Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/27/2006 05:00 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB231 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 231 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 27, 2006
5:06 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Lyda Green convened the meeting at approximately
5:06:39 PM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Con Bunde, Vice Chair
Senator Fred Dyson
Also Attending: Witnesses are listed in the body of the minutes
in the order they testified.
SUMMARY INFORMATION
SB 231-BUDGET: CAPITAL & OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
The Committee heard testimony from residents of Fairbanks,
Kodiak, Anchorage, Mat-Su and other locations. The bill was held
in Committee.
5:07:05 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 231
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations and appropriations to capitalize funds; and
providing for an effective date."
This was the fifth hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
Co-Chair Green announced that funding for the University of
Alaska would be restored in a forthcoming committee substitute
to the amount requested by the Governor in his proposed FY 06
Capital Budget.
5:08:40 PM
Senator Bunde relayed he had received electronic messages from
several constituents unable to attend this hearing. He would
forward their written testimony to the Committee.
5:09:07 PM
JEROME SELBY, Mayor, Kodiak Island Borough, testified via
teleconference from Kodiak to request funding to supplement the
funding appropriated the previous year for construction of a new
Department of Fish and Game building in Kodiak. He reminded that
the Borough would construct and maintain the facility while
allowing the Department of Fish and Game to be the sole
occupant.
5:11:44 PM
HAROLD HEINZE, Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Natural Gas
Development Authority, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage to written testimony he had submitted prior to the
meeting. To secure this resource for use by Alaskans,
significant decisions must be made. Extensive data and studies
are necessary to make informed decisions.
5:14:35 PM
JEWEL JONES, Brother Francis Shelter, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage that she is involved in the
construction of a new facility. The previous facility is a
former storage building and was intended to be a temporary
location for the Shelter. This shelter is a vital component of
the Anchorage society. Additional capital funding is needed.
Co-Chair Green indicated that this funding would be included in
a forthcoming committee substitute.
5:17:27 PM
ALBERT PAGH, Four Star Lumber Company, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks about the importance of the timber
industry. The Governor requested $250,000 and the Committee has
to date approved a $150,000 appropriation. This funding is
necessary to conduct an inventory of available timber to allow
for harvest and milling.
5:19:41 PM
Co-Chair Green announced that the forthcoming committee
substitute would include an appropriation in the full amount
requested by the Governor.
5:19:52 PM
Senator Bunde excused himself for a previous commitment.
5:20:23 PM
CINDY SCHUMAKER, Morris Thompson Center, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks that this facility is planned as a
tribute to the late Mr. Thompson. It is intended as a fitting
way to continue his good works. The efforts to construct the
Center represent a unique partnership of the Fairbanks
Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Tanana Chiefs Conference and
the National Park Service to create a new multi use facility to
"inspire visitors" to explore the State. The State is being
requested to contribute $2.9 million or 15 percent to the total
cost. She detailed the federal funding and private contributions
received.
Co-Chair Green reported that "more than half of that money has
been restored and the conversation goes on."
5:23:54 PM
GABRIEL LAYMAN, Palmer Senior Citizens Center, testified via
teleconference from Mat-Su about the number of senior citizens
from the Matanuska-Susitna Valley area served by the Center.
Many who receive these services are able to remain independent
rather than relocating to a nursing home facility, at a
significantly higher cost to the State. The Center is located in
a former church, which is dilapidated and overcrowded. A new
Center is proposed and funds are requested for planning and
design.
Co-Chair Green stated that efforts were underway to secure
funding for this project.
5:27:31 PM
HOWARD DELO, Chair, Matanuska Valley Fish and Game Advisory
Committee, testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to read a
letter from the Advisory Committee. This letter requested $1.6
million proposed by the Governor for the Department of Fish and
Game for game management activities. Additionally, $30,000 was
requested to allow the Board of Game to secure surveys necessary
to make decisions on the Tier II hunting seasons.
Co-Chair Green remarked she would review this request.
5:32:09 PM
LOUIE BENCARDINO, Board Member, Alaska Vocational Technical
Center, testified via teleconference from Seward that although
the committee substitute includes a portion of the funding
requested by the Governor for several projects at the facility,
funding for three other important projects was omitted. The
projects include a new distance training facility, replacement
of the dormitory and a maintenance building, and planning for
new design technology facility. The Center serves a vital role
in training Alaskans for jobs necessary to the State's economy.
Most of the Center's 14 buildings were constructed during the
1970s and were of "cheap" quality. Federal funds have been
authorized, but require matching funds from the State.
5:39:39 PM
DON SWARNER, Ice Alaska, testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks that the organization hosts an event that provides
entertainment for many and promotes winter tourism. The current
facility is outdated and does not meet building code
requirements. Many of the buildings at the park site would be
replaced at the organization's expense. However, the proposed
assembly building replacement would require State funding. The
Governor has expressed interest in this project.
5:42:58 PM
DAVE FERREE, Fairbanks North Star School District, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks that the District's top priority
is the replacement of the central kitchen facility. The existing
facility is located on Eielson Air Force Base and was designed
and constructed in the 1970s to serve approximately 1,500
students. Currently, the kitchen provides meals for over 4,000
students and faculty. Federal funds have been secured but state
funds are necessary.
5:45:15 PM
SUSAN BOMALASKI, Executive Director, Catholic Community
Services, testified via teleconference from Anchorage to
identify herself as new to the position and to thank the
Committee for the funding provided.
5:45:32 PM
JEAN WALL, Director, Alaska Small Business Development Center,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage to request funding
at the same level provided in FY 06. The Center had submitted a
report of its progress and future plans and goals, which include
support of the Buy Alaska Program.
5:48:13 PM
PATRICK SHIFLEA, Alaska Community Development Corporation,
testified via teleconference from Mat-Su to request the $6
million appropriation proposed by the Governor for the Alaska
Housing Finance Corporation Low Income Weatherization Program.
The current high fuel costs place an increased burden on low
income Alaskans. This program has long lasting benefits to low-
income households.
5:49:44 PM
CASSANDRA PINKEL, Project Manager, Fairbanks Economic
Development Corporation, testified via teleconference from
Fairbanks to thank the Committee for supporting the Interior
Alaska timber inventory project.
5:50:09 PM
COLEEN TURNER, Executive Director, Resource Center for Parents
and Children, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks about
the services the Center provides to break the cycle of child
abuse and neglect and the funding necessary to continue these
efforts.
5:51:39 PM
JOEL GROVES, Professional Engineer, Polar Consultants of Alaska,
testified via teleconference from Anchorage about the efforts of
this organization to provide professional services to rural
villages to assist in power intertie systems.
5:54:10 PM
GEOFFREY PARKER, Attorney, testified via teleconference from
Anchorage regarding the Juneau Access project and the Williams
Port/Pile Bay Road project. The Juneau Access road project
involves multiple legal problems that should be resolved before
the project commences. Funding projects in one area of the State
should not be appropriated at the expense of other areas of the
State. He also opposed the Williams Port/Pile Bay Road project
near Lake Illiamna.
5:57:26 PM
JOHN HAWCHETT, Finance Chair, Ice Alaska, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks thanking Co-Chair Wilken for his
efforts in assisting the organization. Promoting winter tourism
is an important continuing undertaking and this event attracts
thousands of visitors from the United States and other
countries. Many conferences and other gatherings are planned to
coincide with this event. The existing facilities do not meet
fire safety code requirements. He requested that the funding
requested by the Governor be restored.
6:00:27 PM
JERRY WALKER, Student and Adjunct Instructor, and Advisory
Council Member, Tanana Valley Campus, University of Alaska,
Fairbanks, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that
education is of primary importance to him. Efficiency in these
efforts is vital. He requested funding to address the building
efficiency and improve energy efficiency. This would be an
investment rather than an expenditure.
6:02:21 PM
GRACE CHANG, Volunteer, Ice Alaska, testified via teleconference
from Fairbanks about her attraction to the event. She has gotten
her children involved as well. An ice slide constructed for the
event is popular with children and provides them with vital
physical exercise. She serves as a Chinese translator for
visitors from China and the Republic of China and their
attendance to this event is beneficial.
6:05:43 PM
KAREN PARR, Retirement Community of Fairbanks, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks that although Fairbanks is the
second-largest community in the State, it does not have a
facility for those transitioning from an independent lifestyle
to a full care arrangement. The Fairbanks Pioneers' Home had
served as primarily an assisted living facility, but has become
more of a nursing home. Low-income senior citizens need such a
service and an assisted living style apartment building is
planned. Without such a facility, many are forced to leave the
community, their friends and relatives.
6:10:30 PM
Co-Chair Wilken thanked the witness for her efforts on this
matter. He cautioned about the precedence such a State
appropriation would establish for future similar requests.
6:11:22 PM
MARY RASMUSSEN, Chair, Anchorage Library Board, testified via
teleconference from an offnet location to request funding for
renovation of the Lusak Library in Anchorage and the
construction of a new facility in Girdwood.
6:13:17 PM
JAN WRENTMORE, Skagway resident, testified in Juneau that she
has operated tourism-related businesses in Skagway since 1978.
Skagway voters have voted in opposition to the Juneau Access
project in several elections. The current plan would involve the
road ending in a desolate area and would not address the needs
placed on the ferry system. The road would cost 45 percent more
to maintain over its life than the Marine Highway System. A
proposal to operate ferries from Cascade Point in Berners Bay,
north of Juneau, is a preferable alternative. Existing ferries
could be utilized under this plan and three new vessels would
not need to be constructed and maintained.
6:18:43 PM
ALLEN GUGGISBERG testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
that he resides near Healy and does not support funding the
Stampede Road project. He understood the desire for improved
access to Denali National Park, although this project represents
a poor alternative and the $14 million proposed would be
insufficient.
6:20:50 PM
RICK CAULFIELD, Director, Tanana Valley Campus, University of
Alaska, Fairbanks, testified via teleconference from Fairbanks
to thank the Committee for its support of the University's
community college mission. This mission focuses on workforce
development, academic preparation and lifelong learning. Future
projections of job needs indicate that only 25 percent of those
jobs would require a four-year college degree, three-quarters of
future workers would require an associate degree, apprenticeship
training, certificates or other skills that facilities such as
this campus would provide. He supported the $4.39 million
request for improvements to the Community Campus Center, which
has been identified as the highest priority of the Board of
Regents for community campuses.
6:23:39 PM
WILL FORSBERG testified via teleconference from an offnet
location that he represents the 135-member area homeowners
association of residents along the Stampede Road area who oppose
the proposed project for that area. It is poorly designed and is
not the best alternative for access to Denali National Park.
6:24:57 PM
MELISSA CHAPIN testified via teleconference from Fairbanks to
request funding for the Ice Alaska capital funding request.
6:26:15 PM
ART WEEKS, Municipal Librarian, testified via teleconference
from an offnet location in Anchorage in support of funding
improvements to the Lusak Library. This building is 20 years
old. A teen gathering center is planned for this location. He
also supported the construction of a library in Girdwood.
6:28:15 PM
MATT ATKINSON, Northern Alaska Tour Company, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks to request restoration of the full
$2.9 million for the proposed Morris Thomson Cultural and
Visitor Center.
6:30:41 PM
CATHY LIESER testified via teleconference from an offnet
location as a resident of the Denali Borough to the importance
of separating "the wants from the needs." The proposed Stampede
Road project is a want of the Governor and the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities. These funds should instead
be allocated to needs in Interior Alaska such as turning lanes
on the Parks Highway at the north entrance to the Denali
National Park.
6:32:04 PM
JERRYNE COLE testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in agreement with past testimony that findings on the
proposed Stampede Road project must be reviewed before
construction begins. Additionally, attempts must be made to
secure federal funding rather than solely utilizing general
funds.
6:33:52 PM
KAREN KELLER, Mother of a teenager and part-time librarian,
testified via teleconference from an offnet location to
encourage funding for the proposed teen center at the Lusak
Library.
6:35:01 PM
DICK BRICKLEY testified via teleconference from Fairbanks about
the attributes of Ice Alaska. A building at the park site could
no longer be utilized as multi-use facility, as currently done.
A new facility must be constructed and the existing facility
returned to its original use as housing for visiting artists.
6:38:13 PM
ALAN ARMBRUSTER testified via teleconference from Fairbanks that
the Ice Alaska event has expanded and attracted more visitors
each year. It is time that State funds are contributed to this
effort.
6:38:53 PM
WALLACE COX testified via teleconference from Fairbanks about
the non-profit Ice Alaska organization that annually raises and
expends approximately $500,000. Local businesses and volunteers
contribute significantly to these efforts. If the operation were
run by a for-profit entity, this would be considered a
successful business and would be responsible for amassing the
resources necessary to fund these projects.
At ease 6:43:57 PM / 6:44:15 PM
Co-Chair Green announced that those signed up to testify about
the Juneau Access road project would be heard the following day.
6:44:58 PM
RON DIXON, Chair, Community Advisory Council, Tanana Valley
Campus, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, testified via
teleconference from Fairbanks in support of funding for the
campus center project.
6:45:58 PM
CLICK BISHOP, Alaska Operating Engineers Local 1302, testified
via teleconference from Fairbanks to thank the Committee for
approving the $3 million request for the Pipeline Training
Center in Fairbanks. Future workers must be adequately trained
for jobs on the upcoming construction of a natural gas pipeline.
He also supported funding for the Tanana Valley Campus project.
6:48:17 PM
DICK BOUSSON testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Skagway to request that the funding be removed from
the Juneau Access project. This project would be subject to
litigation.
6:49:42 PM
KEN RUSSO testified via teleconference from an offnet location
in opposition to funding the Juneau Access project. This is an
unpopular project as indicated by many residents of Haines and
Skagway. Any money appropriated to this project would be "good
money after bad".
AT EASE to 6:55:30 PM
FAY VON GEMMINGEN, Certified Public Accountant, testified via
teleconference from Anchorage in support of the Small Business
Development Corporation. As a small business operator, she
frequently refers clients to the Corporation to receive
assistance in establishing and operating successful businesses.
AT EASE 6:57:16 PM / 7:01:33 PM
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Lyda Green adjourned the meeting at 7:02:02 PM
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|