Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/28/2006 05:00 PM Senate FINANCE
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| 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 28, 2006
5:04 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Lyda Green convened the meeting at approximately
5:04:05 PM.
PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green, Co-Chair
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Bert Stedman
Also Attending: Testifiers 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 Bethel,
Kotzebue, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Wrangell, Sitka, Cordova,
Haines, Skagway, Gustavus, Whittier and Juneau. The bill was
held in Committee.
5:04:11 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 sixth hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
5:04:29 PM
DENNIS FENTIE, Premier, Yukon Territory, Canada, testified via
teleconference from an offnet location in the Yukon Territory,
in support of the Railroad Feasibility Study and the proposed
Juneau Access project.
5:08:34 PM
AT EASE 5:09:18 PM / 5:09:44 PM
Co-Chair Wilken offered a motion to adopt CS SB 231 (FIN),
GS2034\I, as a working document.
Senator Dyson requested an explanation of the differences
between this version and the previous Version "F".
Co-Chair Green stated that time would not permit this.
5:10:48 PM
JAMIE PARSONS testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Seattle in favor of a $45 million appropriation for
the Juneau Access road project. He has expended considerable
efforts for a road over many years in his capacity as mayor of
the City and Borough of Juneau, and as a community member.
5:13:16 PM
CATHY HOSSFORD testified via teleconference from an offnet
location in Skagway that she served as chairperson of a pro-
access group. She spoke of the need for access infrastructure in
the state, including road access between Skagway and Juneau.
Support for this overdue capital effort is important.
5:15:53 PM
MIKE KORSMO testified via teleconference from an offnet location
in Skagway in opposition to funding the Juneau Access road
project. The selected location is unsuitable for a winter road.
The funds would be better spent on marine highway access.
5:17:05 PM
BART HENDERSON, Business Owner, testified via teleconference
from Haines that he has followed the issue of the road proposal
since its inception. He and other Haines businesspeople opposed
the project. Their efforts to question the project had been met
by supporters with an uncompromising attitude. A request to the
legislature is the only remaining option to stop the project.
Funding this project would divert needed funding from the Alaska
Marine Highway System that serves the entire Southeastern
region.
5:22:01 PM
THOMAS BOLEN, Emergency Manager, Northwest Arctic Borough,
testified via teleconference from Kotzebue to request $1.625
million for a shoreline rivettment project for the Kivalina
area. Erosion from the Chukchi Sea is threatening the stability
of the community infrastructure and the safety of its residents.
Facilities at risk include a bulk fuel facility and a school.
5:25:08 PM
THOR WILLIAMS, Mayor, City of Bethel, testified via
teleconference from Bethel in support of the requested $9.1
million for the construction of a water treatment center, $1.3
million to address dust control, funding for construction of a
National Guard Armory, over $4 million for road rehabilitation,
and restoration of $1 million for the regional Public Safety
Building for use by Alaska State Troopers and the Bethel Police
Department.
5:27:55 PM
DAVID ROEMHILDT, Councilmember and Acting Mayor, City of
Cordova, testified via teleconference from Cordova to request
$400,000 for Cordova Dock repairs. Additionally, he requested
$5,552,000 for Cordova Airport improvement projects.
5:30:09 PM
MARLENE CLARKE testified via teleconference from Wrangell to
request funding for University of Alaska deferred maintenance
projects. She detailed her involvement in operations of the
university system.
5:31:49 PM
MARLENE CAMPBELL, City and Borough of Sitka, testified via
teleconference from Sitka to defer her allotted time to Mr.
Riggs.
5:32:04 PM
RICHARD RIGGS, Director, Public Works, City and Borough of
Sitka, testified via teleconference from Sitka about the
industrial park located at the former sight of the Sitka Pulp
Mill. Utilities and water and sewer projects are underway to
allow for economic development utilizing this area. He also
spoke in favor of $2.9 million funding for boat harbor
improvements and funding for utility infrastructure development
of "benchline" property to provide additional housing.
Co-Chair Green noted Senator Stedman had spoken to her about the
benchline project and that she was considering the request.
5:34:34 PM
PETER GOLL testified via teleconference from an offnet location
in Haines in opposition of funding for the Juneau Access road
project. Funding for maintenance would be difficult to secure in
the future. Marine Highway and other road projects have
"suffered greatly" from the diversion of funds.
5:37:03 PM
KEN KLAAWONDER, Councilperson, City of Gustavus, testified via
teleconference from Gustavus regarding the Gustavus commercial
boat ramp project. He told of the need for $200,000 for a
replacement launch ramp for the community, the National Park
Service, commercial fishers and other boaters traveling in the
area. This ramp provides the only access for supply delivery
with the exception of air carriers.
5:41:24 PM
LESTER LUNSFORD, Mayor, City of Whittier, testified via
teleconference from an offnet location in Whittier to request a
$2 million appropriation, as proposed by the Governor, for small
boat harbor improvements in the city.
5:44:44 PM
MARK EARNEST, Manager, City of Whittier, testified via
teleconference from an offnet location in Whittier that 95
percent of the users of the local boat harbor are non-local
residents. Most are traveling from Anchorage and communities in
the Prince William Sound.
5:47:26 PM
JOHN BRINGHURST, Physician, Petersburg General Hospital,
testified via teleconference from an offnet location in
Petersburg to request $1 million for the Alaska Tele-Health
Network project. This project is underway for tribal health
providers and should be expanded to non-tribal small hospitals.
Smaller communities are unable to afford this technology without
assistance.
5:49:55 PM
Senator Stedman had been unaware of this request and would
research the issue.
5:50:23 PM
Senator Olson asked how images and other information are
currently being transferred from this hospital.
Mr. Bringhurst explained the outdated conversion equipment and
the reluctance of radiologists to rely on the non-digital
images.
5:51:38 PM
Senator Olson stated that this project reflects industry trends.
5:52:05 PM
RON SUMMERVILLE, Board of Game, testified in Juneau in support
of $2.9 million for intensive management activities. He told of
efforts of the Board to resolve issues related to subsistence
hunting in areas including Game Management Unit 19.
5:55:34 PM
GLEN THOMPSON, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, testified in Juneau
about attempts to remodel the only middle school facility in the
community. The Borough has issued bonds to fund construction,
which is almost complete; however, mold and rot permeate the
building and it is uninhabitable.
Co-Chair Green informed that Senator Stedman has relayed this
request. Funding for debt reimbursement projects is included in
separate legislation under consideration in the House of
Representatives.
5:58:21 PM
Co-Chair Green announced that six testifiers in support of the
Juneau Access road project and six testifiers in opposition
would be permitted to testify. If time allowed, others would be
heard on this issue after all other testimony was concluded.
5:58:48 PM
MICHAEL CATSI, Councilmember, City of Skagway, testified via
teleconference from an offnet location in Skagway to thank the
Committee for funding for the Skagway Clinic. The City of
Skagway is officially in opposition to the Juneau Access road
project and supports improvements to the Marine Highway System.
This position is based on ballot referendums voted on by Skagway
residents. A proposed road and terminal at Cascade Point is a
preferable option.
6:02:02 PM
WALLACE "SANDY" WILLIAMS testified in Juneau to dispute
information presented by those in opposition of the Juneau
Access road project. Operating costs would not be higher than
that of the Marine Highway System and travel on this route would
be less expensive than traditional vessel fares.
6:05:40 PM
DICK KNAPP testified in Juneau to request full funding for the
Juneau Access road project. Funding this project would not
result in reduced funding for road projects elsewhere in the
state. He supported construction of a road and utilization of
the Marine Highway System as a shuttle service.
6:08:26 PM
Co-Chair Wilken requested the data Mr. Knapp cited in his
testimony [copy on file].
6:08:56 PM
JIM BECKER testified in Juneau that the Juneau Access road would
be beneficial to the seafood industry. Fresh seafood could be
delivered to markets faster and at a lower cost if the road were
constructed.
6:12:04 PM
MERILL SANFORD, Assembly Member, testified in Juneau about the
importance of improved access to the capital city. Alaskans
support road access to their government center.
6:15:25 PM
PAULETTE SIMPSON testified in Juneau in favor of the Juneau
Access road project. She had once testified to the legislature
in opposition of the construction of two fast ferry vessels. The
costs for travelers using the road and shuttle ferry would be
considerably less than fares on the Marine Highway System.
6:18:42 PM
BOB MARTIN testified in Juneau that his career has been in road
building and rural utility construction. He spoke in full
support of the Juneau Access road project. Goldbelt, Inc., the
Juneau area Native Corporation, would benefit from road access
to Juneau. The corporation would be able to develop its land
holdings for the economic benefit of its shareholders.
6:22:02 PM
GARY FREITAG, President, Tongass Coast Aquarium, testified via
teleconference from Ketchikan to request restoration of proposed
funding for this project. This facility would assist economic
development in the community and Prince of Wales region.
6:25:31 PM
Senator Stedman informed the witness that $1 million has been
included for this project in the recent committee substitute
before the members.
6:26:08 PM
TED SMITH, Mayor, City of Petersburg, testified in Juneau about
the need to expand the community museum, replace the public
works facility and improve the South Mitkof Highway. The inter-
island ferry terminal located at the end of this road is near
completion and use of the road would increase. The road is in
poor condition and is nearly impassable in winter. The City
would be willing to provide the requested funding for the
Petersburg hospital Tele-Medicine Network project if the City
were provided a revenue sharing grant from the State.
6:30:54 PM
MONICA SCHULTZ testified via teleconference from Ketchikan in
support of the Tongass Coast Aquarium project. The requested
funding would allow for completion of the planning phase.
6:31:57 PM
PAULA SCHULTZ testified via teleconference from Ketchikan that
the stable jobs that the Tongass Coast Aquarium would provide
would allow local youth to remain in the area, both at the
facility and though fisheries developed and improved as a result
of research conducted at the facility.
6:32:43 PM
KAYE KANNE, Executive Director, Juneau Family Birth Center,
testified in Juneau to request restoration of the Governor's
proposed $300,000 appropriation for construction of a new
facility. Two-thirds of the necessary funding has already been
raised. The new facility would allow the Center to expand health
care services to low-income residents.
6:34:55 PM
SANTE LESH, Board Member, Juneau Family Birth Center, testified
in Juneau that she was a client of the Center and was a
participant of the Denali KidCare Medicaid insurance program.
Delivery of a baby at the hospital could cost up to $30,000
compared to $2,000 to $3,000 at the Center.
6:36:31 PM
SARA LAWSON, Project Coordinator, White Cliff School
Redevelopment Project, testified via teleconference from
Ketchikan to request $3.7 million for the project. She described
the arts and senior citizen activities that would utilize the
facility.
Senator Stedman noted that this funding request had been
submitted, although he was unsure whether it would be approved.
6:40:04 PM
BOB WEINSTEIN, Mayor, City of Ketchikan, testified via
teleconference from Ketchikan to request that funding for the
Tongass Coast Aquarium be restored to the amount proposed by the
Governor. The facility would serve as an educational and tourism
center. This project should not be considered as benefiting only
Ketchikan, as its research would benefit coastal areas of the
State.
6:42:51 PM
KATE MCCARTNEY, Board Member, Juneau Family Birth Center,
testified in Juneau to request funding for the new facility. The
Center would expand services provided through Denali KidCare and
Medicaid. Fees are assessed to clients on a sliding scale, based
on income.
6:44:30 PM
MICHAEL MILLER, Founder, Cancer Connection, testified in Juneau
that the provider would occupy space in the new Juneau Family
Birth Center. He described the support and social services the
Connection provides.
6:46:31 PM
Senator Dyson noted Mr. Miller is the son of the former Senator
Miller and has taken his personal hardship as a cancer victim
and is utilizing his experiences for the benefit of others.
Co-Chair Wilken associated himself with Senator Dyson's remarks.
6:47:13 PM
BRUCE WALLACE, Commercial Fisher, testified via teleconference
from Ketchikan, that he has observed the efforts in creating the
Tongass Coast Aquarium. The State should support this project,
as it is important to resource development.
6:48:05 PM
TOMI MARSH testified via teleconference from Ketchikan to
request $5 million for the Tongass Coast Aquarium. It is
important to the commercial fishing industry.
6:49:02 PM
TINA WILLIAMS, testified via teleconference from Ketchikan in
support the Tongass Coast Aquarium. Efforts on this project have
been underway since 1992. The requested $5 million would allow
groundbreaking on construction of the facility. This project has
unanimous support from the community.
6:51:53 PM
Senator Stedman thanked the Ketchikan residents who testified.
6:52:15 PM
SKIP ELLIOTT, Elliott Financial Management, testified in Juneau
to the importance of reasonable and prudent expenditure of State
revenues. The Juneau Access road project would not be reasonable
or prudent. Given the financial situation of the country, the
federal funds should be returned.
6:55:32 PM
ALBERT JUDSON testified in Juneau about diversity, which is
defined as having different opinions. He opposed the Juneau
Access road project because the majority of Juneau, Haines and
Skagway residents have voted to support improved ferry service
over a road. Funding would be better spent on bridges,
specifically a second crossing between Douglas Island and
mainland Juneau.
7:01:12 PM
GEORGE POOR testified in Juneau that he is the chief engineer of
the M/V Fairweather fast ferry in the Alaska Marine Highway
System. He opposed the Juneau Access road project, in part
because the road would travel through many avalanche areas. If
the road were constructed, he urged continued financial support
of the Marine Highway System.
7:03:39 PM
BRETT FARRELL, Alaska Marine Exchange of Alaska, testified in
Juneau in support of the Alaska Marine Safety and Security
Grant. He told of the maritime safety projects undertaken and
planned. The Exchange was established with an initial
appropriation of funds from the Exxon Valdez Settlement.
7:06:33 PM
BRITT WATTERS testified in Juneau that as a health care worker,
he considered many projects addressing health and safety needs
of Alaskans are of higher priority than the Juneau Access road
project. The primary beneficiary of the Juneau Access road
project would be construction companies.
Co-Chair Green announced that public testimony was concluded and
that those who had signed up to testify regarding the Juneau
Access project would not be heard.
7:10:10 PM
Co-Chair Wilken spoke to the Juneau Access road project. The
legislature has struggled with the increasing costs of the
Alaska Marine Highway System. A misunderstanding persists that
ferry service would be improved if the road were not
constructed. Instead, a new system of roads and shuttle ferries
would be created. Alaskans would be unwilling to continue
funding the current system and Juneau residents should have the
same opportunities for road access that he has as a Fairbanks
resident.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Lyda Green adjourned the meeting at 7:11:54 PM
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