GO
bonds available, but if they were not available then use of
the general fund is the next step.
9:43:05 AM
Reference Number 30634
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 30634 and emergency
and non-routine repairs. She emphasized that the reference
number allows response to emergency disasters and non-
routine repairs. She discussed a rockslide near Ketchikan
and the emergent nature of the issue as an example of a
potential direction for the funding. Co-Chair Stedman
declared it fortunate that no injuries occurred as a result
of the rock slide.
Reference Number 30632
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 30632. She discussed
Facilities Deferred Maintenance and Critical Repairs. The
request is $2,550,000 for deferred maintenance items for
approximately 700 buildings maintained by the Department of
Transportation (DOT). The needs vary from roof to boiler
replacements and other mechanical code compliance issues
that arise. Operating preventative maintenance funds lack
eligibility to fund these repairs on an ongoing basis.
9:45:58 AM
Co-Chair Stedman requested specific amounts regarding the
funding requests. With a $10 million forecast, he asked if
the request was a response to declining revenue or were
maintenance needs increasing.
Mr. Richards explained the projection for increased
maintenance on aviation and highway facilities. He explained
that the projection is a response to the development of a
ten year fiscal plan identifying future program needs. This
year, with the economic downturn, the request was based on
the price of oil.
Co-Chair Stedman asked for a list of remaining projects from
last year's appropriation. Ms. Slagle responded that last
year's funds are allocated to deferred maintenance projects.
She offered to provide the committee with an accounting of
expenses. Mr. Richards clarified the goal of bringing
projects under contract quickly.
9:48:32 AM
Reference Number 47564
Ms. Slagle continued with reference number 47564 and the
Fairbanks Geist Road Rehabilitation equaling $5 million. She
explained that the funds allow resurfacing and repaving the
road. She explained that traffic control, pedestrian
improvements, and signage updates are included in the plan.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about concern with resurfacing and
the increased cost of oil leading to expensive asphalt and
tar. He asked about the asphalt price assumption and the $5
million figure. Mr. Richards agreed that the price of
asphalt has risen considerably. He offered to provide
information to the committee regarding the price of oil used
to determine the $5 million figure.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the department has arrived at
agreement with the industry in the form of a reset mechanism
for the issue of the cost of asphalt. Mr. Richards confirmed
that contractors take the first 7 percent of cost escalation
risk. The responsibility rests with the state in the event
of an oil price increase greater than 7 percent.
Co-Chair Stedman discussed the potential choices of
contractors. Mr. Richards stated that the quotes were high
due to increased oil costs.
9:52:39 AM
Co-Chair Stedman informed that this mechanism was common in
other states allowing control of margins and ensuring
predictability of risk. Mr. Richards reported that the
department followed an example set by other states.
Contracts without the provision result in the greatest cost
escalation.
Reference Number 48214 and 48213
Ms. Slagle introduced appropriation numbers 48214 and 48213,
which were deleted from the list and added to the Federal
Surface Transportation portion of the bill. The projects
include Nelson Road resurfacing and Phillips Field Road
Rehabilitation. Co-Chair Stedman asked if the projects were
part of the stimulus contingency. Ms. Slagle answered that
the projects are listed in the regular STIP program.
Reference Number 7090
Ms. Slagle explained reference number 7090 requesting $680
thousand for Harbor Deferred Maintenance. The projects
include 25 state harbor facilities. Deferred maintenance
needs of approximately $28 million exist with a priority
listing provided to committee members.
Co-Chair Stedman requested a list of the maintenance issues
particularly Baranof Warm Springs, as an ongoing maintenance
transfer issue for several years.
9:55:09 AM
Ms. Slagle promised a list of requested maintenance issues
for the committee. Co-Chair Stedman simply requested
information regarding the Baranof Warm Springs project. Mr.
Richards reported that the City and Borough of Sitka
disputes the definition of replacement and maintenance
improvements regarding Baranof Warm Springs.
Co-Chair Stedman noted that a difference of opinion exists
regarding the interpretation of the term footprint. He
informed that the project was vetoed from the capital budget
last year and each year a project is delayed, the expense
increases. He believed that the differences of opinion could
be rectified without difficulty. Mr. Richards reported that
he met personally with the mayor and city assembly in Sitka
regarding the issue. He also hoped for a funding resolution.
Co-Chair Stedman cautioned that harbor projects are
typically relegated to the users. He encouraged careful
maintenance and rebuilding of the docks.
9:58:39 AM
Mr. Richards replied that the funding request exemplifies a
cost increase creating concern leading to future requests of
the legislature. Co-Chair Stedman informed that after the
original veto of the Baranof Warm Springs project, the
legislature appropriated an additional sum to rectify the
situation. Mr. Richards noted the challenge with remote
facilities includes funding for an employee to receive a fee
in the remote facilities, with a service cost less than the
potential fees received by the state.
Co-Chair Stedman suggested equal treatment accomplished by
providing a free dock for residents, and other marine
facilities with a fee. He advised providing information
about the exceptional cost of one steel piling used in dock
construction, when a citizen disagrees with fee collection.
Mr. Richards lacked information regarding the cost of
pilings, but he offered to provide it to the committee.
Individuals submit fees in municipalities for justification
of the cost. Co-Chair Stedman estimated the expense of one
piling in thousands of dollars.
10:02:48 AM
Mr. Richards stated that he utilized the harbor himself, as
it provides access to the marine environment with good
floats and dock.
Ms. Slagle stated that there is no request for deferred
maintenance transfers in harbor communities. She admitted
that the department attempted to divest of some harbor
facilities. A transfer will not be presented without the
community's acceptance of responsibility for the harbor
including agreement on the deferred maintenance dollars.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if this category included docks. Mr.
Richards asked if Co-Chair Hoffman was referring to the
harbor deferred maintenance. Co-Chair Hoffman wondered if
the department had further thoughts about the transfer of
the Bethel dock facility. He understood that the facility in
Bethel was a regional dock facility. He believed that it
should be a state's responsibility as the surrounding
villages also benefit from the facility.
10:05:04 AM
Mr. Richards answered that the department is in
communication with Bethel on the issue. Co-Chair Hoffman
understood that the mayor of Bethel was in disagreement
about the citizens of Bethel bearing the cost of maintaining
the facility.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the harbor construction 50
percent match fund expanding and constructing harbors across
the state. He asked the department's view on capitalization
of the fund.
Mr. Richards answered that certain projects did not make the
list following the review of the capital budget with the
Governor's office. The ongoing harbor program remains
successful with communities, but the funding cycle limits
the funds.
10:07:13 AM
Reference Number 47530
Ms. Slagle reviewed reference number 47530 and Harbor
Program Development for $350 thousand from general funds.
The funding allows continuation of coordination with the
Corp of Engineers and local governments regarding specific
projects including harbor related work. The fund provides
assistance and oversees the harbor programs while also
providing funding for the update of some tideland surveys.
Reference Number 30631
Ms. Slagle continued with reference number 30631 and
Deferred Maintenance for Highways for $2,750,000 from the
general fund. She informed of a substantial backlog of
deferred maintenance projects. The funds are typically used
for brush cutting, road surface repairs, erosion protection,
and drainage. The projects are addressed on an annual basis.
Co-Chair Stedman addressed the ongoing maintenance of the
DOT facilities. He asked about the original reduction of
$500,000. Each senator is given information from their
region, but his concern was about the general response from
citizens requesting a higher level of maintenance of roads
in particular. He requested a list of deleted projects as
policy discussion may be necessary. Mr. Richards answered
that activities such as brush cutting, guard rail repair,
asphalt surface maintenance, and lighting remain priorities
for DOT.
10:11:14 AM
Co-Chair Stedman requested information about road service
repair projects addressed for Anchorage and Matsu. Mr.
Richards responded that roads are deteriorating and must be
replaced. The reduction addresses crack sealing for minor
surface areas. The work is then accomplished for less money.
Co-Chair Stedman communicated a common constituent concern
that too little maintenance money is allocated. He preferred
to avoid a backlog of deferred maintenance projects.
10:14:33 AM
Mr. Richards welcomed the conversation regarding
maintenance. The department faces challenges in the
administration of the existing general fund budget for
operations. He offered to provide evidence of maintenance
logs, a list of the additional facilities, and evidence of
the lost buying power resulting from inflation.
Reference Number 45198
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 45198 for Highway
Maintenance Vehicle Replacement and Safety Equipment. The
request is $900 thousand in general funds. She informed that
the funds assist in purchasing highway equipment to replace
older equipment.
Mr. Richards informed about the high cost of replacing
engine parts and vehicles. Equipment costs are expensive and
impact our budget.
Co-Chair Stedman asked when the decision is made to replace
rather than repair a piece of equipment. Mr. Richards
believed that many pieces of equipment are used for multiple
tasks. Ms. Slagle noted that the department must observe
reports generated by the equipment management system for
information on the level of maintenance provided for
different pieces of equipment in order to make the decision
about replacement or repair.
10:18:05 AM
Reference Number 46338
Ms. Slagle introduced reference number 46338 and the
Infrastructure and Erosion Control Design and Environmental
Permitting. The amount of the request is $100 thousand of
general funds. She stated that these funds supplement other
funds for site surveys, material source investigations, and
geotechnical and hydrological studies.
Co-Chair Hoffman how the community of Noatak benefits from
the funding. Mr. Richards answered that there is currently
funding available for Noatak due to support from the
military. He explained the plan barge will enter the village
initially. The next step is an access road leading to the
evacuation center and ultimately to an airport. Ms. Slagle
cited Noatak addressed further down the list, specifically
for materials needed for the relocation site.
10:19:58 AM
Reference Number 47822
Ms. Slagle continued with reference number 47822,
Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Equipment Replacement equaling $400,000 for the Koyukuk
village. The goal is an evacuation road for the community in
the event of flooding. The funding is intended for
reconnaissance study, preliminary engineering and design for
the evacuation road.
Reference Number 47823
Ms. Slagle reviewed reference number 47823, Materials for
Relocation Site for $123 thousand of general fund dollars.
The request addresses measurement standards and commercial
vehicle enforcement equipment replacement specific to the
measurement standard's portion of the division protecting
the consumer.
Reference Number 47823
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 47823 for $2 million
in general funds providing earthwork required for the barge
staging area and evacuation staging road for the village of
Noatak. Mr. Richards added that the material source is
identified and will open for the needed projects.
10:22:18 AM
Reference Number 45669
Ms. Slagle described reference number 45669, which requests
$500,000 for Ports and Harbors Long Range Transportation
Plan. The department received $250,000 last year to begin
the planning process with the Corps of Engineers and the
Denali Commission. The appropriation is necessary to match
the funds provided by the Corps of Engineers.
Reference Number 48320
Ms. Slagle detailed reference number 48320 for the village
of Quinhagak: Old Airport Site Remediation for $500,000. The
funds provide remediation work at the old airport site. The
land is currently leased from the Native Corporation with a
strong interest in addressing soils impacted by petroleum
and other airport byproducts.
Reference Number 47599
Ms. Slagle reviewed reference number 47599, Rapid Reaction
to Highway Safety Features for $200,000, which allows the
department to address emergency or safety issues on state
roads.
10:25:00 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if the program was new and expanded.
Ms. Slagle concurred that the item was new.
Reference Number 39356
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 39356 and the Resource
Development Roads for $2.6 million of general funds. She
noted that these funds were received in the past and the
department used them to access resource or economic
development opportunities. Co-Chair Hoffman asked which
roads are targeted with these funds. Ms. Slagle answered
that an award type of process for the considered roads was
developed, but there is not a list of preferred roads.
Mr. Richards stated that scoring criteria is used to
identify the appropriate roads.
Senator Thomas asked if the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) worked in conjunction with DOT on this issue.
Mr. Richards answered that DNR is a major recipient of these
funds. He explained that DNR reviews the criteria and
nominates projects to benefit land development.
10:28:10 AM
Senator Ellis asked why this project is not considered
corporate welfare. He inquired whether the business
enterprises have any obligation to contribute a portion of
the project cost. He mentioned the nomination of projects
for funding and he asked whose opinion mattered most
regarding the final choice. Mr. Richards answered that the
program is similar to the harbor and current STIP programs,
where nominations are received from the public including the
private sector. The resource development funds are used for
employment regarding resource extraction.
Senator Ellis stated that he would be less opposed if the
mining industry paid a portion of the obligation to the
state treasury. He expressed opposition to spending money
that the private sector neglects to contribute back to the
general fund.
Mr. Richards expressed that the funds appropriated
previously benefitted forestry, mines, oil, and gas. He
informed that the available funding is $3 million, which
will not go far in creating a new road. Senator Ellis opined
that some industries pay their fair share to the state
treasury, where others do not come close.
10:32:01 AM
Senator Thomas asked for a list of the considered projects.
Mr. Richards offered to provide a list to the committee. Co-
Chair Stedman stated that he would look through the already
presented data.
Reference Number 47582
Ms. Slagle described reference number 47582 for $100
thousand in general funds requested for Southeast Ice
Control Chemicals Storage Tank Replacements in Petersburg
and Klawock. She explained that the funds would provide
steel storage tanks to house the ice control chemicals. The
current tanks leak.
Reference Number 30628
Ms. Slagle reviewed reference number 30628 for $15 million
for state equipment fleet replacement. The funds replace
heavy equipment, trooper vehicles, or state agency vans or
cars.
Reference Number 47572
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 47572: a piece of the
original request since deleted and zeroed.
Co-Chair Stedman expressed concern that the obligation to
maintain sidewalks remained.
Mr. Richards stated that the responsibilities held by the
state allow the performance of road maintenance. The hope
was to employ the funding for this project but without it,
the department will fall back on their existing equipment.
Co-Chair Stedman stated that the question was directed at
all communities. Many communities receive federal funded
sidewalks and bike lanes. He did not wish to ignore an
obligation.
10:36:18 AM
Mr. Richards answered that the existing facilities are
maintained as a priority. The information and communication
is provided at the behest of the legislature. Sidewalk
maintenance is provided in Anchorage. Juneau also received a
facility for snow removal. Co-Chair Stedman asked if a
machine request is expected annually for each community.
Mr. Richards answered that bike paths are usually continuous
with the road service, trucks often plow them. If they are
separated, then a specialized piece of equipment is
required. The challenge with adding specialized equipment to
the fleet is the challenge of maintenance funding.
10:39:17 AM
Reference Number 30628
Ms. Slagle reviewed reference number 30628 and the State
Equipment Fleet Replacement for $15 million from the Highway
Working Capital Funds. The funds replace all vehicles in the
system based on the revenues received from user agencies and
based on a schedule of vehicle replacement.
Reference Number 41394
Ms. Slagle discussed reference number 41394 and statewide
anti-icing program for $200 thousand from the general fund.
This reduces cost by 15 percent due to the use of sodium
chloride brine. The funding provides storage tanks, piping,
and the additional applicator equipment required to dispense
these liquids.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the solution will dissolve
citizen's cars. Mr. Richards responded that sodium chloride
is used across the nation to remove snow and ice. Co-Chair
Stedman noted that citizens should not have adverse
automotive effects. Mr. Richards stated that sodium chloride
generates rust.
Senator Olson noted that there might be further
deterioration on the asphalt surface with the sodium
chloride. Mr. Richards answered that there is not an adverse
effect on the asphalt surface, but bridges are affected and
so another de-icing is used for them. Also, sodium chloride
works well above 22 degrees Fahrenheit, but another agent is
used for colder temperatures. Senator Olson asked about the
steel structure of the bridges and the response to the
sodium chloride. Mr. Richard agreed that the department does
not wish to generate problems with the bridges and thus will
refrain from using sodium chloride for deicing on bridges.
10:43:23 AM
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the potential cost to the state
if a solution that does not dissolve metal is used. Mr.
Richards replied that potassium acetate is used in the
airports because it is less corrosive, but the cost
difference is significant.
Reference Number 45202
Ms. Slagle addressed reference number 45202 and Statewide
Emergency Bridge Repair for $1 million. These bridge repairs
are more frequently observed in areas of high water or wind.
Reference Number 42072
Ms. Slagle detailed reference number 42072 for 2,500,000 in
general funds for Statewide Rural Airport Safety
Improvements. The fund addresses safety issues at rural
airports that cannot wait for a federal project.
10:46:01 AM
Senator Olson asked about long-term plans for developing
airports in Naknek. He asked if the airport might eventually
be plowed over. Mr. Richards stressed the need for airports
to enable the children to get reach school. The goal is a
link for river crossing. He mentioned many discussions
between the department and the Bristol Bay Borough about
taking ownership of Naknek, but the real estate transaction
is complicated.
Reference Number 33853
Ms. Slagle described reference number 33853 and $1 million
in general funds for surfacing materials used on major
highway projects.
10:49:05 AM
Reference Number 47532
Ms. Slagle introduced reference number 47532 for $348
thousand in general funds for the update of Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plans and Spill Prevention Control.
Reference Number 48357
Ms. Slagle described reference number 48357 for $3 million
in general funds for the Western Alaska access
reconnaissance study. The study details analysis on a
corridor to the Seward Peninsula. The funding allows the
department to search for alternative routes.
Co-Chair Stedman suggested, during challenges to the revenue
stream, the state funds maintenance while postponing
corridor studies. Mr. Richards stated that the Governor's
goal is to advance the project as it is crucial to move
westward. The next phase is a multi year effort of the
reconnaissance study. Co-Chair Stedman supposed that the
committee might have a different opinion about the source of
the funds.
10:52:40 AM
Senator Olson asked about neglect of airport maintenance in
the community of Kwigillingok. Mr. Richards agreed that he
would address the comment later.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the STIP and the $3 million.
Mr. Richards answered that the STIP is a planning document
required of the department for use of federal highway funds
under title 23. He explained that STIP requires
identification of the project and work activities utilizing
federal funds for those projects. The STIP identified the
federal program and how the money is spent.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the committee might expect to see
the request again in the future. Mr. Richards announced that
the STIP process requires fiscal constraint. In order to
move forward with the project the source of funds must be
shown. Currently the department is performing reconnaissance
with general fund. Co-Chair Stedman clarified that he is
speaking about another time in the future.
10:55:03 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman understood that an explanation for the
project is the potential economic benefit to the community.
He wondered if the administration has plans to access the
Donlan Creek region and Pebble Mine region that clearly have
shown great economic benefit. Mr. Richards responded that
the current planning level effort for western Alaska access
looks for resources from the Kuskoquim River northward
towards the Embler district and Westward toward Nome.
SB 75 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
10:57:26 AM
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:37 AM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Deferred Maint. List Ref#30633.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |
| AMHS FACILITY Deferred Maint. List Ref.#42001.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |
| AMHS VESSEL Deferred Maint. Ref#42001.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |
| Facility Deferred Maint. List Ref.#30632.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |
| Harbors Deferred Maint. List Ref.#7090.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |
| Highway Deferred Maint. List Ref.#30631.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |
| Bridge 2009 report - Stwd Design.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |
| FHWA Snow Removal on Sidewalks Memo 082708.pdf |
SFIN 3/16/2009 9:00:00 AM |
SB 75 |