Legislature(2011 - 2012)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/05/2012 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB184 | |
| SB130 | |
| SB135 | |
| HB65 | |
| SB160 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | HB 307 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 184 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 130 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 135 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 104 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 65 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 160 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 5, 2012
9:03 a.m.
9:03:24 AM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Hoffman called the Senate Finance Committee
meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyman Hoffman, Co-Chair
Senator Lesil McGuire, Vice-Chair
Senator Johnny Ellis
Senator Dennis Egan
Senator Donny Olson
Senator Joe Thomas
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Bert Stedman, Co-Chair
ALSO PRESENT
Senator Hollis French; Representative Bryce Edgmon; Karen
Rehfeld, Director, Office of Management and Budget; Loren
Peterson, Staff, Senator Donny Olsen; Jeanmarie Davis,
Director, Division of Support Services, Department of
Natural Resources; Joe Balash, Deputy Commissioner,
Department of Natural Resources; Kevin Brooks,
Administrative Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Fish and Game; Charles Swanton,
Director, Division of Sport Fish, Department of Fish and
Game; Joseph Schmidt, Commissioner, Department of
Corrections; Leslie Houston, Director, Division of
Administrative Services, Department of Corrections.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Jeff Regnart, Director, Division of Commercial Fisheries,
Department of Fish and Game.
SUMMARY
SB 130 ALASKA NATIVE LANGUAGE COUNCIL
SB 130 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new fiscal impact
note from the Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development.
SB 135 CONTINUANCES IN CRIMINAL TRIALS; VICTIMS
SB 135 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with a new indeterminate
fiscal note from the Senate Finance Committee for
the Department of Law, a new indeterminate fiscal
note from the Department of Administration, a
previously published indeterminate fiscal note:
FN2 (DOA), and a previously published zero fiscal
note: FN3 (DOC).
SB 160 BUDGET: CAPITAL
SB 160 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
SB 184 SUPPLEMENTAL/CAPITAL/OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
SB 184 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HB 65 SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING DEV. FUND GRANTS
HB 65 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
CSHB 104(RLS)
ALASKA PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
CSHB 104(RLS) was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
CSHB 307(FIN)
SUPPLEMENTAL/CAPITAL/OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
CSHB 307(FIN) was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
9:04:17 AM
SENATE BILL NO. 184
"An Act making supplemental appropriations, capital
appropriations, and other appropriations; amending
appropriations; repealing appropriations; making
appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an
effective date."
9:05:00 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman stated that capital budget items in the
supplemental budget would not be discussed during the
meeting.
9:05:16 AM
KAREN REHFELD, DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET,
stated that the bill totaled approximately $97 million, of
which $78.5 million was unrestricted general funds. She
said that the agency operating supplementals that were
included in the request totaled $38.9 million, of which
$30.4 million was general funds and included: fire
suppression, disaster relief, and formula requests under
the adult public assistance program. She stated that there
were two significant settlements included in the bill
totaling $38 million: the University of Alaska's Optional
Retirement Plan settlement for $20 million and the Moore v.
State case settlement for $18 million. She explained that
the bill contained 18 sections. Sections 1 and 2 contained
the operating numbers, Sections 3 through 5 were the
capital numbers; the language section of the bill began in
Section 6.
9:07:02 AM
Ms. Rehfeld read the requests listed on the FY12
supplemental requests spreadsheet:
Administration
Office of Public Advocacy
Operational Costs for Caseload Increases
Projections are based upon actual expenditures for the
first half of FY2012 and comparisons to prior year
expenditures. In FY2011, OPA received a supplemental
in the amount of $900.0. The impact of this request is
being considered for a FY2013 budget amendment.
$800.0 - General Fund
Administration
Public Defenders Agency
Operational Costs for Caseload Increases
In FY2011 the agency experienced a budget shortfall of
$300.0 which was covered by a supplemental.
Projections are based upon actual expenditures for the
first half of FY2012 and comparisons to prior year
expenditures.
The impact of this request is being considered for a
FY2013 budget amendment.
$1,000.0 - General Fund
Commerce
Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority
Increased Costs for Financing Tools
Increased costs for developing tools for financing
major economic development infrastructure (industrial
roads and ports) to support natural resource
development in Alaska. This is a one-time item.
$150.0 - AIDEA Receipts
Commerce
Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Support for Board and Commission Members
This increase provides funding support for volunteer
boards and commissions members to stay current on
issues, trends and policies impacting their
professions and to maintain the quality licensing
standards. A $244.6 increment is in the FY2013
Governor's budget.
$244.6 - Receipt Supported Services
Commerce
Corporations, Businesses and Professional Licensing
Business Licensing and Corporations Indirect Costs
Increase general fund program receipts to correctly
charge indirect costs related to the Business
Licensing and Corporations program. A $250.0 increment
is in the FY2013 Governor's budget
$250.0 - General Fund Program Receipts
Commerce
Corporations, Businesses and Professional Licensing
Adjustment for Licensing Fees
Fund source change from professional licensing
receipts (receipt supported services) tot eh general
fund to reimburse the professions for historical
indirect cost overpayments that were associated with
the Business License and Corporations programs. This
is a one-time funding change.
$3,439.8 - General Fund - Receipt Supported Services
Commerce
Corporations, Businesses and Professional Licensing
Implementation of Audit Recommendations
Increase receipt supported services to address audit
findings on cost allocations to division programs and
for remediation of the investigations system. This is
a one-time item.
$250.0 - Receipt Supported Services
9:09:52 AM
Ms. Rehfeld continued with her presentation of the
supplemental requests:
Corrections
Inmate Transportation
Increased Inmate Transportation Costs
The Department of Corrections has experienced an
increase in the costs within the Inmate Transportation
Unit due to in-state and out-of-state prisoner
transports associated with population management. The
average daily in-state offender population from July
1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 was 3,851 with an
additional 1,050 offenders housed out-of-state. The
maximum capacity of the in-state institutions is
3,840. The average daily population continually
exceeds the maximum capacity creating the need for
offenders to be transported between facilities in
order to manage the inmate population. This is a one-
time item.
$867.4 - General Fund
Corrections
Community Jails
Additional funding id necessary to cover operating
costs of the 15 community jails based on financial
reports provided to the Department of Corrections. The
department is currently evaluating the costs and
revising the methodology for funding community jails
for consideration as a FY2012 budget amendment.
$600.0 - General Fund
Education and Early Childhood Development
Student and School Achievement
Comprehensive System of Student Assessment Contractual
Costs
This Additional funding is needed to accommodate the
negotiated contract for the Comprehensive System of
Student Assessments. The FY2013 Governor's budget
includes an additional $750.0 for modified contract
items.
$1,000.0 - General Fund
Health and Social Services
Medical Assistance Administration
Continued work on Health Information Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) Version 5010 Project
Additional authority for federally mandated
implementation of version 5010 medical care
transactions and code sets. This is a one-time item.
$80.0 - General Fund
$720.0 - Federal Receipts
Health and Social Services
McLaughlin Youth Center
Increased Medical Costs for Juvenile Justice System
Youth
Statutorily required medical services for youth within
the Juvenile Justice facilities - will be reallocated
via revised programs throughout the DJJ facilities.
This is a one-time item.
$627.5 - General Fund
Health and Social Services
Alaska Temporary Assistance Program
ARRA Emergency Funding for Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) Program
Revenues made available due to an increase in the
Alaska TANF caseload. The division plans to invest in
these TANF emergency funds in work and job readiness
activities and opportunities for engagement in work
activities. This is a one-time item.
$1,100.6 - 1212 Federal ARRA
Health and Social Services
Adult Public Assistance
Adult Public Assistance Caseload Growth
Increased program enrollment, particularly in the
disabled and bling category - tied to the dramatic
growth in the Alaska senior population. A $6,075.0
increment is included in the FY2013 Governor's budget.
$2,600.0 - General Fund
Health and Social Services
Energy Assistance Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and
Alaska Affordable Heating Program for the State
Based on projected needs. The impact of this
supplemental request is being considered for a FY2013
budget amendment.
$928.7 - General Fund
Health and Social Services
Energy Assistance Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and
Alaska Affordable Heating Program for Tribes
Based on projected needs. The impact of this
supplemental request is being considered for a FY2013
budget amendment.
$1,691.6 - General Fund
9:12:21 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman queried when the latest assessment of need
had been conducted. Ms. Rehfeld responded that the numbers
had been provided upon the introduction of the supplemental
bill on the 15th day of the current legislative session.
She said that the department was in the process of
reviewing the numbers and could provide updates at a later
date.
Ms. Rehfeld continued with her presentation of the
supplemental requests:
Health and Social Services
Women, Children and Family Health
Increase in Demand for Clinics for Newborn Screening
Greater volume of screenings provided will generate
additional general fund program receipts. The impact
of this supplemental request is being considered for a
FY2013 budget amendment.
$350.0 - General Fund Program Receipts
Health and Social Services
Chronic Disease Prevention/Health Promotion
Reinstate American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA) Authority - Tobacco, Obesity and Diabetes
Programs
Restore FY2012 federal authority for this program,
which was deleted earlier due to an indication that
federal revenues would be withdrawn. Funding has been
extended through FY2012. This is a one-time item.
$140.0 - Federal ARRA
Health and Social Services
Epidemiology
Reinstate American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA) Authority - Health Assessment and Children's
Immunizations
Restore FY2012 federal authority for this program,
which was deleted earlier due to an indication that
the federal revenues would be withdrawn. Funding has
been extended through FY2012. This is a one-time item.
$30.0 - Federal ARRA
Health and Social Services
Senior and Disabilities Services Administration
Third Party Review of Home and Community Based
Medicaid Waiver Denials Increased federal authority
for review of eligibility decisions that remove
clients from waivered services, based on a recent one-
time federal grant for review of all denials. This is
a one-time item.
$250.0 - Federal Receipts
Labor
Worker's Compensation Benefits Guaranty Fund
Increase Workers' Compensation Benefits Guaranty Fund
Authority to Increased Legal Costs
An increase in Worker's Compensation Benefit Guaranty
Fund authorization is required to support the
component's legal representation provided by the
Department of Law. The recent legal decision, Charles
West v. State of Alaska, Benefit Guaranty Fund
(Decision No. 145, January 20, 2011), has resulted in
an increase in the number of claims requiring legal
representation for the Fund. The impact of this
supplemental request is being considered for a FY2013
budget amendment.
$168.0 - Workers' Compensation Benefits Guaranty Fund
Labor
Alaska Vocational Technical Center
Replace Unrealized Program Receipts
This fund source change replaces unrealizable general
fund program receipts with general funds to support
increased operating expenses for existing programs.
AVTEC's expenses have grown considerably due to the
higher cost of goods and services. This $250.0 fund
change is included in the FY2013 Governor's budget.
$250.0 - General Fund - General Fund Program Receipts
Law
Oil, Gas and Mining
Oil and Gas Outside Council
Increased litigation costs for oil and gas outside
council attributable to three types of cases: tariff
proceedings; Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS)
property tax proceedings; and oil and gas royalty
issues. An increment of $6,150.0 is included in the
FY2013 Governor's budget and is based on anticipated
caseload.
$3,116.0 - General Fund
Law
Transportation Section
Fast Ferry Litigation
In FY2011, the department had $200,000 appropriated
for the fast ferry litigation. Last year's activity
however exceeded the $200,000 and the department
covered $19,789 while the Department of Transportation
paid an additional $109,480. Total expenditures
associated with the fast ferry lawsuit to date are
$569,955 (including $21,605 form FY2012). In FY2012
YTD, $219,081 has been expended and it is anticipated
to ramp up because outside counsel has been obtained
and discovery activity will pick up. An increment of
$600.0 is included in the FY2013 Governor's budget.
$600.0 - General Fund
Military and Veterans Affairs
Office of the Commissioner
Base Realignment and Closure Commission Impact
Department of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta had
announced that the plan to cut nearly $500 billion in
the next 10 years from the Department of Defense
budget will impact all 50 states and a Base
Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) will be
requested of Congress to address facility reductions
as soon as possible. The U.S. military's presence in
Alaska represents 10 percent of the state's economy.
The Alaska Military Force Advocacy and Structure Team
(AMFAST) recommends the State of Alaska hire an
experienced consulting group to address ideas proposed
by the next BRAC. This request will promote and
sustain Alaska's current military facilities and force
structure. The impact of this request is being
considered for a FY2013 budget amendment.
$300.0 - General Fund
9:16:10 AM
Ms. Rehfeld continued with her presentation of the
supplemental requests:
Military and Veterans Affairs
Army Guard Facilities Maintenance
State Match Requirement Change at Kodiak, Ketchikan,
and Kenai Armories
The federal/state funding ratios for armory operations
in Kodiak, Ketchikan, and Kenai have changed due to
federal regulations regarding funding and armory use.
The impact of this request is being considered for a
FY2013 budget amendment.
$97.3 - General Fund Match - Federal Receipts
Military and Veterans Affairs
Army Guard Facilities Maintenance
Bethel Armory Operations
Operating funds for the new Bethel Armory starting
December 2011. The impact of this request is being
considered for a FY2013 budget amendment.
$94.6 - General Fund
Military and Veterans Affairs
Air Guard Facilities Maintenance
Eielson Air Force Base Electrical Usage Calculation
Correction
Eielson Air Force Base discovered an error in the
method used to calculate that Alaska Air National
Guard electrical usage for the 168th Wing. Funding is
requested for the increase to the annual cost of
electricity. The impact of this request is being
considered for an FY2013 budget amendment.
$26.3 - General Fund
$78.8 - Federal Receipts
Military and Veterans Affairs
Veteran's Services
Reduce Unrealizable Federal Funds
The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) no
longer distributes federal funding to administer the
State Approving Agency (SAA) grant for Veteran's
Educational Programs (GI Bill). This change is
reflected in the FY2013 Governor's budget.
$(95.8) - Federal Receipts
Military and Veterans Affairs
Veteran's Services
State Approving Agency Program Continuation
The U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) no
longer distributes federal funding to administer the
State Approving Agency (SAA) grant for Veteran's
Educational Programs (GI Bill). This change is
reflected in the FY2013 Governor's budget.
$95.8 - General Fund
Military and Veterans Affairs
Veterans' Services
Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery Position
A vacant position will be transferred to the Veterans'
Services Office to provide additional project planning
and coordination. The impact of this request is being
considered for a FY2013 budget amendment.
$41.3 - General Fund
Natural Resources
Project Management and Permitting
Wishbone Hill Coal Project Rapid Health Impact
Assessment
A Rapid Health Impact Assessment will be conducted in
conjunction with the permit renewal process. This is a
one-time item.
$39.2 - General Fund
Natural Resources
Mining, Land and Water
Dam Safety Review - Red Dog Mine
The Dam Safety and Construction Unit (Dam Safety) is
expecting to receive a large statutory designated
program receipt (SDPR) in an application fee required
under 11 AAC 93.171 for the construction and
modification of dams for the expansion of the tailings
storage facility at the Red Dog Mine in northwest
Alaska. The impact of this request is being considered
for a FY2012 budget amendment.
$66.5 - Statutory Designated Program Receipts
Natural Resources
Mining, Land and Water
Offshore Lease Sales at Nome
This request provides funding for securing a
monitoring contractor for offshore lease sales at Nome
to be trained and in place when the ice goes out at
Nome (early to mid -June 2012). This is reflected in
the FY2012 Governor's budget.
$18.6 - General Fund Program Receipts
Natural Resources
Fire Suppression Activity
FY2012 Fire Suppression Activity
This is a preliminary estimate of supplemental needs
for spring firefighting and costs of initial attack of
wildland fires through June 30, 2012.
$4,892.5 - General Fund
Public Safety
AST Detachments
24-Hour Dispatch and Prisoner Transport Services in
the City of Kotzebue
The Department of Public Safety currently contracts
with the City of Kotzebue to provide 24-hour dispatch
services and for local transport of prisoners to and
from court. The city has historically provided these
services to the state at no cost and is no longer
willing to do that. These services are required and
there are no practical alternatives for the Department
of Public Safety. The impact of this supplemental
request is being considered doe a FY2013 budget
amendment.
$75.0 - General Fund
9:19:19 AM
Ms. Rehfeld continued to highlight the FY 12 supplemental
requests:
Public Safety
ATS Detachments
City of Kotzebue Jail Closure Transportation Coasts
Temporary funding is necessary for prisoner transport
between Kotzebue and Nome during closure of the
Kotzebue jail. This assumes the jail re-opens on or
about February 1, 2012. Amounts are based on December,
2011 actual costs of $47.0, with an increase in
January assuming some transition into the jail re-
opening. Personal services costs are only for
overtime, not for already budgeted personal services
costs. This is a one-time item.
$106.0 - General Fund
Public Safety
AST Detachments
Replace Federal Pass Thorough Funds from Alaska
Highway Safety Office
The Alaska Bureau of Highway Patrol will no longer
receive federal funds for non-DUI related traffic
enforcement. In order to maintain traffic enforcement
to include non-DUI specific activity, such as impaired
driving, youth drivers, aggressive driving and
speeding, and seat belt enforcement, supplemental
funding is necessary as the current budget cannot
absorb these costs. Additional federal funding
reductions are anticipated for DUI-related traffic
enforcement starting in FY2014. The impact of this
supplemental request is being considered for a FY2013
budget amendment.
$1,900.0 - General Fund
Public Safety
Alaska Criminal Records and ID
Maintain Current Level of Services
The Criminal Records and Identification Bureau (R&I)
does not have adequate general funds in the FY2012
operating budget to maintain current services without
taking cost containment measures that will impact
public services and the timely availability of law
enforcement information. The impact of this request is
being considered for a FY2013 budget amendment.
$200.0 - General Fund
Revenue
Tax Division
Litigation Support for Corporate Income Tax
Litigation expenses are anticipated to generate a
budget shortfall in the first part of FY2012. The
Department is involved in two cases requiring expert
witnesses that were unanticipated. The funds for the
expert witnesses will be paid through a reimbursable
service agreement to the Department of Law. This is a
one-time item.
$150.0 - General Fund
Revenue
Treasury Division
Investment Management of Power Cost Equalization
Endowment Fund
The investment management costs for the Power Cost
Equalization Endowment Fund (PCE) have increased due
to a $400 million deposit made in FY2011. The amount
requested will cover the costs for the remainder of
FY2012. An increment of $80.4 is included in the
FY2012 Governor's budget.
$58.0 - Power Cost Equalization Endowment
Transportation and Public Facilities
State Equipment Fleet
Credit Card Fuel Program
Authorization to cover projected increases in
expenditures related to the credit card fuel program.
A $1,110.0 increase is included in the FY2013
Governor's budget.
$850.0 - Highway Working Capital Fund
Transportation and Public Facilities
Central Region Facilities
Snow Removal Costs
Due to an early and heavy snow season, Central Region
Facilities has exhausted the snow removal budget in
November and December. Also, additional snow hauling
services have been incurred within the Tudor Complex.
There is no longer adequate space to stockpile snow,
so all snow must be hauled to the contractor's snow
dump throughout the winter. This is a one-time line
item.
$85.0 - General Fund
Transportation and Public Facilities
Central Highways and Aviation
New Insurance Requirements for Rural Airport
Maintenance Contracts
A recent change in how rural contractors were covered
under the State's accident umbrella. All airport
maintenance contracts are now required to be insured.
An increment of $356.3 is included in the FY2013
Governor's budget.
$102.4 - General Fund
9:22:16 AM
Transportation and Public Facilities
Central Highways and Aviation
Anchorage Snow Removal Costs
Snowfall in the Anchorage area this year is
significantly higher than considered normal for the
area. The recent heavy snowstorms and near record snow
accumulation in November and December has resulted in
unanticipated hauling costs to remove excess snow
plowed from the roads onto the shoulders and sidewalk
areas. This is a one-time item.
$200.0 - General Fund
9:22:30 AM
Transportation and Public Facilities
Northern Highways and Aviation
New Insurance Requirements for Rural Airport
Maintenance Contracts
A recent change in how rural contractors were covered
under the State's accident umbrella. All airport
maintenance contracts are now required to be insured.
An increment of $423.6 is included in the FY2013
Governor's budget.
$120.1 - General Fund
Transportation and Public Facilities
Southeast Highways and Aviation
Winter Commodities - Sand and Ice Control Chemicals
High snowfall and cold temperatures throughout
Southeast Region in November and December have
required heavier than normal sand and ice control
chemical use to keep highways and airports safe. Due
to stock depletion, large quantities of ice control
chemicals were reordered in mid-winter. This is a one-
time line item.
$257.0 - General Fund
Transportation and Public Facilities
Whittier Access and Tunnel
Whittier Tunnel Reduced Revenue Toll Collections
The majority of Whittier Access and Tunnel's funding
is based on revenue collections from the tunnel tolls.
Reduced travel through the tunnel and reduced cruise
ship dockings has resulted in a decrease in toll
collections. In addition to increased costs, toll
revenues have declined over the past few years due to
economic conditions, reduced cruise ship dockings, and
increased fuel prices. An increment of $192.9 is
included in the Governor's FY2013 budget.
$229.8 - General Fund
9:23:09 AM
Ms. Rehfeld continued to highlight the FY 12 supplemental
requests:
Transportation and Public Facilities
Anchorage Airport Facilities
Utilities and Building Maintenance for Kulis Air
National Guard Base
In September 2011, the Anchorage Airport acquired the
management of the Kulis Air National Guard Base
property back from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Building maintenance and property upkeep is now the
responsibility of the Anchorage Airport. An increment
of $750.0 (IARF) is included in the Governor's FY2013
budget.
$625.0 - International Airport Revenue Fund
Transportation and Public Facilities
AIA Field and Equipment Maintenance
Purchase De-icing Chemicals
In FY2011, the cost per ton of urea increased from
$342 per ton to $719 per ton. Also, the airport has
commissioned a third new tank for potassium acetate in
order to mitigate continuing supply shortages. An
increment of $1,634.5 has been included in the FY2013
Governor's budget.
$1,634.5 - International Airport Revenue Fund
Transportation and Public Facilities
AIA Field and Equipment Maintenance
Property Maintenance for Kulis Air National Guard Base
Student Allocation (BSA) In September 2011, the
Anchorage Airport acquired the management of the Kulis
Air National Guard Base property back form the U.S.
Department of Defense. The acquisition includes
approximately 130 acres of land, sidewalks, parking
lots and access roads which are not the responsibility
of the Anchorage Airport. AN increment of $450.0
(IARF) is included in the Governor's FY2013 budget.
$375.0 - International Airport Revenue Fund
University of Alaska
Anchorage Campus
Federal Receipt Authority for Pell Grants
Additional federal receipt authority is needed to
accommodate the increase in Pell grant activity. A
related FY2013 budget amendment is also being
considered.
$5,000.0 - Federal Receipts
9:24:07 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman solicited committee member questions
concerning the FY12 supplemental requests.
Ms. Rehfeld directed the committee to Page 9, line 79:
Education and Early Development
Commissioner's Office
Judgments and Settlements
Settlement between Department of Education and
Citizens for the Educational Advancement of Alaska's
Children (CEAAC) related to the state's education
system for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2012
through June 30, 2017.
$18,000.0 - General Fund
Ms. Rehfeld added that the settlement listed specific
requirements as to how the funds would be dispersed.
Decisions would be made through a joint committee.
Ms. Rehfeld noted line 80:
Law
Deputy Attorney General's Office
Judgments and Settlements
Actual judgment and settlement costs received as of
January 30, 2012.
$20,770.8 - General Fund
She stated that this was the largest settlement in the
request and had to do with the university's optional
retirement plan.
Ms. Rehfeld continued to highlight the FY 12 supplemental
requests:
Military and Veteran's Affairs
Army Guard Facilities Maintenance
Scope Change: Section 13, ch.29, SLA 2008, page 151,
lines 27-28
Anchorage Armory Roof Replacement and G-Wing
Preparation
General Fund Match ($380.5)
$380.5 - General Fund
Military and Veteran's Affairs
Army Guard Facilities Maintenance
Amend: Section 1, ch.5, FSSLA 2011, page 88, line 21
State Match Requirement Change for Federal Energy
Projects
The federal/state funding ratios for armory operations
in Kodiak, Ketchikan, and Kenai have changed due to
federal regulations funding and armory use.
$7.5 - General Fund Match - Federal Receipts
Military and Veteran's Affairs
Army Guard Facilities Maintenance
Amend: Section 4, ch.43, SLA 2010, page 12, line 27
State Match Requirement Change for Deferred
Maintenance Projects in Kodiak, Ketchikan, and Kenai
The federal/state funding ratios for armory operations
in Kodiak, Ketchikan, and Kenai have changed due to
federal regulations funding and armory use.
$737.5 - General Fund Match - Federal Receipts
Natural Resources
Gas Pipeline Project
Extend the lapse date for permitting and application
processing related to the state gas pipeline right-of-
way work related to bringing North Slope natural gas
to market, made in Section 22(c), ch.14, SLA 2009, as
amended by sec.11(c), ch.1, FSSLA 2011, from June 30,
2012 to June 30, 2013.
State Debt and Other Obligations
International Airports Revenue Bonds
Amend: Section 32(q), ch.3, FSSLA 2011
This allows the Alaska International Airport System to
restructure debt payments to include additional
passenger facility charge (PFC) revenue and the
International Airports Construction Fund.
Int. Airports Revenue Fund - ($13,5000.0)
$10,000.0 - Int. Airports Construction Fund
$3,500.0 - Passenger Facility Charges
Fund Capitalization
Disaster Relief Fund
Supplemental Disaster Funding
Current disasters are expected to exhaust the
available general funds in the Disaster Relief Fund.
In addition to fall and winter storms, traditionally
there are spring floods that have been eligible for
expenditures form the Disaster Relief Fund. The impact
of this supplemental request is being considered for a
FY2013 budget amendment.
$3,000.0 - General Fund
9:27:13 AM
Ms. Rehfeld explained that the remaining line items spoke
to 3 ratification requests for fire suppression for $36.4,
as well as two small requests from public safety.
Co-Chair Hoffman solicited further questions or testimony
on the legislation.
SB 184 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL NO. 130
"An Act establishing in the Office of the Governor an
advisory council for the preservation, restoration, and
revitalization of Alaska Native languages."
9:28:31 AM
Senator Olson introduced Mr. Peterson.
LOREN PETERSON, STAFF, SENATOR DONNY OLSEN, testified that
the companion bill, HB 254, had been heard in the other
body and set aside for further discussion. He stated that
there had been concerns regarding the recommendation of a
bush caucus member to be appointed to the council. He
stressed that it was important that a representative from
rural Alaska, both form the House and Senate, provide
representation on the council.
9:30:18 AM
Senator Olson shared that there had been a lot of support
throughout the state for the legislation.
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed a fiscal note from Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development for $240,200
in general funds to cover the council's cost of staffing,
travel, and per diem for meetings.
Senator Ellis MOVED to report SB 130 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 130 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with a new fiscal impact note from the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
SENATE BILL NO. 135
"An Act relating to the rights of crime victims;
relating to the duties of prosecuting attorneys; and
amending Rule 45, Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure."
9:31:53 AM
SENATOR HOLLIS FRENCH, noted that the previous fiscal note
had been replaced by an indeterminate note. He explained
that the bill was designed to strengthen the constitutional
right of a victim to the timely disposition of their case.
He said that frequently there were lengthy delays in
criminal cases being brought to trial.
9:33:50 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed the fiscal notes in the bill
packet.
Senator Ellis MOVED to report SB 135 out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
SB 134 was REPORTED out of committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with a new indeterminate fiscal note
from the Senate Finance Committee for the Department of
Law, a new indeterminate fiscal note from the Department of
Administration, a previously published indeterminate fiscal
note: FN2 (DOA), and a previously published zero fiscal
note: FN3 (DOC).
HOUSE BILL NO. 65
"An Act making regional Native housing authorities eligible
to receive grants through the Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation from the senior citizens housing development
fund."
9:35:15 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BRYCE EDGMON, introduced HB 65. He stated
that the intent of the legislation was to speak to the
increasing housing demands for seniors. He relayed that the
legislation would allow the regional housing authorities in
the state to be more competitive when attempting to access
the Senior Housing Grant Fund through the Alaska Housing
finance Corporation (AHFC). The housing authorities would
be placed directly under Title 18, enabling them to apply
directly for the fund.
Senator Olson asked how many seniors were affected by the
lack provisions for the available housing grants.
Representative Edgmon assumed that the number would be
significant.
Senator Olson queried the distribution of the legislative
effects.
Representative Edgmon replied that there were 14 housing
authorities across the state, half of which had not taken
the step to form a not-for-profit. He believed that the
bill would have significant impact across the state.
9:37:33 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that the legislation was a priority
for the Association of Alaska Housing Authorities.
Co-Chair Hoffman OPENED public testimony. There being none,
public testimony was CLOSED.
Co-Chair Hoffman discussed a fiscal note in the packet.
HB 65 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
9:38:38 AM
AT EASE
9:42:08 AM
RECONVENED
SENATE BILL NO. 160
"An Act making and amending appropriations, including
capital appropriations and other appropriations; making
appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an
effective date."
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
JEANMARIE DAVIS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, detailed the department's
capital requests:
9:43:46 AM
RN 37762
Cooperative Water Resource Program
$2,500,000
This project would allow the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) to accept funds from the private
sector, and local governments and to pass the funds
through to US Geological Survey (USGS) and US Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of
funding agreements for cooperative water resource
programs. Industry and local government often request
and pay for USGS and NRCS to install and operate
equipment to obtain hydrologic data. These data are
needed for resource development and permitting
projects such as mining, hydroelectric, or public
water supply. If gaging funding is passed through a
state agency, funds can be matched up to 100 percent
by the federal government.
Senator Egan asked why the request had increased nearly 3-
fold from historic levels.
Ms. Davis replied that the Division of Mining, Land, and
Water had laid out the requests and would need the large
increase in order to accommodate the wide variety of
requests.
Senator Egan assumed that the increase was due to increased
mining activity and hydro development.
JOE BALASH, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES, interjected that it was for activity largely
associated with mining but could also be attributed to an
increased focus in renewable power in multiple region of
the state.
9:45:18 AM
Ms. Davis continued:
RN 32552
Land and Water Conservation Fund Federal Grant Program
$600,000
The Land and Water Conservation Fund Federal Grant
Program (LWCF) is a 50/50 matching grant program that
provides funding for the development of outdoor
recreation areas and facilities. More than any other
state in the union, Alaskans recreate outdoors. LWCF
develops, conserves and maximizes Alaska's resources
consistent with LWCF policy, addressing a second
desired end result. LWCF program staff is responsible
for monitoring compliance with LWCF regulations and
policies.
RN 6854
National Recreational Trails Grant Federal Program
$2,600,000
Alaskans rely on trails for recreation, subsistence
and transportation. These trails need maintenance to
ensure safe passage and to ensure that they remain
open and available for use. Funds are distributed by
80-20 matching grants for trail and trailhead
development and maintenance, and for education
programs relating to trail safety and responsible
trail use. Grants are awarded to organizations,
agencies and local governments. The end result is a
variety of safe, high-quality, tear round, motorized
and non-motorized, trails.
RN 39042
National Coastal Wetlands Grant
$1,060,000
The Coastal Wetlands program focuses on coastal
wetlands ecosystems including both wetlands and upland
buffers. Wetlands provide essential fish and wildlife
habitat, which in Alaska support many commercial and
recreational human uses, particularly in and near
communities, parks, and refuges. Wetlands provide
substantial contributions to water quality, flood and
storm control as well as providing habitat for fish
and wildlife. This program provides federal funding to
the state for the long-term protection of wetlands,
which is matched with private sector donations. The
program considers acquisition, restoration,
enhancement or management of coastal wetlands.
RN AMD 54914
Alaska Land Mobile Radio Emergency Response Narrowband
Compliance
$2,960,000
This is a new FY2013 capital project due to the cost
estimates that were finalized after the December 15
release of the Governor's budget. This project will
fulfill the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
January 1, 2013 mandate for narrowbanding specific
spectrum bands used by the department and complete the
migration to ALMR. The department is migrating to the
shared system, the Alaska Land Mobile Radio (ALMR)
system, for emergency response, logistics and
operations. Sites not served by ALMR must be upgraded
to narrowband standards. Radios and dispatch equipment
that is not narrowbanded and is incompatible prevent
total migration to the shared system and also must be
upgraded.
RN AMD 54937
Wildland Fire-Fighting Aircraft Maintenance
$500,000
This is a new FY2013 capital project due to cost
estimates that were finalized after the December 15
release of the Governor's budget. This request
promotes the continued use of state-operated aircraft
to provide Wildland Fire Suppression on state,
private, and local lands. This proposal will allow for
the authority to keep revenues collected from flying
to be used for periodically scheduled and unscheduled
maintenance. These maintenance costs exceed the
capability of the annual operating budget and may
occur once in several budget cycles. Many of these
revenues are reimbursable from the federal government.
RN AMD 54913
Large Dam Projects Application Review
$506,000
The purpose of Large Dam Projects Application Review
is to fund the work necessary to issue Certificates of
Approval for the construction and operation of large
dams based o relatively large fees. Large dams are
needed for the development and operation of mines and
for hydroelectricity, which are consistent with the
Department's mission. AS 46.17.020 allows the
Department to retain consultants to assist in the
performance of its duties under the respective dam
safety statutes and regulations. In order to conduct
timely and competent reviews of complex designs, the
Dam Safety Unit must utilize this provision of the
statute to retain qualified consultants under existing
term contracts with the Department.
9:49:03 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked about the request for the Wood
Tikchik Area.
Ms. Davis explained:
RN 51720
Parks and Outdoor Recreation Deferred Maintenance -
Wood Tikchik Area
$70,000
The division is striving to protect visitor health and
safety by providing safe, clean, and well maintained
parks. State Parks had over $60 million in deferred
maintenance needs which are causing serious health and
safety concerns and are generating copious public
comments that are embarrassing to the State of Alaska.
This request will fund multiple projects within each
of the seven regional park areas. On a percentage
basis, each area across the state will have funding to
decrease their specific deferred maintenance,
including upgrades, repairs or replacement of roads,
trails, shelters, toilets, drinking water systems,
parking areas and other facilities to keep them from
becoming even greater hazards.
Ms. Davis specified that the repairs would include the
Shelter Point cabin, the Eagle Island Campground and the
Ranger Station.
Senator Thomas asked what the anticipated timeframe was for
replacing the Department of Natural Resources Wildland Fire
Facility in Fairbanks.
Mr. Balash explained that the department was aware of the
facility needs. He stated that the replacement of the
facility was in the 10-year plan. He said that the annual
process to determine capital budget requests was always
difficult, but he believed the issue would be addressed in
the near future.
Senator Thomas encouraged the department to make
improvements sooner rather than later.
Senator Olson noted the five aircraft operated by the
department. He understood that they assisted in fighting
fires in the Lower 48.
Ms. Davis responded that when it was not fire season in the
Alaska, the state assisted other states in need.
Senator Olson asked where the aircraft were housed. Ms.
Davis replied that she would get back to the committee with
the information.
Senator Olsen queried whether the state owned the aircraft.
Ms. Davis said one was still under lease.
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
KEVIN BROOKS, ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME,
detailed the capital requests:
9:54:07 AM
RN 54418
Kenai River King Salmon Sonar Assessment Program
$1,813,000
This capital project will expedite the transition and
implementation to a new sonar program to more
accurately assess abundance of Kenai River king
salmon. Results will minimize uncertainty and reduce
public and user group concerns about sustainability
and in-season management of a recreationally and
economically important resource.
Senator Thomas asked if the department was familiar with
the work that the Alaska Center for Energy and Power had
done in the Yukon River when positioning the in-river
generation. He noted that the center had studied fish
populations and migration patterns and had found helpful
information. He wondered if the information had been taken
into consideration when determining placement.
CHARLES SWANTON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SPORT FISH,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME, replied that the department
was familiar with the work. He said that the dynamics of
different river systems, and how fish reacted to those
dynamics, made the information non-applicable.
Senator Thomas felt that the information could be applied.
9:57:08 AM
Mr. Brooks continued with the capital requests:
RN 54419
Wild/Hatchery Management Tools
$2,500,000
To continue economic benefits provided by large-scale
hatchery production, the state must ensure wild salmon
stocks are managed for sustained yield as required by
statute. Research on possible interactions between
wild and hatchery fish is required that will improve
this knowledge in Southeast Alaska (SE) and Prince
William Sound (PWS). Project results will help
determine if wild stocks are surviving at levels
commensurate with manager's expectations at current
hatchery production levels. Benchmark information will
also be provided for consideration of increases in
hatchery production.
RN 54420
Susitna River Sockeye Salmon Migration
$625,000
The goal of this project is to better understand the
spatial and temporal sockeye salmon distribution of
Susitna River drainage stocks and those from other
Cook Inlet drainages migrating through Upper Cook
Inlet's (UCI) Central District. This knowledge should
allow managers the ability to more efficiently harvest
non-Susitna stocks, while allowing Susitna-bound fish
passage through the Central District.
RN 54421
Upper Cook Inlet East Side Set Net Chinook Salmon
Harvest Patterns
$789,000
The objective of this project are two-fold: (1)
examine patters of Chinook salmon harvests in the East
Side Set Net (ESSN) fishery Upper Cook Inlet (UCI)
through analyses of historical fish ticket data; and
(2) examine patterns of Chinook salmon harvests and
stock composition in the ESSN fishery. This project
could provide additional fishing opportunities for
both sport and commercial fishermen, specifically for
sockeye salmon in the Kenai Section of the UCI
management area and for Chinook salmon in the Kenai
and Kasilof Rivers and provide economic benefits to
the Kenai Peninsula.
RN 43347
Research on Endangered Species Act Candidate Species
$1,550,000
This capital project will provide funds to conduct
baseline science to inform listing decisions (status
reviews) for species currently under consideration for
listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA):
Pacific walrus, Alexander Archipelago wolves, and
flying squirrels in Southeast Alaska, or to inform
biological opinions of other required ESA consultants
on Stellar sea lions and beluga whales in Cook Inlet.
10:00:43 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman queried the need to assess flying
squirrels. Mr. Brooks replied that he believed that the
listing of flying squirrels could impact timber harvests.
Senator Thomas wondered if the assessments were prioritized
based on where money was spent. Mr. Brooks replied that the
department worked closely with LAW to preempt listings; the
six species listed were determined by both departments to
currently be most relevant to the state.
Mr. Brooks continued with the capital requests:
RN 43322
Facilities, Vessels, and Aircraft Maintenance, Repair,
and Upgrades
$1,000,000
This annual request funds repair, maintenance and
renovation of department facilities statewide and
vessel and aircraft repair and maintenance. Facilities
funding is managed by the Division of Administrative
Services (DAS), vessel funding by the Division of
Commercial Fisheries and aircraft funding by the
Divisions of Commercial Fisheries and Wildlife
Conservation.
Senator Olson wondered what types of aircraft the request
was intended to cover. Mr. Brooks replied that he could
provide a list at a later date.
10:03:07 AM
JEFF REGNART, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME (via teleconference),
interjected that the Division of Commercial Fisheries had
four aircraft: 2 Super cubs, 1 Cessna 185, and a
deHavilland Beaver, all located in Kodiak.
Senator Olson asked if any of the aircraft had been in an
accident within the last year. Mr. Regnart replied no.
Mr. Brooks continued with the capital requests:
RN 54422
Boards of Fisheries and Game Sound Systems Replacement
$100,000
Alaska Board of Fisheries and Game meetings are
recorded to ensure an accurate record of proceedings.
The audio recordings for these meetings are frequently
utilized by members of the public, state and federal
agencies, and court systems. All recordings and
meeting documents are submitted as official state
archives. The Board of Fisheries typically meets five
times a year plus holds teleconferences to address
petitions, for approximately 40 days annually. The
Board of Game typically meets three times a year plus
holds teleconferences, for approximately 20 days
annually.
RN 47181
Replacement of R/V Resolution
$3,700,000
The existing R/V Resolution was built in 1970 and
requires substantial capital funds to keep the vessel
seaworthy. The vessel supports research and stock
assessment operations in the Gulf of Alaska, which
uses sophisticated electronics, requiring continual
platform modifications to support. Without a
replacement vessel, the division risks interrupting
long-term data series that ensure reproductive goals
are met and may be unable to sustain fisheries on
stocks of fish and shellfish based upon control and
regulation of harvests through responsive management
systems.
Mr. Brooks added that the proceeds from the sale of the
Resolution would be used to outfit the new boat.
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered when the sale would take place.
Mr. Brooks replied that the sale would occur after the new
boat was built.
Mr. Brooks continued with the capital requests:
RN 54426
Fish Passages, Counting and Sampling Sites, and Weir
Facilities Design, Repair and Upgrades
$700,000
This initial project funding will be used to cover
design and engineering services, and some repairs of
numerous fish passages, counting and sampling sites,
and weir facilities across the state. As
designs/estimates are completed, and funding allows,
additional contracts will be issued for the follow-on
construction services. Major locations with immediate
needs to remain operationally viable include: Fraser
Lake fish passage design/repairs/upgrades, Crooked
Creek Raceway design/repairs/upgrades, Chignik weir
upgrades and repairs, plus a variety of other Afognak
Island fish passage/weir projects. These facilities
are ling-term (very old) major project sites for the
department, and are quite complex.
RN 50951
Eradication of Invasive Tunicates in Whiting Harbor in
Sitka
$500,000
This project will provide the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game funds to support efforts aimed at the
containment and eradication of invasive tunicates
recently found in Whiting Harbor, Sitka and monitor
the area for two additional years to assess
effectiveness of the projected response efforts.
RN 30432
Sport Fish Recreational Boating Access
$2,500,000
This annual request authorizes the Division of Sport
Fish to continue to construct and upgrade recreational
power boating and sport fish access facilities
statewide using Sport Fish Restoration Fund
apportionment funds comprised of 75 percent federal
assistance and 25 percent non-federal match. Federal
regulations require that 15 percent of the annual
Sport Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux
Amendment) Fund apportionment will be dedicated to
projects that benefit recreational power boaters.
Projects include boat launches, mooring floats,
parking lots, restrooms, fish cleaning facilities, and
other services.
RN 33647
Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund
$7,500,000
This project will allow the department to receive
federal grant funds for the Pacific Coastal Salmon
Recovery Fund. This has been an on-going program since
FY2000 and provides funding for a wide range of
fisheries research, management, and restoration work
which will enhance the agency's ability to sustainably
manage Alaska's salmon and contribute to the economy
and general well-being of the people of Alaska.
Federal funding has been going down and will continue
to do so. Starting in state FY2010, state match is
required per the federal appropriation. The department
passes the 33 percent match requirement on to project
funding recipients.
RN 41451
Equipment Replacement and Upgrade for Wildlife
Research and Management Statewide Programs
$200,000
The Division of Wildlife Conservation maintains a
presence in 22 locations statewide. Field management
and research staff must use motor vehicles, all-
terrain vehicles (ATV), snow machines, and boats to
access large areas of land and water to perform their
wildlife management and research duties. Technological
equipment is necessary to help staff communicate in
the field and to enhance computer applications
including GIS and web-based software development.
Equipment needs replacement on a scheduled basis to
ensure safety and dependability for field staff as
they execute their duties.
RN 54772
Seward Vessel Wash-Down and Wastewater Recycling
Facility
$641,300
The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC)
will provide one-time capital funding for the
construction of a vessel wash-down and wastewater
recycling facility to the City of Seward - Harbor
Department. The project will include a concrete pad
which drains into a system that collects, treats, and
recycles 100 percent of the wastewater for subsequent
vessel washing. This project will help protect the bay
from incremental pollutions associated with vessel
cleaning and maintenance activities that may prevent
Resurrection Bay from fully recovering from the spill.
Once complete, the City of Seward will operate and
maintain the facility.
RN 45482
Deferred Maintenance, Renewal, Repair and Equipment
$1,400,000
This is an appropriation for the department's deferred
maintenance program and the details are described in
the allocations.
10:10:03 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman wondered if there were any general funds
appropriated for releasing additional salmon into dying
streams. Mr. Brooks replied that the departments top
priority request was for $1.8 million for the Kenai River.
Co-Chair Hoffman argued that the funds were for an
assessment of the river and not to replenish. He urged the
department to be more proactive in adding additional salmon
to Alaska's rivers.
Senator Olson added that not enough was being done to avoid
the depletion of the fish population in Alaska's rivers.
He opined that the department had not presented a
definitive way to create a program that would ensure future
escapement stocks for sport fishing and subsistence.
Mr. Brooks replied that the issue should be discussed
further.
10:13:21 AM
Mr. Regnart added that the department was very aware of the
issue. He stated that there were on-going projects that
would hopefully result in new ways to approach fish
population management. He assured the committee that the
department was doing everything in its power to comply with
the constitutional mandate to assure that fish were
returning to Alaska's rivers. He said that department
members would be discussing the issue in Bethel over the
next few days.
Senator Olson stated that there was only a small portion of
the departments capital requests that was going towards
increasing the salmon runs for the future. He asked if he
could expect to see the development of more proactive
programs in the future.
Mr. Regnart replied that the concerns of the committee
would be taken into consideration during further department
discussion concerning new work.
Senator Olson stated that he looked forward to the new
programs.
Senator Thomas echoed the concerns. He pointed attention to
Page 23, RN 41451. He wondered if any of the funding for
the request would be available for airboat maintenance and
refurbishing in the Interior River System.
Mr. Brooks responded in the affirmative.
10:16:39 AM
Senator McGuire stated that the department should be more
focused on initiatives. She believed that the salmon stocks
were more important than deferred maintenance of buildings.
She spoke of her work with the Moose Federation and
wondered if the department supported the federation's
initiatives.
Mr. Brooks replied that the department had been working
with the Moose Federation to help quell the instances of
moose on the highways. He furthered that efforts for
wildlife conservation could be found in the department's
operating requests.
Senator McGuire stated that it would be helpful if the
department would present future initiative plans. She
wondered if the department could benefit from more
legislative guidance.
10:19:49 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman believed that the focus of the department
should not be studies and tools for assessment, but rather
it should become more proactive in getting more game and
fish to all Alaskans.
10:21:31 AM
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
JOSEPH SCHMIDT, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS,
presented the department's capital requests:
RN 47567
Goose Creek Correctional Center Start-Up Furniture and
Equipment
$5,000,000
Construction of Goose Creek Correctional Center (GCCC)
is complete and housing of offenders is scheduled to
begin in calendar year 2012. The requested funding is
needed to support the costs associated with the one-
time start-up items and the initial Furniture,
Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) needed to meet the
operational needs of the new facility.
RN 46995
Information Technology MIS/Disaster Recovery Equipment
& Novell Replacement Project
$250,000
Design and establish a reliable recovery plan,
infrastructure, equipment, and networking system for
the Department of Corrections. This project assists in
providing secure confinement, and keeping the
community safe from offenders placed in the
department's custody.
RN 45637
Annual Facilities Maintenance and Repairs
$1,000,000
This project will provide funding for essential
renewal, replacement, renovation, remodeling and
repair of electrical, mechanical, roofing, walls, fire
and life safety, security, structural, food service,
pavement and site drainage systems ay all correctional
facilities. This work is required to enable continued
safe, secure and efficient operation of the 24-hour
incarceration facilities. This project assists in
providing secure confinement and keeping the community
safe from offenders placed in the department's
custody.
RN 49376
Deferred Maintenance, Renewal, Repair and Equipment
$5,000,000
This project will provide deferred maintenance funding
for 117 state-owned buildings. Areas of maintenance
this project will address include but are not limited
to electrical, mechanical, roofing, walls, safety,
security, structural, pavement and site drainage
systems. This work is required to enable continued
safe, secure and efficient operation of the 24-hour
incarceration facilities.
10:22:48 AM
Senator McGuire felt that $5 million was an excessive
amount of money for furniture at GCCC. She wondered if
furniture could be pulled from state surplus and reused to
furnish the facility.
LESLIE HOUSTON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, said that the
department had explored the idea of using surplus furniture
in administrative offices. She shared that inmate furniture
was a durable and specialized line of furniture that would
not be found in state surplus.
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that there was no funding request
that spoke to the issues faced by the correctional facility
in the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Region (AYK). He assumed that
the space issues that burdened the facility had been
corrected.
Commissioner Schmidt replied that the space issues at the
facility had not been solved. He said that money had been
moved in the budget from maintenance projects to try to
keep up with the AYK gym renovations, and that the work
would not require new construction.
10:24:40 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman stated that the gym was being used for
beds for inmates and people were rotating three times a day
for meals. He wondered what the department's plans were for
dealing with the problem of overcrowding at the facility.
He asked if the department was waiting for a lawsuit to
motivate improvements.
Commissioner Schmidt responded that the department did not
hope for a lawsuit, although sometimes lawsuits did occur.
He hoped that the department could get ahead of the
problem. He recognized that the department had been focused
on GCCC, which had detracted from attention to the facility
in Bethel.
10:25:37 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked what the department's timeframe was
for addressing the problem. He reminded the commissioner of
their joint tour of the facility, which had revealed that
the facility was overcrowded and that working conditions
were deplorable.
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that the facility had been number
one on the list of facilities to be addressed for over a
decade. He felt that the department was ignoring the
problem.
Commissioner Schmidt replied that the department had been
working on the issue. He said he could not to promise a new
building for Bethel would be a capital request in FY14. He
relayed that the department felt the most pressure from the
Bethel facility, and when the next expansion was discussed
the Bethel facility would be at the top of the list.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if the department had any plans to
address the critical needs of any facilities outside of the
Railbelt.
Commissioner Schmidt replied that he could not commit to a
date or timeframe for the improvements.
10:27:35 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman probed whether the problem in Bethel was
getting better or worse. Commissioner Schmidt replied that
it was certainly not getting any better.
Senator Thomas was curious about the $20,000,000 total that
would fund the furnishing of GCCC.
10:29:26 AM
Ms. Houston said that the plumbing and inmates bunks were
already in place. She explained that the $20 million
allocation would be used for: copiers, office supplies,
information technology between computer to work stations,
software licenses, printers, servers, two-way hand held
radios, base stations, dispatch consoles, antenna systems,
hand guns, shot guns, pepper balls, ammunition, riot
equipment, body armor, tasers, training protection suits,
restraints, busses vans, groceries, serving and cleaning
supplies for inmates, inmate clothing, bedding, laundry
equipment, janitorial equipment, information technology
systems required for inmate education, books, supplies,
vocational equipment and supplies, dental supplies, medical
supplies, mental health materials, facility maintenance
equipment, snow removal and shop equipment and supplies.
10:31:02 AM
Senator McGuire stated that another emergency expansion was
needed at Bethel. She assumed that another year would not
go by without any action taken by the department. She noted
that litigation against the state was a realistic
possibility given the circumstances at the facility. He
thought that the same energy that the department was
putting into GCCC could be extended to the Bethel facility.
Commissioner Schmidt replied that the population had
stabilized in Bethel, but further discussion would be
needed if the numbers continued to increase.
Senator Olson expressed a concern that there was no request
for the jail in Kotzebue. He noted that OMB had testified
to spending over $100 thousand in prisoner transport. He
requested an update on the conditions in Kotzebue.
Commissioner Schmidt replied that the department had been
working with the community of Kotzebue on the issue. He
shared that a brief closure of the jail in Kotzebue had
cost the department $106 thousand in prisoner
transportation expenses. He said that the department would
continue to work with Kotzebue on the problem.
10:34:16 AM
Senator Olson asked if he could tell the people of Kotzebue
that improvements were imminent. Commissioner Schmidt
replied that "imminent" was not the term he would use, but
that the solution was not that far away.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 104(RLS)
"An Act renaming the Alaska performance scholarship
and relating to the scholarship and tax credits
applicable to contributions to the scholarship;
relating to AlaskAdvantage education grant funding and
to Alaska performance scholarship funding;
establishing an account and fund for those purposes;
making conforming amendments; and providing for an
effective date."
CSHB 104(RLS) was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 307(FIN)
"An Act making supplemental appropriations, capital
appropriations, and other appropriations; amending
appropriations; repealing appropriations; making
appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for
an effective date."
CSHB 307(FIN) was SCHEDULED but not HEARD.
ADJOURNMENT
10:35:03 AM
The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 AM.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 65 Senate Finance.pdf |
SFIN 3/5/2012 9:00:00 AM |
HB 65 |