Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
04/20/2022 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB180 | |
| SB177 | |
| SB219 | |
| SB227 | |
| SB180 | |
| SB228 | |
| HCR2 | |
| HB54 | |
| Alaska Fisheries Presentation | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 180 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 177 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 54 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 219 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 227 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 228 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HCR 2 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 20, 2022
3:34 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Joshua Revak, Chair
Senator Peter Micciche, Vice Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Natasha von Imhof
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Scott Kawasaki
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Geran Tarr
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 180
"An Act relating to commercial passenger vessel environmental
compliance; relating to commercial passenger vessel fees;
establishing the wastewater infrastructure grant fund; repealing
the authority for citizens' suits relating to commercial
passenger vessel environmental compliance; repealing the
commercial passenger vessel recognition program; and providing
for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 180(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 177
"An Act relating to microreactors."
- MOVED CSSB 177(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 219
"An Act providing for the transfer of and addition of names to a
personal use cabin permit for a cabin on state land; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 219 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 227
"An Act relating to state ownership of submerged land within and
adjacent to federal areas; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 228
"An Act requiring the designation of outstanding national
resource water to occur only by statute; relating to the
management of outstanding national resource water by the
Department of Environmental Conservation; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED SB 228 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2
Supporting the Alaska Ocean Cluster in its mission, efforts, and
vision for a vibrant coastal economy in the state, its promotion
of a diversified and resilient state economy that creates value
from ocean resources, and its building of a statewide integrated
ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship relating to the
state's ocean economy.
- MOVED HCR 2 OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 54(FIN)
"An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council in the
Department of Fish and Game; relating to management of invasive
species; relating to invasive species management decals; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SCS CSHB 54(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 180
SHORT TITLE: PASSENGER VESSEL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/04/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/04/22 (S) RES, FIN
02/14/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/14/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/14/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
03/18/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/18/22 (S) Heard & Held
03/18/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/13/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/13/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/18/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/18/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/20/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 177
SHORT TITLE: MICROREACTORS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/01/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/01/22 (S) CRA, RES
02/15/22 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/15/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/15/22 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
02/17/22 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/17/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/17/22 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/08/22 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/08/22 (S) Moved SB 177 Out of Committee
03/08/22 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
03/09/22 (S) CRA RPT 1DP 3NR
03/09/22 (S) DP: HUGHES
03/09/22 (S) NR: GRAY-JACKSON, MYERS, WILSON
03/21/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/21/22 (S) Heard & Held
03/21/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/06/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/06/22 (S) <Bill Hearing Rescheduled to 4/8/22>
04/08/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/08/22 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/11/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/11/22 (S) Heard & Held
04/11/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/20/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 219
SHORT TITLE: TRANSFER PERSONAL USE CABIN PERMITS
SPONSOR(s): MICCICHE
02/22/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/22/22 (S) RES
03/14/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/14/22 (S) Heard & Held
03/14/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/13/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/13/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/18/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/18/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/20/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 227
SHORT TITLE: STATE OWNERSHIP OF SUBMERGED LAND
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
03/11/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/11/22 (S) RES
04/08/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/08/22 (S) Heard & Held
04/08/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/15/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/15/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/18/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/18/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/20/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 228
SHORT TITLE: OUTSTANDING NAT'L RESOURCE WATER
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
03/11/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/11/22 (S) RES
04/06/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/06/22 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/08/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/08/22 (S) Heard & Held
04/08/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/15/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/15/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/20/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HCR 2
SHORT TITLE: SUPPORTING ALASKA OCEAN CLUSTER
SPONSOR(s): STUTES
02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/21 (H) FSH, RES
04/08/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
04/08/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/08/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
04/13/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
04/13/21 (H) Moved HCR 2 Out of Committee
04/13/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
04/14/21 (H) FSH RPT 4DP 2NR
04/14/21 (H) DP: STORY, KREISS-TOMKINS, ORTIZ, TARR
04/14/21 (H) NR: MCCABE, VANCE
05/03/21 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
05/03/21 (H) Heard & Held
05/03/21 (H) MINUTE(RES)
05/05/21 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
05/05/21 (H) Moved HCR 2 Out of Committee
05/05/21 (H) MINUTE(RES)
05/06/21 (H) RES RPT 3DP 5NR
05/06/21 (H) DP: FIELDS, HANNAN, SCHRAGE
05/06/21 (H) NR: MCKAY, CRONK, RAUSCHER, GILLHAM,
PATKOTAK
02/11/22 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
02/11/22 (H) VERSION: HCR 2
02/15/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/15/22 (S) RES
02/21/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/21/22 (S) Heard & Held
02/21/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/15/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/15/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/20/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HB 54
SHORT TITLE: INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
SPONSOR(s): FISHERIES
02/18/21 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/15/21
02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/21 (H) RES, FSH
02/24/21 (H) RES REFERRAL MOVED TO AFTER FSH
02/24/21 (H) BILL REPRINTED
03/11/21 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/11/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/11/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/12/21 (H) BILL REPRINTED
03/18/21 (H) FSH AT 11:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/18/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/18/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/25/21 (H) FSH AT 10:30 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/25/21 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/30/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/30/21 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/01/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
04/01/21 (H) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
04/06/21 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
04/06/21 (H) Moved CSHB 54(FSH) Out of Committee
04/06/21 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
04/07/21 (H) FSH RPT CS(FSH) 7DP
04/07/21 (H) DP: KREISS-TOMKINS, ORTIZ, MCCABE,
VANCE, STORY, STUTES, TARR
04/16/21 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/16/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/16/21 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/21/21 (H) RES AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/21/21 (H) Moved CSHB 54(FSH) Out of Committee
04/21/21 (H) MINUTE(RES)
04/22/21 (H) RES RPT CS(FSH) 3DP 3DNP 3NR
04/22/21 (H) DP: SCHRAGE, HANNAN, FIELDS
04/22/21 (H) DNP: GILLHAM, RAUSCHER, CRONK
04/22/21 (H) NR: MCKAY, HOPKINS, PATKOTAK
04/22/21 (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER RES
04/22/21 (H) BILL REPRINTED
05/11/21 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
05/11/21 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/18/21 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
05/18/21 (H) Heard & Held
05/18/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
02/02/22 (H) FIN AT 9:00 AM ADAMS 519
02/02/22 (H) Moved CSHB 54(FIN) Out of Committee
02/02/22 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
02/04/22 (H) FIN RPT CS(FIN) 4DP 3NR
02/04/22 (H) DP: ORTIZ, JOSEPHSON, WOOL, FOSTER
02/04/22 (H) NR: EDGMON, THOMPSON, MERRICK
02/17/22 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
02/17/22 (H) VERSION: CSHB 54(FIN)
02/22/22 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/22/22 (S) RES, FIN
03/11/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/11/22 (S) Heard & Held
03/11/22 (S) MINUTE(RES)
04/13/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/13/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/18/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/18/22 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/20/22 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
RANDY BATES, Director
Division of Water
Department of Environmental Conservation
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about the Ocean Ranger
Program during the discussion of SB 180.
CHRISTINA CARPENTER, Director
Division of Environmental Health
Department of Environmental Conservation
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 177.
BEN MULLIGAN, Deputy Commissioner
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 227.
JIM WALKER, Public Access Assertion and Defense Section Chief
Division of Mining, Land and Water
Department of Natural Resources
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 227.
TIM LAMKIN, Staff
Senator Gary Stevens
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Reviewed the Explanation of Changes, from
Version N to Version D of HB 54.
MIKE WOOD, Chair
Mat-Su Fish and Wildlife Commission
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Chase, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a PowerPoint on Alaska
Fisheries on the Mat-Su Fish & Wildlife Commission.
PETE PROBASCO, Member
Mat-Su Fish and Wildlife Commission
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented a PowerPoint on Alaska
Fisheries on the Mat-Su Fish & Wildlife Commission.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:34:59 PM
CHAIR JOSHUA REVAK called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:34 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Kiehl, Stevens, Micciche, von Imhof,
Kawasaki, and Chair Revak. Senator Bishop arrived as the meeting
was in progress.
SB 180-PASSENGER VESSEL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
3:36:51 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 180
"An Act relating to commercial passenger vessel environmental
compliance; relating to commercial passenger vessel fees;
establishing the wastewater infrastructure grant fund; repealing
the authority for citizens' suits relating to commercial
passenger vessel environmental compliance; repealing the
commercial passenger vessel recognition program; and providing
for an effective date."
[SB 180 was previously heard on 2/14/22 and 3/18/22.]
3:37:02 PM
CHAIR REVAK solicited a motion to adopt an amendment.
3:37:27 PM
At ease
3:38:36 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and solicited a motion.
3:38:47 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 32-
GS2493\A.3.
32-GS2493\A.3
Radford
3/23/22
AMENDENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR KIEHL
TO: SB 180
Page 6, line 13:
Delete "and"
Page 6, line 15, following "passengers":
Insert "; and
(4) help port communities adapt to
increased demand for seasonal wastewater
treatment resulting from wastewater
produced by commercial passenger vessels
and passengers"
3:38:56 PM
CHAIR REVAK objected for discussion purposes.
3:39:02 PM
SENATOR KIEHL explained that Amendment 1 would add a fourth
criterion for weighting grant applications for municipality
wastewater improvements. This would include consideration of
seasonal needs as a result of impacts to communities from cruise
ships. The bill currently contains requirements related to
public health, water quality, and environmental impact, but the
expense of a wastewater treatment facility increases
dramatically with volume. The facility's capacity must be built
for the peak number of toilets flushed. A treatment facility's
wastewater processing capacity is a significant factor to
consider for small towns serving cruise ships.
3:40:12 PM
CHAIR REVAK withdrew his objection; he found no further
objection, and Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:40:34 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt Amendment 2, work order 32-
GS2493\A.4.
32-GS2493\A.4
Radford
3/28/22
AMENDMENT 2
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR KIEHL
TO: SB 180
Page 1, line 1, following "compliance;":
Insert "relating to ocean rangers;"
Page 3, following line 29:
Insert new bill sections to read:
"* Sec. 9. AS 46.03.476(a) is amended to read:
(a) An owner or operator of a large
commercial passenger vessel entering the marine
waters of the state is required to allow [HAVE]
an ocean ranger hired or retained by the
department on board the vessel to act as an
independent observer for the purpose of
monitoring state and federal requirements
pertaining to marine discharge and pollution
requirements and to ensure [INSURE] that
passengers, crew, and residents at ports are
protected from improper sanitation, health, and
safety practices.
* Sec. 10. AS 46.03.476 is amended by adding a new
subsection to read:
(e) The department shall ensure an ocean
ranger is present on not less than 20 percent of
large commercial passenger vessel voyages in the
marine waters of the state."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 7, line 5:
Delete "46.03.490(7),"
Page 7, line 7:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 7, lines 15 - 17:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 7, line 18:
Delete "Sections 18, 20, and 21 of this Act take"
Insert "Section 21 of this Act takes"
Page 7, line 20:
Delete "secs. 21 and 22"
Insert "sec. 22
3:40:37 PM
CHAIR REVAK objected for discussion purposes.
3:40:41 PM
SENATOR KIEHL stated that Amendment 2 would scale back the ocean
ranger program instead of repealing it. He related that the
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has shore-
based, occasional ride-along observers that provide periodic
checks. The administration strongly argued that an ocean ranger
is unnecessary on every cruise ship coming to Alaska. However,
deleting the Ocean Ranger Program fails to reflect the strong
public sentiment of Alaskans who support this self-funded
program. He explained that DEC would contract to have an ocean
ranger on board 1 in 5 cruise ships sailing in Alaska waters.
3:42:02 PM
SENATOR VON IMHOF asked whether this amendment would change the
fiscal note on the bill.
SENATOR KIEHL offered his belief that Amendment 2 would reduce
the savings because it would not eliminate the Ocean Ranger
Program. He said this program should be able to operate more
cheaply and efficiently than the old program.
3:42:34 PM
CHAIR REVAK maintained his objection.
3:42:39 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that he does not support Amendment 2. He
said he believes in the spirit of the bill, which should deliver
dramatic improvements to commercial passenger vessel performance
regarding water quality. He said he supports other provisions in
the bill that were partially funded by eliminating the Ocean
Ranger Program. He acknowledged that the compliance program
worked and has public support, but the program in SB 180 has the
potential to deliver more enhanced performance.
3:43:37 PM
SENATOR STEVENS commented that the Ocean Ranger Program was
quite successful. He said he views Amendment 2 as a step in the
right direction because it does not eliminate the program
entirely. He spoke in favor of Amendment 2 to have 1 in 5 cruise
ships manned, noting that if it worked out well, the program
could be phased out entirely.
3:44:10 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI stated that he has an amendment that is similar
to Amendment 2, which would have 1 in 4 cruise ships manned. He
agreed that the Ocean Ranger Program was successful. He
indicated that the department did not provide sufficient
justification to completely eliminate the program. He suggested
that the department could transition into a different system
providing other compliance checks and operational verification
to ensure that cruise vessels are performing the necessary
compliance in state waters. However, he said he did not believe
the program should be eliminated and that he views Amendment 2
as a compromise. He offered his support for Amendment 2.
3:45:08 PM
SENATOR VON IMHOF asked Senator Micciche the reasons ocean
rangers are unnecessary and how the compliance requirements in
SB 180 would be sufficient.
SENATOR MICCICHE deferred to DEC to respond. He said was unsure
whether members understood that DEC's Ocean Ranger Program is
not currently operating. He noted that the program was not
significantly related to water quality compliance.
3:45:51 PM
At ease
3:46:14 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
3:46:19 PM
RANDY BATES, Director, Division of Water, Department of
Environmental Conservation, Juneau, Alaska, responded that
Senator Micciche addressed the value of the Ocean Ranger
Program. The program was established in 2006 and served an
important purpose. He explained that ocean rangers observed
activities on the passenger vessels and provided a written
report for DEC. DEC staff would review and evaluate their
observations, but often their observations fell outside DEC's
authority, which is wastewater discharge. Ocean rangers had a
broad checklist of activities, such as observing vessel
cleanliness and reviewing logs. This resulted in DEC evaluating
how it manages its authorities regarding cruise ships and all
industries with wastewater discharges. DEC considered whether
its Ocean Ranger Program provide the department knowledge about
vessel operations. He related that the department believes that
SB 180 appropriately addresses wastewater discharges. The ocean
rangers served a purpose when the program was initiated. He said
the ocean rangers are not inspectors and do not carry badges.
3:48:08 PM
MR. BATES stated that the department does not currently see the
value of the ocean rangers as observational individuals on
cruise vessels. Instead, DEC finds that its inspection protocols
conducted on 100 percent of all vessels early in the cruise ship
season, following up with scheduled and unscheduled inspections,
as necessary. Further, DEC would have ride alongs from port to
port for vessels discharging in state waters. This means DEC
will have someone on board to observe how the discharges occur.
MR. BATES explained that DEC has inspection authority throughout
the vessel, which ocean rangers did not have. He summarized by
stating that ocean rangers provided an important service at the
time, that the department has evaluated their effectiveness and
cost, and developed a viable plan going forward that ensures
that the environment and human health are protected.
3:49:32 PM
SENATOR VON IMHOF asked him to confirm that DEC would
essentially be taking over the Ocean Ranger Program by having
sufficient staff to conduct scheduled and unscheduled
inspections and ride-alongs from port to port on vessels
discharging wastewater.
MR. BATES answered that is correct. He reviewed the DEC
compliance and inspection staff, noting that DEC has one marine
engineer currently and plans to recruit a second one. DEC has
three full-time, dedicated inspection staff and two part-time
positions. He highlighted that DEC has built and bolstered its
program to monitor large and small vessels. He noted that the
ocean rangers never monitored small vessels.
3:50:40 PM
MR. BATES noted that 41 large and 18 small vessels transporting
1.5 million passengers plan to come to Alaska this year. He
stated that DEC looks forward to visiting the cruise ships with
staff that have enforcement authority to inspect vessels,
observe and sample wastewater discharge, and examine their logs
to ensure that everything is operational and adheres to the
engineering plans. He highlighted that DEC is trained to do so.
3:51:15 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked when the ocean rangers last operated.
MR. BATES answered that the last time the ocean rangers operated
was in 2019. The Ocean Ranger Program contract expired in 2020,
and DEC did not renew it. He reported that Alaska did not have a
cruise season in 2020. DEC did not contract out in 2021 because
Alaska had a limited season, and DEC's staff could conduct
onboard inspections for all of the vessels.
3:52:14 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE commented that he supports the bill because it
would use the funding for the ocean ranger program to address
water quality more effectively. He highlighted that the water
quality has been exemplary, which is why the state repealed the
zero-mixing zone citizen initiative a few years ago.
SENATOR MICCICHE offered his belief that the bill provides an
opportunity to create a program to help Southeast Alaska
waivered communities, which could significantly impact water
quality. He indicated he would like to see forward motion,
moving away from waivered communities in the future. He offered
his view that the Ocean Ranger Program was a great program that
proved that the state's other programs were working. This bill
will allow DEC to address water quality issues. He said he would
not support Amendment 2.
3:53:36 PM
SENATOR KIEHL stated that he would not get into why the state
does not have a program since the funding is available. He said
this program is ready for an update. The committee acknowledged
the excellent work DEC has done to improve water quality. He
agreed that the ocean rangers did more than observe water
quality. He recapped that a citizen's initiative gave the
program a broader mandate. He said he agrees that the state does
not need to monitor every single vessel, that the state should
use some of the program's funds to do some things better as Mr.
Bates described, and that the bill provides new provisions. He
argued that these changes could occur without entirely repealing
the program. Amendment 2 would continue to reform the Ocean
Ranger Program but not end it altogether.
3:55:24 PM
CHAIR REVAK maintained his objection.
3:55:33 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Senators Stevens, Kiehl, and
Kawasaki voted in favor of Amendment 2, and Senators Micciche,
von Imhof, and Revak voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 2
failed on a 3:3 vote.
CHAIR REVAK stated that on a vote of 3 yeas and 3 nays,
Amendment 2 failed.
3:56:16 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI stated that two amendments he intended to offer
[work order 32-GS2493\A.1 and 32-GS2493\A.2] would increase the
ocean ranger presence, so he would not be offering them.
3:56:39 PM
CHAIR REVAK solicited a motion.
3:56:43 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report SB 180, work order 32-GS2493\A,
as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:56:55 PM
SENATOR KIEHL objected.
3:57:14 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Senators von Imhof, Micciche, and
Revak voted in favor of reporting SB 180 as amended from
committee, and Senators Stevens, Kiehl, and Kawasaki voted
against it. Therefore, the motion to report SB 180 as amended
from committee failed by a 3:3 vote.
3:57:45 PM
CHAIR REVAK stated that on a vote of 3 yeas and 3 nays, SB 180
failed to be reported from committee.
SB 177-MICROREACTORS
3:57:58 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 177
"An Act relating to microreactors."
[SB 177 was previously heard on 3/21/2022, 4/6/2022, and
4/11/2022.]
3:58:16 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 32-
GS2503\A.1.
32-GS2503\A.1
Radford
4/5/22
AMENDMENT 1
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR KIEHL
TO: SB 177
Page 1, line 1, following "Act":
Insert "relating to nuclear facility siting
permits; and"
Page 1, following line 2:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Section 1. AS 18.45.025(c) is amended to read:
(c) The Department of Environmental
Conservation shall adopt regulations governing
the issuance of permits required by (a) of this
section. However, a permit may not be issued
until the municipality with jurisdiction over the
proposed facility site has approved the permit
or, if the proposed facility site is located in
an unorganized borough, until the legislature has
approved the permit."
Page 1, line 3:
Delete "Section 1"
Insert "Sec. 2"
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
3:58:21 PM
CHAIR REVAK objected for purposes of discussion.
3:58:24 PM
SENATOR KIEHL explained that Amendment 1 addresses a concern
discussed at the last hearing on SB 177. If a microreactor is
proposed outside of a municipality, Amendment 1 will clarify
that the legislature must approve site decisions in an
unorganized borough. It would maintain that the legislature does
not decide on microreactor sites that fall within a
municipality.
3:59:01 PM
CHAIR REVAK withdrew his objection.
3:59:13 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if the department had an opinion on
Amendment 1. He related his understanding that no other energy
facility has a "trump card" from a municipality regarding
permitting capacity. He wondered what impact this might have.
3:59:47 PM
At ease
4:00:34 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and asked Senator Micciche to
restate the question for the Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC).
4:00:38 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that he knows of no other cases where a
community has a "trump card" on a facility or facility siting.
He asked what effect Amendment 1 would have on any future
facility located at a mine that may be near a municipality or
for a private entity that is attempting to provide power but is
located near a municipality. He noted it would become very
dependent on who was currently serving on the city council.
4:01:36 PM
CHRISTINA CARPENTER, Director, Division of Environmental Health,
Department of Environmental Conservation, Anchorage, Alaska,
asked for clarification that his question relates to the
requirement for municipal approval for the siting of a
microreactor.
SENATOR MICCICHE answered that is correct.
MS. CARPENTER related that the statutes were developed in the
1980s and require local approval and legislative approval for
any siting of a microreactor. She indicated that she could not
speak to the legislative intent when the legislature adopted the
statutes.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked whether the department supports Amendment
1 since it would continue to use that approval process.
MS. CARPENTER responded that SB 177 would remove the requirement
for legislative approval for siting a microreactor unless the
site is in an unorganized borough. The Alaska Constitution
already refers back to the legislature in an unorganized
borough, so the administration doesn't believe that Amendment 1
is necessary but does not oppose it.
4:04:10 PM
At ease
4:04:42 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
CHAIR REVAK withdrew his objection to Amendment 1; he heard no
further objection, and Amendment 1 was adopted.
4:05:12 PM
SENATOR KIEHL moved to adopt Amendment 2, work order
32GS2503\A.7.
32-GS2503\A.7
Radford
4/14/22
AMENDMENT 2
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR KIEHL
Page 1, line 7:
Delete "a new subsection"
Insert "new subsections"
Page 1, following line 9:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(c) If the Department of Environmental
Conservation receives notice that a person has
submitted a Nuclear Regulatory Commission license
application for a microreactor located in the
state, the Department of Environmental
Conservation shall coordinate and submit comments
from departments or agencies under (a) of this
section on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
licensing process specific to the microreactor."
4:05:16 PM
CHAIR REVAK objected for discussion purposes.
4:05:20 PM
SENATOR KIEHL stated that he had worked with the department on
several iterations to ensure that the language was functional.
He stated that the existing statutes provide a long list of
departments that must study aspects relevant to their department
for any nuclear proposal. SB 177 exempts microreactors.
Amendment 2 provides that when the state becomes aware of a
nuclear microreactor application submitted to the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC), DEC would be the lead department
and coordinate with other departments to comment on the
application. This would ensure that the State of Alaska is
involved in the federal process and that Alaskans' interests are
represented.
4:06:28 PM
CHAIR REVAK removed his objection; he heard no further
objection, and Amendment 2 was adopted.
CHAIR REVAK discerned there were no further amendments and
solicited a motion.
4:06:54 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report SB 177, work order 32-GS2503\A,
as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
CHAIR REVAK heard no objection, and CSSB 177(RES) was reported
from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.
4:07:23 PM
At ease
SB 219-TRANSFER PERSONAL USE CABIN PERMITS
4:09:27 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 219 "An Act providing for the
transfer of and addition of names to a personal use cabin permit
for a cabin on state land; and providing for an effective date."
[SB 219 was previously heard on 3/14/2022.]
4:09:49 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that the personal use cabin permits on
state land had experienced issues. He recalled that bills were
introduced in previous legislatures designed to clean up the
permitting process. He said that the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) needs to find solutions. He highlighted that SB
219 was designed to allow families that have leased personal use
cabin sites from the state, sometimes for many generations, to
retain ownership. This can occur in two ways to enable DNR and
the legislature to find long-term solutions. He stated that he
had not heard any opposition from DNR.
4:10:43 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that Section 1 of SB 219 would allow any
living, personal use cabin permit holder a one-time only
transfer to add a name of an immediate family member to their
permit. This would allow the department time to find long-term
solutions to the issues. The permit would be valid for the
lifetime of the immediate family member. The second change
relates to a personal use permit holder who has died. In that
instance, the family can submit the name of an immediate family
member. Still, the permit term cannot extend beyond the average
life expectancy of the deceased person's longevity. This would
benefit the permit holder for a period equal to the difference
between the original permit holder's age at death and the life
expectancy as determined by statute.
4:11:39 PM
SENATOR BISHOP joined the meeting.
4:11:54 PM
CHAIR REVAK solicited the will of the committee.
4:11:54 PM
SENATOR STEVENS moved to report SB 219, work order 32-LS1224\I,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
CHAIR REVAK found no objection, and SB 219 was reported from the
Senate Resources Standing Committee.
4:12:21 PM
At ease
SB 227-STATE OWNERSHIP OF SUBMERGED LAND
4:15:21 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 227 "An Act relating to state
ownership of submerged land within and adjacent to federal
areas; and providing for an effective date."
[SB 227 was previously heard on 4/8/2022.]
CHAIR REVAK solicited a motion to adopt the committee
substitute.
4:15:43 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to adopt the committee substitute (CS)
for SB 227, work order 32-GS2561\B, as the working document.
4:15:56 PM
CHAIR REVAK objected for discussion purposes.
4:16:20 PM
BEN MULLIGAN, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and
Game, Juneau, Alaska, stated that the department spoke to Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) experts who
suggested several changes. He referred to subsection (j) on page
4, line 9 of Version B, which read:
(j) For purposes of (b) and (c) of this section, the
commissioner shall make a determination of
navigability based on evidence consistent with the
meaning given to "navigable water" in (g) of this
section, and after considering factors that include
4:17:08 PM
MR. MULLIGAN pointed out that the ANILCA experts interpreted the
language in Version A as too constraining and that the
department could only consider what was listed below for
criteria to determine navigability. He said the department
suggested adding the language "that include" to provide
flexibility in future situations when determining navigability.
Still, if it did not meet the criteria listed, the navigable
water could be brought forward and not constrain the department.
4:17:52 PM
MR. MULLIGAN referred to page 4, line 12 to the second change,
which read:
(1) a showing that a river is boatable at any time
during the open-water season ....
MR. MULLIGAN stated that the original version of SB 227, Version
A, read:
(1) a showing that a river is boatable at least one-
third of the open water season ...
MR. MULLIGAN explained that this change was made to avoid
restricting the department when determining navigable waters and
asserting the state's rights on navigability.
4:18:41 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI referred to the definition of navigability. He
asked if boatable was a term of art. He further asked if there
was a stronger definition of navigability in current statute or
used by federal agencies.
4:19:10 PM
MR. MULLIGAN deferred to the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR).
4:19:44 PM
JIM WALKER, Public Access Assertion and Defense Section Chief,
Division of Mining, Land and Water, Department of Natural
Resources, Anchorage, Alaska, explained that the definition of
navigability is largely found within case law for determining
what it means for a particular river to be deemed navigable for
title or ownership purposes. As discussed in the previous
hearing, navigability can mean different things depending on the
context. He indicated that the term "boatability" refers to the
ability to boat with the requisite criteria on a particular
waterway for the period of the open water season. He stated that
boatability is a useful term for better understanding the legal
definition of navigability.
4:21:25 PM
CHAIR REVAK withdrew his objection; he heard no further
objection, and Version B was adopted as the working document.
4:21:44 PM
At ease
4:24:28 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting. He explained that the
committee would like to further review some of the legal issues
on this bill.
4:24:48 PM
CHAIR REVAK held SB 227 in committee.
SB 180-PASSENGER VESSEL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
4:24:50 PM
CHAIR REVAK moved to rescind the previous action taken on SB
180.
[SB 180 failed to move from committee in a roll call vote taken
earlier in the meeting by a vote of 3 yeas and 3 nays.]
4:25:06 PM
CHAIR REVAK asked for a roll call vote.
4:25:10 PM
At ease
4:26:14 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
CHAIR REVAK withdrew his motion to rescind; he heard no
objection, and the motion to rescind was withdrawn.
4:26:20 PM
CHAIR REVAK moved to reconsider the vote reporting SB 180, work
order GS2493\A, as amended from committee.
CHAIR REVAK explained that a yes vote would report the bill from
committee, and a no vote would fail to report the bill from
committee.
4:26:40 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Senators Micciche, Bishop, von
Imhof, and Revak voted to report SB 180 from committee, and
Senators Stevens, Kiehl, and Kawasaki voted against it.
Therefore, CSSB 180(RES) was reported from committee on a 4:3
vote.
CHAIR REVAK announced that on a vote of 4 yeas and 3 nays, CSSB
180(RES) was reported from the Senate Resources Standing
Committee.
4:27:11 PM
At ease
SB 228-OUTSTANDING NAT'L RESOURCE WATER
4:29:30 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 228 "An Act requiring the
designation of outstanding national resource water to occur only
by statute; relating to the management of outstanding national
resource water by the Department of Environmental Conservation;
and providing for an effective date."
[SB 228 was previously heard on 4/8/2022.]
4:29:57 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether the intention was to seek the will
of the committee today.
CHAIR REVAK said that is correct.
SENATOR KIEHL stated that he would not object to reporting the
bill out of committee, but he had some concerns. He said that
bills that authorize the legislature to pass a bill were
probably more about making a statement than changing the
process. He suggested that the method to resolve Tier III water
issues in SB 228 was not the preferred way to establish resource
policy. He characterized it as putting politics into it rather
than taking it out.
4:30:56 PM
CHAIR REVAK solicited the will of the committee.
4:30:58 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report SB 228, work order 32-GS2492\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
4:31:18 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no objection, and SB 228 was reported from the
Senate Resources Standing Committee.
4:31:24 PM
At ease
HCR 2-SUPPORTING ALASKA OCEAN CLUSTER
4:33:47 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 2 Supporting
the Alaska Ocean Cluster in its mission, efforts, and vision for
a vibrant coastal economy in the state, its promotion of a
diversified and resilient state economy that creates value from
ocean resources, and its building of a statewide integrated
ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship relating to the
state's ocean economy.
[HCR 2 was previously heard on 2/21/2022.]
4:33:57 PM
CHAIR REVAK acknowledged the presence of Representative Tarr.
4:34:19 PM
CHAIR REVAK solicited the will of the committee.
4:34:21 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HCR 2, work order 32-LS0496\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
4:34:33 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no objection, and HCR 2 was reported from the
Senate Resources Standing Committee.
Alaska Fisheries Presentation
4:34:56 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the presentation on Alaska Fisheries,
which would focus on Mat-Su fisheries.
4:35:29 PM
At ease
4:37:42 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
CHAIR REVAK rolled the presentation to the bottom of the agenda
in order to take up HB 54.
HB 54-INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
4:37:48 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL
NO. 54(FIN) "An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species
Council in the Department of Fish and Game; relating to
management of invasive species; relating to invasive species
management decals; and providing for an effective date."
[CSHB 54(Fin) was previously heard on 3/11/2022.]
4:37:50 PM
CHAIR REVAK stated that the committee worked with the sponsor to
improve certain aspects of the bill. He then solicited a motion
to adopt the Senate Committee Substitute (SCS).
4:38:06 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to adopt the Senate Committee Substitute
(SCS) for CSHB 54, work order 32-LS0057\D, as the working
document.
4:38:19 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether the motion was to adopt version B or
version D.
SENATOR MICCICHE clarified that the motion was to adopt Version
D. He restated the motion.
4:38:52 PM
CHAIR REVAK objected for discussion purposes.
4:39:13 PM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, reviewed the Explanation of Changes
for Version N to Version D. He stated that Version D is the
result of a request by Senator Stevens to amend CSHB 54(Fin) in
conjunction with an agreement with the sponsor. He stated that
Version D primarily made two substantive changes:
1) Version N, Page 2, lines 5 and 6.
Refer to a fixed $20 dollar fee for decals.
Version D, Page 3, lines 5 and 6.
4:39:51 PM
MR. LAMKIN paraphrased the changes.
Changes the fixed dollar amount to an amount recommend
by the advisory council. It was considered more
flexible and appropriate to put fee setting in
regulation rather than come before the legislature
time and time again to request fixed dollar amount
changes. Especially, since the cost of decals may
increase over time.
2) Version D, Page 4, Lines 13-17.
Legislative representation was added to include two
members of the house of representatives appointed by
the speaker of the house of representatives, including
one member of the minority organizational caucus; and
two member so the senate appointed by the president of
the senate, including one member of the minority
organizational caucus.
MR. LAMKIN stated that the legislative representation is
consistent with the composition of other task forces set up by
the legislature. He stated that this would bring the membership
of the council to 31 members. Since the council would be
substantially represented by private sector members, and because
it is a public policy forum that conceivably would use public
dollars, the governor would appoint one of the four
commissioners as the chair of the council.
4:41:06 PM
MR. LAMKIN referred to page 5, line 4, which read, "A majority
of the council constitutes a quorum." He said this is consistent
with task force language. Finally, on page 5, lines 17-18, "A
vacancy on the council shall be 18 filled in the same manner as
the original appointment." He noted Legislative Legal Services
made conforming amendments.
4:41:30 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked whether Senator Stevens had volunteered
to serve on the Alaska Invasive Species Task Force [Council].
4:41:48 PM
SENATOR STEVENS clarified that the council was comprised of 31
members. He offered his support for Version D.
4:42:12 PM
CHAIR REVAK withdrew his objection; he heard no further
objection, and Version D was adopted as the working document.
CHAIR REVAK solicited the will of the committee.
4:42:39 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report the Senate Committee Substitute
(SCS) for CSHB 54, work order 32-LS0057\D, from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s).
4:43:02 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no objection, and SCS CSHB 54(RES) was
reported from Senate Resources Standing Committee.
^ALASKA FISHERIES PRESENTATION
ALASKA FISHERIES PRESENTATION
4:43:11 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the Alaska Fisheries presentation.
4:43:36 PM
MIKE WOOD, Chair, Mat-Su Borough Fish and Wildlife Commission
(MSBFWC), Chase, Alaska, stated that he had served on the
commission for eight years.
4:44:00 PM
PETE PROBASCO, Member, Mat-Su Borough Fish and Wildlife
Commission (MSBFWC), Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Palmer, Alaska,
introduced himself.
MR. WOOD stated that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Fish and
Wildlife Commission (MSBFWC) is strictly an advisory body to the
assembly and the political representatives in the Matanuska-
Susitna Borough (MSB). The MSBFWC is diverse and has a scientist
who works for the Chitlin Tribal Council and three members who
have a career with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. He
said he owns a small setnet business and is a Northern District
setnetter on the Ivan River. The commission uses the science-
based information that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
provides to advise the MSB Assembly on fisheries.
MR. WOOD directed attention to slide 1, which showed a
photograph of the Mat-Su Borough. He said the Yentna River flows
into the Susitna River and the Northern District of Cook Inlet.
4:45:37 PM
MR. PROBASCO reviewed slide 2, Overview.
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Who is the MSB FWC?
• What do we do?
• Our priorities
• Why our work matters
• Moving forward
MR. PROBASCO stated that the MSBFWC's priorities are focused on
fish and wildlife. He offered his view that habitat is the key
to improving any fish and wildlife population.
4:46:02 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 3, What is the MSB FWC?
[Original punctuation provided.]
• Started in 2007
• An 8-member MSB commission advocates for sound
fish and wildlife management on behalf of MSB and
its citizens
• Uses science & citizen input
• Provides local expertise to the MSB Assembly,
citizens, regulators
MR. WOOD expressed concern that the legislature did not pass a
bill to establish recreational rivers and recreation river
corridors. He stated that the MSB FWC supports the recreational
river corridors because it provides a safeguard for habitat on
six recreation rivers. He noted that three of the six rivers
have commercial fishing weirs for sockeye salmon, at Jug Lake,
Larson Lake, and Chelatna Lake.
4:47:12 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 4, What's at stake in our fisheries
work?
[Original punctuation provided.]
• We need better tools in our weirs.
• The Mat-Su has been famous for its King and
Coho Salmon runs?
• Fishing is important to us sustenance for the
soul and the body
• Fishing provides significant economic contribution
to the Mat-Su
MR. WOOD stated that the emphasis has been on enhancing king
salmon returns by preserving fish habitat, which has been
improving in the Mat-Su. He highlighted the need for better
tools such as funding for weirs to understand fish returns.
4:48:02 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 5, Economics of Sportfishing in MSB
[Original punctuation provided.]
• In 2017 direct spending on sport fishing in MSB
totaled over $57 million.
• Though still significant, this level of spending
is down from 2007.
• How do we maintain the robust economic
contributions of fisheries to the local economy
MR. WOOD highlighted the importance of sport fishing in MSB. He
also recognized that many commercial fishermen live in the MSB
and setnet in the Northern district. He related that many
businesses are affected by the fishing industry. He indicated
that direct spending could increase if the king runs were to
improve to the level of the 1980 and early 1990 returns.
4:48:33 PM
MR. PROBASCO emphasized the final bullet point, noting the
importance of maintaining the robust economic contributions of
fisheries to the local economy. He stated that the key is to
focus on healthy fish habitat to improve salmon returns. He
offered his view that the lack of management research programs
could help ensure healthy habitat and adequate escapement.
4:49:08 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 6, The MSB investment in Fisheries: Fish
Passage
• Since 2000, over $20 million invested
• Over 100 fish passage culverts installed
• Restoration of 67 stream miles and 6,224 lake acres
of anadromous fish habitat we walk our talk!
MR. WOOD emphasized the rehabilitation and restoration of
streams and lakes in the Mat-Su. He highlighted the prevention
measures taken to eradicate invasive Elodea and Northern Pike,
culvert work to improve fish habitat, and discouraging
development in critical habitat areas.
4:49:48 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 7, Fisheries Investments: Research &
Management.
• In 2014 the MSB received a $2.5 million state
legislative grant for fisheries work:
• Fish passage culverts installed
• Research gap analysis done
• 13 research and management projects funded
MR. WOOD offered his view that the funding was spent to enhance
science. The commission no longer has this level of funding.
4:50:21 PM
MR. PROBASCO noted that $900,000 of the $2.5 million went for
culvert removal or upgrade, and the remainder was spent on
research management projects. He said the commission worked
closely with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
Some private sector and Native communities funded temperature
and limnological studies to understand the river and lake
systems better.
4:51:06 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 8, Alaska Board of Fisheries/Wildlife
Work. The slide consisted of three maps, the Northern District,
the Susitna River and Kenai River, and the harvest zone.
• We engage in the BOF/BOG meetings to advocate for
science-based management and regulation.
MR. WOOD highlighted the efforts the commission has taken to
understand how fish move through Cook Inlet and the impacts some
policies have had on the Mat-Su. The commission has worked with
ADF&G's commercial and sport fishery divisions to restore the
runs in the Northern District of Cook Inlet. He said this area
includes Anchorage and the Mat-Su. The habitat for commercial
sockeye is not as robust as the Kenai River area, partly due to
the lakes, but the Mat-Su has thriving king salmon and coho
salmon spawning grounds. He emphasized the importance of
ensuring these salmon return to the Northern District. He
highlighted the importance of working with ADF&G biologists and
the Board of Fisheries to better understand fish movement
through Cook Inlet into the Northern District.
4:52:25 PM
MR. WOOD commented that the commission's focus would be on
federal management in the coming year. He stated that the [North
Pacific Fishery Management Council] closed the Exclusive
Economic Zone in Cook Inlet. He was unsure of the impact or what
management strategies would be implemented. He related that the
focus had been on the Kenai River, which has a robust run. The
commission is unsure whether the closure will be beneficial or
hinder fish movement through Cook Inlet. He indicated that the
commission would follow this closely and work with ADF&G to
identify what work should be done better to understand this
shift in Cook Inlet commercial fisheries.
4:53:14 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 9, to 2020 BOF UCI Finfish Meeting: Feb.
7-19, Egan Center.
[Original punctuation provided.]
• We worked collaboratively to advance science-based
proposals that benefit fisheries conservation,
traditions, and the public interest.
4:53:48 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 10 Looking for partners and allies.
• We see common interests
• How can we best conserve our fish/wildlife
resources?
• How can we maintain and pass on our Alaskan fish
and wildlife cultural traditions?
• We feel that finding partners and allies around
common interests will benefit fisheries and
wildlife in the MSB and Alaska, now and in the
future.
MR. WOOD stated that at the last Board of Fisheries meeting, the
commission worked with the Northern District to have an
equitable king salmon catch and release and commercial fishery.
He offered his view that the agreement seems to be working well.
MR. WOOD emphasized the importance of ADF&G data on genetics and
escapement. He expressed that funding for weirs, which impacts
the Mat-Su, should be increased. He highlighted that the Mat-Su
continues to grow. He stressed that ADF&G needs funding to
accomplish fish counts over an extended period.
4:55:18 PM
MR. PROBASCO reviewed slide 11, How can we work together?
• By advocating for sound fisheries/wildlife management,
all can benefit.
• Filling knowledge & management gaps:
• Genetic fish stock analysis in Cook Inlet
• Funding fishing weirs and sonar for better in-season
management
• Applying the successful model of commercial fishing
from Bristol Bay in the complex mixed stock fishery
of Cook Inlet
MR. PROBASCO emphasized the importance of legislative funding to
provide sufficient data to establish sound fisheries and
wildlife management. He stated that the MSBFWC has focused on
better understanding sockeye, coho, and king salmon passage in
Cook Inlet to their natal streams.
MR. PROBASCO related that funding genetic fish stock analysis in
Cook Inlet had helped the commission better understand the fish
movement, but more research and funding are needed. He expressed
concern that reduced funding to ADF&G has adversely impacted
fish weirs. He related that ADF&G must shut down the fish weirs
before the runs are completed. He said that ADF&G must estimate
escapement rather than use actual counts. He emphasized the
importance of ensuring adequate escapement for a healthy system
and its effect on future runs.
MR. PROBASCO advocated establishing management and research
programs within the Mat-Su Valley and Cook Inlet region.
4:56:47 PM
MR. WOOD reviewed slide 12, to A better future together? [The
slide consisted of a photograph of salmon harvested and one
showing fish packaged for the freezer.]
• Let's work together for the benefit of fish,
wildlife, and each other.
MR. WOOD expressed concern that three generations of kids in the
Mat-Su do not know what it is like to catch a king salmon. He
lamented that the attachment to fishing was being lost over
time. He emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate
escapement so people could enjoy catching and eating fish. He
highlighted the enjoyment people could experience the wild
rivers in Alaska.
4:58:05 PM
CHAIR REVAK commented that the salmon in the photograph looked
tasty.
4:58:18 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE encouraged the presenters to reach out to
others in the watershed. He stated that the Northern District
was not the only district facing king salmon issues. He
acknowledged that the Mat-Su and the Kenai Peninsula were
neighbors and partners. He said he hoped that they could work
together as partners to solve problems.
4:58:57 PM
MR. WOOD emphasized that he enjoyed sharing stories about
commercial fishing with the Kenai Peninsula setnet fishermen.
4:59:26 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked if the commission had identified any
culverts that should be replaced.
MR. PROBASCO highlighted that the early construction and
development in the Mat-Su Valley did not meet the needs of
anadromous fish streams. He stated that culverts were
constructed better, but more work was needed in the upper
reaches. He noted that coho salmon could use water bodies that
most people would not think supported salmon. He said culverts
in subdivisions and rural roads often do not adequately provide
fish passage.
5:00:27 PM
MR. WOOD added that he recently drove on the Parks Highway, and
every bridge from Montana Creek to Big Lake was being repaired
due to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding. He
noted that Spur Road in Talkeetna needs extensive repairs.
5:01:06 PM
CHAIR REVAK thanked Mr. Wood and Mr. Probasco for their
perspective on the bill to establish recreational rivers and
recreation river corridors. He stated that the issue that
brought that bill before the committee was access to a dock on
Judd Lake. He explained that some lakes have a shallow
shoreline, and the regulations would not allow residents to
construct a dock that extends far enough for access. He noted
that the easiest solution was to repeal it, but that did not
seem like the right approach.
5:02:55 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Revak adjourned the Senate Resources Standing Committee
meeting at 5:02 p.m.