Legislature(1995 - 1996)
04/11/1996 03:06 PM Senate TRA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE TRANSPORTATION
April 11, 1996
3:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Steve Rieger, Chairman
Senator Robin Taylor, Vice Chair
Senator Lyda Green
Senator Georgianna Lincoln
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Al Adams
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 29
Providing for a contest among the elementary school students of
Alaska to name the new ferry of the Alaska marine highway system.
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 210(STA) am
"An Act relating to issuance of motor vehicle registrations and
titles, and to licenses and permits to operate a motor vehicle."
SENATE BILL NO. 315
"An Act relating to procurement by the Alaska Railroad
Corporation."
SENATE BILL NO. 290
"An Act making capital and other appropriations; and providing for
an effective date."
PREVIOUS SENATE ACTION
HCR 29 - No previous Senate action to record.
HB 210 - See Senate Transportation minutes dated 3/19/96 and
3/28/96.
SB 315 - See Senate Transportation minutes dated 3/28/96.
SB 290 - See Senate Transportation minutes dated 4/9/96.
WITNESS REGISTER
Representative Williams
State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Prime Sponsor of HCR 29.
Juanita Hensley, Chief
Driver Services
Division of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Safety
PO Box 20020
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0020
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on the CS for HB 210.
Henry Springer, Executive Director
Alaska Chapter of the Associated General Contractors
4041 B Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on CSSB 315 (TRA)
Mark Hickey
Alaska Railroad Corporation
PO Box 107500
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Suggested that the $25,000 limitation be
between $25,000 and $100,000.
Nancy Slagle, Director
Budget Review
Office of Management & Budget
Office of the Governor
PO Box 110200
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0804
POSITION STATEMENT: Reviewed SB 290.
Kevin Brooks, Director
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Fish & Game
PO Box 25526
Juneau, Alaska 99811-5526
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions.
Ken Taylor, Deputy Director
Division of Wildlife Conservation
Department of Fish & Game
PO Box 25526
Juneau, Alaska 99802-5526
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions.
Tom Lane, Juneau Facilities Manager
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Health & Social Services
PO Box 110650
Juneau, Alaska 99811-9650
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions.
Arbe Williams, Director
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Labor
PO Box 21149
Juneau, Alaska 99802-1149
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions.
Nico Bus, Acting Director
Division of Support Services
Department of Natural Resources
400 Willoughby Avenue
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1724
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions.
Ken Bischoff, Director
Division of Administrative Services
Department of Public Safety
PO Box 111200
Juneau, Alaska 99811-1200
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions.
Glenda Straube, Director
Child Support Enforcement Division
Department of Revenue
550 W 7th Avenue, Suite 310
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 96-12, SIDE A
HCR 29 STUDENT CONTEST TO NAME NEW FERRY
CHAIRMAN RIEGER called the Senate Transportation meeting to order
at 3:06 p.m. He noted that a quorum was not present. He said that
testimony would be taken on HCR 29 until a quorum arrived.
REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS, Prime Sponsor of HCR 29, read the
following sponsor statement:
HCR 29 was introduced to encourage the participation of elementary
students across the state in naming the new Alaska marine highway
vessel.
Vessels of the Alaska marine highway system are, by law, required
to be named after glaciers in the state. With the introduction of
this resolution I hope to involve the elementary students of Alaska
in this process. This will give teachers in the state a vehicle to
implement lessons about transportation systems in the state,
geography of the state and the legislative process.
The information contained in the resolution outlines the importance
of the Alaska marine highway to the state economy. The christening
of a new vessel illustrates the continuing dedication to the system
by the state. Because the Alaska marine highway impacts the
economy of the entire state, I believe it is important to involve
the entire state in the naming of this new vessel. I encourage you
to support this legislation.
Representative Williams said that the Administration supports
HCR 29. He acknowledged that a Senate bill was transmitted to the
House after HCR 29 was passed.
Number 045
A quorum was established.
SENATOR GREEN asked if this would occur throughout the state.
REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS replied yes. SENATOR GREEN thought it was
a good idea.
SENATOR LINCOLN asked if HCR 29 referred to the same vessel
referred to in the Senate bill. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS replied
yes. Representative Williams explained that Senator Zharoff had a
bill which would name the vessel Koniag. Representative Williams
talked with the Administration. The department requested that
Representative Williams pursue HCR 29. Senator Zharoff was
informed of this.
SENATOR LINCOLN believed that SB 196 naming the vessel Koniag had
already passed the Senate and been transmitted to the House.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER believed that was correct.
REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS said that SB 196 passed after HCR 29 had
been transmitted to the Senate.
Number 101
SENATOR LINCOLN asked Representative Williams if he had any
objection to naming the vessel Koniag. REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS
explained that he filed HCR 29 and later found out about Senator
Zharoff's bill. After talking with the Administration who liked
the resolution better than SB 196, Representative Williams then
asked the department to talk with Senator Zharoff about the
situation. Representative Williams told Senator Zharoff that he
was going to pursue HCR 29.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER inquired as to the pleasure of the committee.
SENATOR GREEN moved that HCR 29 be moved out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal note.
Hearing no objection, it was so ordered.
HB 210 PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSING/TESTING
Number 128
CHAIRMAN RIEGER introduced HB 210 as the next order of business
before the committee. He believed that most of the committee's
concerns had been addressed in the most current commmittee
subsitute. The contract language had been deleted. Senator
Taylor's concern regarding the liability of the state was
addressed. Chairman Rieger pointed out that a different insurance
level was not specified because the Department of Law did not get
back with the committee. Therefore, the insurance level remains at
$1 million.
SENATOR TAYLOR moved that the CS, Ford version J, be adopted in
lieu of the original bill. Hearing no objection, the CS was
adopted.
SENATOR LINCOLN was interested in the recommendation of the
Administration at this point.
JUANITA HENSLEY, Division of Motor Vehicles, stated that the CS
before the committee addresses all the concerns of the department
and the Administration.
SENATOR TAYLOR moved that SCS CSHB 210(TRA) be reported out of
committee with individual recommendations. Hearing no objection,
it was so ordered.
SB 315 ALASKA RAILROAD PROCUREMENT
Number 172
CHAIRMAN RIEGER introduced SB 315 as the next order of business
before the committee. He noted that there was a proposed CS.
SENATOR GREEN moved that the CS, version C, be adopted in lieu of
the original bill. Hearing no objection, the CS was adopted.
HENRY SPRINGER, Executive Director for the Alaska Chapter of the
Associated General Contractors, said that the association did not
have any problem with the $25,000 limitation which is in the
procurement code. He indicated that artificial separation of
projects to keep the total below the $25,000 limitation should not
occur.
MARK HICKEY, Alaska Railroad Corporation, noted that the committee
had been provided with more information regarding the type of
projects the railroad gets involved with. A typical project, runs
from $50,000 to $120,000. The railroad occasionally has large
projects such as the "Bird to Gird" project which was a $1.5
million project. He understood that the bill would ensure a
competitive process. Mr. Hickey suggested that the $25,000 be
raised. Currently, under state law for DOT that limitation is
$100,000. DOT can force account on construction under $100,000.
He believed that a finding was required in order to show that the
department could do the work for less than what it would otherwise
be done.
Number 225
CHAIRMAN RIEGER inquired of Mr. Springer's opinion of raising the
limitation to somewhere between $25,000 and $100,000. HENRY
SPRINGER believed that $25,000 was a fair limitation, however Mr.
Springer acknowledged that the limitation should depend upon the
normal scope of the work. In Mr. Springer's experience with
railroad work with DOT, the work either falls in the lower end or
the higher end. The $100,000 in the procurement code includes
provisions for mobilization and demobilization in remote areas.
The Alaska Railroad is not in remote areas.
SENATOR GREEN asked if there were many contractors available that
could do these types of projects. HENRY SPRINGER said that
expertise is available in the market. In Mr. Springer's
experience, the specifications governed what the contractor could
do and that would be the basis for the bid. Nothing in SB 315
prevents the railroad from bidding on a project like any other
contractor.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if anyone else was present to testify.
Hearing no one, he asked if there were any amendments. Hearing
none, Chairman Rieger inquired as to the pleasure of the committee.
SENATOR LINCOLN asked if there was anyone from DOT to testify.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER said that no one from DOT had signed in. Chairman
Rieger noted that Sam Kito III was present at the last meeting.
SENATOR GREEN moved that CSSB 315(TRA) be moved from committee with
individual recommendations. Hearing no objection, it was so
ordered.
SB 290 APPROPRIATIONS: CAPITAL & OTHERS
Number 274
CHAIRMAN RIEGER introduced SB 290 as the next order of business.
NANCY SLAGLE, Director in the Office of Management & Budget, began
with the Department of Fish and Game on page 12. The first item is
$400,000 for the statewide facilities repair, maintenance and
replacement. She noted that the committee had been provided with
a list of projects. The $400,000 would be used for the higher
priority projects which were considered life, health and safety
critical projects.
SENATOR TAYLOR inquired as to the funding source for the $330,000
for the Clean Vessel Act - Pumpout Station renovation and
construction grants, and the $180,000 for the development of
educational materials and programs avoiding conflicts with bears.
NANCY SLAGLE informed Senator Taylor that of the $180,000, $135,000
is federal receipts and $45,000 is Fish and Game funds.
SENATOR TAYLOR asked if that funding was coming from license
holders, ammunition taxes, etc. KEVIN BROOKS, Department of Fish
and Game, said that Senator Taylor was correct. The split is
75/25, the 75 being federal funds.
SENATOR TAYLOR reiterated his question regarding the Clean Vessel
Act - Pumpout Station. KEVIN BROOKS clarified that the $330,000
was 100 percent federal funds specified for that purpose by the
federal government. SENATOR TAYLOR said that the other $180,000
was Fish and Game funds or federal Fish and Game funds. KEVIN
BROOKS agreed.
SENATOR TAYLOR inquired as to where the $80,000 listed in other
funds for the South Denali development wildlife studies would come
from. KEVIN BROOKS said that $80,000 was evenly split between the
state Fish and Game funds and federal aid dollars. This would
allow studies of wildlife patterns in the area so that the building
of the facility would do the least harm to the area's resources.
Number 340
SENATOR TAYLOR said that those federal funds could not be used for
construction. The Department of Fish and Game is specifically
prohibited from using those funds for construction. KEVIN BROOKS
clarified that any construction of a facility would have to go
through the department's federal aid office for approval. This is
not contemplated with this funding.
SENATOR TAYLOR reiterated that the department was precluded from
using that money for construction, therefore the department is
using $80,000 for the study so that construction could be done.
Senator Taylor said that the department was using the money from
licenses and such to do this under a different project. KEVIN
BROOKS did not know if this area was open to hunting. There is a
representative from the division who could address that issue.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if the $400,000 would be characterized as
money to be spent at the discretion of the agency. KEVIN BROOKS
said that the money would be discretionary. Mr. Brooks noted that
he had provided committee staff with a list of the most critical
projects. Several factors are reviewed in order to establish a
priority. The highest priority being a life safety issue.
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the commercial fisheries vessel and
aircraft repair and maintenance appropriation of $425,000 in
general funds. She discussed specific projects in the detailed
backup. The next appropriation is $300,000 for the replacement and
enhancement of salmon escapement sonar systems. The current system
is no longer in production. The systems are located on the Copper
River, the Kenai, the Kasilof, the Noatak, the Kuskokwim, the
Yukon, etc. She did not believe that there was a list specifying
which pieces of equipment would be replaced.
Number 403
SENATOR LINCOLN inquired as to where the sonars would be replaced.
KEVIN BROOKS pointed out that the river systems are listed in the
detailed backup and the river systems would not change. The
existing sonar would be replaced.
SENATOR LINCOLN asked how much sonar equipment would cost. KEVIN
BROOKS did not have a per item cost. Mr. Brooks said that this is
the second phase of funding for this replacement.
SENATOR LINCOLN requested the detailed backup on this matter. She
pointed out that not having the adequate technology or equipment
for the river systems has long been a concern. This lack of
technology and equipment creates difficulty in decisions regarding
escapement and other fishery related questions. Senator Lincoln
did not believe that $300,000 would go very far. How many more
phases are there? She noted that federal Fish and Wildlife have
equipment that is not being used; could that be utilized?
KEVIN BROOKS said that information could be provided. He added
that in the six year plan, there is a third and final phase for
this project.
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the $160,000 appropriation for South
Denali wildlife studies of which $80,000 is general funds, $40,000
federal receipts and $40,000 from Fish and Game funds. This study
would be for planning and development of a project for the
improvement of visitor facilities and access.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if this study would take place in the state
or the national park.
Number 451
KEN TAYLOR, Deputy Director for the Division of Wildlife
Conservation, said that he had not seen the study plans for the
South Denali expansion. This would not be in the national park,
but may be on state land adjacent to Denali State Park. In
response to Senator Taylor, Ken Taylor said that hunting is allowed
in the state park. The area being discussed is popular for moose
hunting.
NANCY SLAGLE moved on with the statewide recreational boating and
sport fish access projects. Of the $1.7 million appropriation,
$1,275,000 are federal receipts and $425,000 from Fish and Game
funds. She informed the committee that facilities are developed in
order to meet the following objectives: marine boating, fresh
water boating, angler access, remote sites, and some land
acquisition money.
SENATOR TAYLOR asked if that was the full amount from the federal
government dedicated to that purpose. KEVIN BROOKS replied yes.
This is the mandatory 12.5 percent set aside on the tax on the boat
motor fuel portion of the federal taxes. Mr. Brooks said that he
could provide the committee with a list of possible sites. He
explained that this public access project is an annual request.
SENATOR TAYLOR emphasized that these funds are used for this
purpose because the federal government specifically dedicates the
funds for these projects.
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the $110,000 appropriation for the
construction of the Anchorage regional office animal autopsy
laboratory. Of the $110,000, $82,500 are federal receipts and
$25,700 are Fish and Game funds. This appropriation would help
construct a 500 square foot building.
SENATOR GREEN asked if the animal autopsy laboratory was part of a
consolidation plan. KEVIN BROOKS explained that this would be a
small building at the Raspberry Road facility for hunters to off
load their game.
Number 506
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the next project, the Fairbanks Indoor
Shooting Range appropriation of $2 million which is comprised of
$1.5 million in federal receipts and $500,000 in Fish and Game
funds. This would construct a rifle and pistol range classroom and
storage area for hunter education classes in the Fairbanks area.
KEVIN BROOKS specified that this building would be at the same
location as the Fairbanks regional office.
SENATOR TAYLOR realized that the federal funding designates that
the money be spent for this. Senator Taylor asked if any
additional offices would be included in this building. KEVIN
BROOKS clarified that no offices are anticipated. This would only
provide classrooms for teaching hunter education classes.
KEN TAYLOR explained that the appropriation would construct a
shooting facility and a classroom area for hunter education. The
classroom would probably be used for advisory committee meetings in
order to eliminate the current practice of renting space for those
meetings. There are no plans to use this building for office
space, it would not be feasible for use as office space.
NANCY SLAGLE specified that the building would include two meeting
classrooms, a shooting range, storage, lockers, and parking.
Hearing no further questions, Ms. Slagle continued with the clean
vessel pumpout station appropriation of $330,000 in federal
receipts. These funds would be used to provide new and upgraded
sewage pumpouts and dump stations at boating facilities. She said
this would be achieved by making grants to local communities and
private businesses.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER said this would be a discretionary appropriation.
He asked if there was a project list. KEVIN BROOKS said that the
detailed backup lists the communities that have been reviewed up to
this point. Mr. Brooks said that he could check on a proposed
list.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER noted that wherever there is a lump sum allocation,
the committee would like a project list.
KEVIN BROOKS pointed out that there are federal requirements that
must be met. The department encourages the communities to come
forward with land or in kind matches.
SENATOR LINCOLN asked if the shooting range would be open to the
public. KEN TAYLOR explained that the shooting range would be open
to the public by appointment. Groups such as 4H, Boy Scouts, the
Tanana Valley Sportsman Association, and school teams could all use
the facility. The facility could only be used when there is a
certified range master on site.
SENATOR LINCOLN asked if the groups would have to provide their own
instructor or would the state provide the instructor. KEN TAYLOR
said that the state would not provide an instructor on a regular
basis, if at all. Most of the groups who participate in shooting
sports have certified instructors as part of the group. Mr. Taylor
noted that Fairbanks has a Hunter Education Instructor's
Association comprised of volunteers from department staff, Fish &
Wildlife protection, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and some from
the general public. All of these instructors work on a volunteer
basis in order to provide the hunter education course. This is a
voluntary 20 hour course taught to all age groups.
Number 569
SENATOR LINCOLN asked if the University of Alaska had a shooting
range. KEN TAYLOR replied yes. The University of Alaska has the
intercollegiate national championship team. There is interest in
having championships in Alaska which require a 16 point range. The
university's current range is 10 points. Mr. Taylor said that
there is also interest in having a more centrally located range
more appropriate for community use. The university and the Tanana
Valley Sportsman's Association as well as most other groups in the
Fairbanks area support this proposal.
SENATOR TAYLOR inquired as to the amount of federally designated
money for rifle and pistol ranges. KEN TAYLOR was not sure that
any federal funds were specifically designated for rifle and pistol
ranges. A certain amount of money is received through the general
federal aid wildlife restoration component. Another funding
component is the hunter education component. There is no specific
component for shooting ranges.
SENATOR TAYLOR asked where the $2 million went in previous years.
TAPE 96-12, SIDE B
KEN TAYLOR informed the committee that the federal aid wildlife
restoration funds have been increasing over the past several years.
These funds have been increasing faster than the legislature has
permitted their expenditure, therefore, a balance has been building
in the federal aid account. The funds have been sitting in the
bank.
SENATOR TAYLOR inquired as to the balance on that account. KEVIN
BROOKS said that he could provide the committee with a balance on
the Fish & Game funds as well as the unallocated federal fund
balance.
SENATOR TAYLOR commented that many communities across the state
have been requesting rifle and pistol ranges for years.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked how the decision was made to locate the new
rifle range in Fairbanks.
KEN TAYLOR said that the need for more shooting range facilities
across the state has been recognized. He noted that the
legislature appropriated money for shooting ranges about 15 years
ago and the funds were dispersed to many communities. The
Fairbanks area has one of the highest percentages of people
involved in the shooting sport. The Fairbanks community expressed
much interest, more than other communities, last year in
establishing an indoor range. He pointed out that the area is
losing many of its ranges. Mr. Taylor acknowledged Juneau's
interest in moving the shooting range from the school to somewhere
outside of town. That request is part of the FY 99 long term
capital project request.
Number 556
SENATOR TAYLOR expressed interest in an on-going process other than
the fact that a lot of calls were received from Fairbanks. There
should have been $2 million spent in the previous years. The
legislature should be informed of the percentage of federal funds
being generated by those purchasing guns and ammunition that
actually is used in these programs.
KEVIN BROOKS stated that it was inaccurate to assume that there is
$2 million available each year. The federal aid funds do not lapse
every year. Mr. Brooks offered to provide the committee with the
specific restrictions which govern the use of these funds.
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the sport fish hatchery repair,
renovation and maintenance which amounts to $150,000 of Fish & Game
funds. These funds would be used at Crystal Lake, Clear,
Elmendorf, and Fort Richardson hatcheries. In the past, these
facilities have experienced a lack of funding for preventative
maintenance in the past years.
KEVIN BROOKS noted that the most pressing need is the housing at
the Crystal Lake hatchery.
NANCY SLAGLE moved on to the $180,000 for the development of
educational materials and programs to avoid conflicts with bears.
$135,000 is federal receipts and $45,000 is Fish & Game funds which
would provide public information on how to prevent bear problems.
SENATOR TAYLOR surmised that this was basically for tourists.
KEVIN BROOKS said that a problem with bears and humans in urban
areas has been recognized. He indicated that the number of bear-
human incidents is increasing. This is aimed at the residents of
the state. Mr. Brooks specified that the goal is to avoid the loss
of life with bear-human interaction.
NANCY SLAGLE proceeded with the Office of the Governor which
consists of $500,000 in general funds. This money would modify
state facilities in order to comply with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). She had a list of projects that have been
funded over the last few years; the list includes those items that
remain to be funded. Basically, the list includes all state owned
facilities as well as some of the universities and court system
facilities. She offered to provide the committee with the list.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if Ms. Slagle knew which projects would be
done with the $500,000. NANCY SLAGLE did not know if there is such
a list. The list to which she referred includes the points
assigned the projects. Ms. Slagle assumed that the projects would
be done in about the order of points awarded.
Number 494
SENATOR GREEN asked if there was a penalty if these were not done.
NANCY SLAGLE said that would risk not complying with ADA
requirements. The list of ADA needs totals almost $50 million.
Ms. Slagle said that this attempts to chip away at the problem
areas.
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the Johnson Youth Center appropriation
of $3 million in general funds. This would design and construct a
20 bed treatment unit at the Johnson Youth Center in Juneau.
Currently, there is no treatment facility in Juneau. All the youth
in Southeast Alaska are sent to McLaughlin for treatment. This
funding would relieve the over crowding in McLaughlin as well as
place the youths closer to home.
SENATOR TAYLOR informed the committee that for about 20 years,
Ketchikan has requested a youth detention facility. He understood
that 50 percent of the youth in the Johnson Youth Center are from
areas other than Juneau, the majority coming from Senator Taylor's
district. Senator Taylor indicated that this was the department's
desire and that this would only increase the room in the Johnson
Youth Center in order to house more people from out of town. This
illustrates that the Administration has not listened to anyone else
in Southeast Alaska on this matter.
TOM LANE, Facilities Manager with the Department of Health & Social
Services, informed the committee that for 10 years, there has been
a plan to build a treatment facility in Juneau as well as a
detention center in Ketchikan. At this time, the department feels
that there is more need for the treatment facility in Juneau. Mr.
Lane agreed with Senator Taylor that there are many problems in
Ketchikan. In the last few years, the department has attempted to
develop a holding capacity for detention in Ketchikan. In terms of
cost, it would be cheaper to build and operate a facility in Juneau
where there is already staff available.
NANCY SLAGLE pointed out that the six year capital plan includes
the need for the juvenile justice master plan for the state.
SENATOR GREEN asked if the appropriation was a typical price. Is
this construction an add on or renovation? TOM LANE explained that
a module had been developed and constructed in Anchorage. That
same plan would be used in Juneau with a few adaptations, therefore
the additional design costs would be relatively small. Mr. Lane
provided the committee with a copy of the 1997 plan that was done
for a treatment facility at Johnson Youth Center.
Number 430
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if the engineer's estimate was $3 million.
TOM LANE replied yes. Mr. Lane said that estimate includes design
revisions and the construction. If the money is appropriated, then
construction would be planned for the end of the next fiscal year.
SENATOR TAYLOR asked if Mr. Lane had any plans that he could
distribute on the Ketchikan facility. TOM LANE said that there is
a programming study from 1986 that does need some revision which
could be provided to the committee. Mr. Lane believed that
Ketchikan would need an eight bed facility. Mr. Lane reiterated
that there is a master plan for facilities in the state which is in
the beginning stages.
SENATOR TAYLOR commented that this notion that nothing should be
done until a statewide plan is completed is also held by the
Department of Corrections and the Department of Transportation. He
felt that all the money would end up in Juneau. Senator Taylor
indicated that whoever set the priorities did not listen to anyone
in his district.
NANCY SLAGLE moved on to the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation
which has an appropriation of $7,333,000 of which $6,333,000 is
federal receipts and $1 million is general funds. This would
complete the design and construction of a 60,000 square foot
regional public health center. This is the first of a three phase
project. There is not space to house the public health nurses,
therefore, this would be a combined effort to house the public
health nurses while meeting the areas public health needs.
SENATOR GREEN asked if this was living quarters as well as a
clinic. TOM LANE clarified that this is a clinic. The proposal is
for space to be used jointly by the Yukon Kuskokwim Health
Corporation as well as the public health nursing staff. By
combining forces, the department estimates savings of about $3.7
million in construction costs. The state's contribution would be
approximately one-third of the project cost. The $1 million would
be utilized for design and construction. In FY 98 and 99
additional funds will be requested to complete the building. In
total the state would provide $6,343,000 in funds through FY 99.
NANCY SLAGLE said that is included in the six year capital plan.
Ms. Slagle continued with the $1,118,000 appropriation for renewal,
deferred maintenance, replacement and equipment. Of the total,
$118,000 is federal while the remaining $1 million is general
funds. This would deal with the critical immediate needs. She
informed the committee that there is a list of representative
projects such as office security systems that is necessary to be in
compliance with OSHA. She reviewed a list of projects.
TOM LANE noted that the committee was sent the list of projects
with the funding amounts. The dollars exceed what is being
requested. The list also included deferred maintenance totalling
$18 million. There was also a representative renewal, replacement,
and renovation detailed list which amounts to $1.9 million. In
response to Chairman Rieger, Mr. Lane said that the projects were
not listed in order of priority. Mr. Lane noted that the list
changes and the list is reviewed once the money is appropriated.
Number 326
NANCY SLAGLE proceeded with the $500,000 general fund appropriation
for the Kodiak Island Hospital completion which would supplement
the $9.5 million in local bond funds to complete construction of an
addition to the hospital. This request has been around since the
early 1980s. The next item is $675,000 in federal funds for the
adoption and foster care analysis reporting system. This is a new
mandatory requirement for foster care and adoption. Penalties
would be levied against the state if this was not accomplished.
The next item is $125,000 from the Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation for Acces Alaska in order to assist in improving the
living arrangements of developmentally disabled individuals.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked where this would occur.
TOM LANE said that Access Alaska is based in Anchorage, therefore,
he assumed that most would be in that area. He explained that
these would be small grants to individual home owners for
improvements.
NANCY SLAGLE said that projects such as hand railing, ramps, and
bathroom accessories would be examples of how this money would be
used.
SENATOR GREEN said that Access Alaska would be responsible for
selecting and initiating the grants.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER announced that the meeting would go to 5:00 p.m.
and that the committee would probably not get to DOT today.
NANCY SLAGLE moved on to the Department of Labor and the scheduled
computer equipment replacement program appropriation of $725,000 in
federal receipts. This would allow a long range technology
adaptation for the department in order to link all the department's
offices with LAN and WAN. The next item is the employment security
mainframe printers and inserter equipment appropriation of
$480,000. This would provide a mailout efficiency for the
department by allowing a merge into a single envelope and the use
of zip code improvements.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if the five items listed under the Department
of Labor were all federal receipts. NANCY SLAGLE replied yes.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if this was a large single federal receipt
category that OMB has the discretion to allocate as it is listed or
are there five separate programs which received the amount of money
allocated.
Number 254
ARBE WILLIAMS, Director of Administrative Services in the
Department of Labor, specified that the department does not have
federal dollars to fund these capital projects other than those
reflected in the operating budget. She informed the committee that
the department has just applied for a one stop grant. If
additional federal funds would be available other than the
administrative dollars, then it would be in this area. At this
point the Department of Labor does not receive additional federal
dollars, other than what the department receives for the UI program
and the Employment Security Program.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER noted that these five items add up to $2 million;
could $1.5 million be spent on those items and the remaining
$500,000 be used for one of the federally eligible operating
projects?
ARBE WILLIAMS said that is what the department does. She clarified
that there are two major programs. The Unemployment Insurance
trust fund uses the majority of the federal dollars which is
identified in the 1997 budget as $20 million. The next biggest
program in the Department of Labor's budget is $8 million from the
federal government for the Employment Security Division. There are
other smaller grants. Ms. Williams explained that these projects
were what the department thought necessary to support those
operations.
NANCY SLAGLE pointed out that these programs are experiencing a
reduction in funding at the federal level while searching for
efficiencies wherever possible.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked Ms. Williams if the department's operating
budget was funded by federal dollars and the general fund present
fills in where the federal dollars fall short. ARBE WILLIAMS
pointed out that the largest component consists of $13,000 in
general funds for the Employment/Unemployment Service component
with $30 million in federal funds. In response to Chairman Rieger,
Ms. Williams said that less than $9 million of the operating budget
is general funds for the Department of Labor.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if some of the projects being funded with
general fund dollars were eligible for federal dollars. ARBE
WILLIAMS explained that these purchases support these specific
federal programs. These federal dollars cannot be used otherwise.
Ms. Williams pointed out that the $225,000 appropriation to network
additional local offices benefits other general funded divisions as
well as the department as a whole. In that way, the general funded
programs ride on federal dollars.
Number 201
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if the department could fund more of the $9
million with federal funding rather than general funding if there
were more federal funds available. NANCY SLAGLE did not believe
so. ARBE WILLIAMS noted that the department's largest state funded
program is Workman's Compensation Division which is not eligible
for federal funds. The Labor Standards and Safety Division, Wage
and Hour Section, and Mechanical Inspection Section are the next
largest programs which do not receive federal funds. The remainder
of the department's federal funds are used to match OSHA federal
funds and the administrative indirect cost plan.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if those were funded at the minimum match.
ARBE WILLIAMS replied yes.
NANCY SLAGLE proceeded with the Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs (DMVA). The first appropriation is $300,000 statewide
deferred maintenance.
NICO BUS, Acting Director of Support Services in the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR), informed the committee that there is a new
budget arrangement and DNR and DMVA are sharing the responsibility.
He said that there is a list of $1.3 million worth of projects.
Therefore, the project list would probably be determined by the
emergency nature of the project. He said that he could make that
list available for the total, but there is no individual priority
for the $300,000.
NANCY SLAGLE explained that the $175,000 appropriation for
scheduled renewal and replacement of worn out major building
components and retro-fitting or replacing obsolete building
systems. This is mainly in the area of armories in Fairbanks,
Kenai, Kotzebue, Nome, and Wasilla.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if the projects for those armories mentioned
add up to $175,000 or is there a longer list from which the
projects will be chosen. NICO BUS said that the list includes
those armories and is mainly for roof replacement. The total for
all of the projects would be $800,000. Therefore, the department
must choose which projects to tackle. CHAIRMAN RIEGER requested a
list of the projects.
Number 145
NANCY SLAGLE moved on to the Juneau Armory appropriation for the
design of a new armory and organizational maintenance shop for the
Army Guard activities in Juneau. Currently, DMVA are located in
two different places. There is an armory and a subport building
across the street. The subport building is located on Mental
Health lands and the Mental Health Trust Authority is more active
in revenue generating activities. The subport is becoming more
expensive and is inconvenient for training. This appropriation
would begin the replacement of those facilities and hopefully,
construction in a better suited location.
The Fairbanks Armory expansion, renovation and construction is
$3,339,000 in federal receipts. This would construct a 20,064 foot
addition to the existing facility and complete replacement of the
existing mechanical system for that facility.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER inquired as to why the Fairbanks Armory project
would be eligible for federal funds and the other projects receive
general funds. NANCY SLAGLE explained that a portion of the
construction of the Juneau Armory would be done with federal
receipts. Ms. Slagle understood that the design money has already
been appropriated for the Fairbanks Armory as well as the match to
access these federal funds.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if the match was a general fund match
appropriated from a prior year's appropriation. NANCY SLAGLE
replied yes. Ms. Slagle explained that $450,000 was appropriated
in the 1992 Legislative Session and another $100,000 was
appropriated in FY 94.
Number 093
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the Department of Natural Resources.
The first appropriation is $211,400 in response funds, 470 funds,
for the North Slope lease tracts. NICO BUS interjected that this
is Child's Path and Forward Alaska.
NANCY SLAGLE proceeded with the state land geographic information
system appropriation of $350,000 in general funds. This would
automate the state's existing public land records. By the end of
this fiscal year, the department should be 85 percent through this
project. The six-year capital plan predicts this project to be
complete in 1998. The next appropriation is for $150,000 in
general fund dollars in order to address major maintenance needs
for safety and health concerns at the Fairbanks facility. Ms.
Slagle noted that mdany deferred maintenance needs are not being
addressed. The salvage timber appropriation of $75,000 in general
fund dollars for the Kenai Peninsula would specifically address
areas where there has been devastation from the spruce bark beetle.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER inquired as to what the money would pay for. NICO
BUS specified that the appropriation would be for timber layouts
and contracts. There will be five to seven timber sales from 1,000
to 2,000 acres. Mr. Bus said that the project would pay for itself
due to the stumpage fees. This addresses the most critical
projects.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if this appropriation could be labelled
general fund program receipts. Will the stumpage fees come in
reasonable correlation to the $75,000? NICO BUS said that the
stumpage fee may actually be delayed a bit. NANCY SLAGLE was
unsure if the reforestation fund could be used for that. NICO BUS
explained that more than $1 million in stumpage fees would be
generated which does not currently go to the reforestation fund.
Mr. Bus said that this could be funded with program receipts, but
there is a timing issue.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if this project could be funded from the
reforestation fund. NICO BUS informed the committee that there is
no money in the reforestation fund. In response to Chairman
Rieger, Mr. Bus explained that the $1 million collected from
stumpage fees would go to the state's general fund and would
require a legislative appropriation to go to the reforestation
fund.
NANCY SLAGLE said this was done last year with $250,000 which was
appropriated from the general fund to the reforestation fund.
TAPE 96-13, SIDE A
Ms. Slagle moved on to the airborne geophysical/geological mineral
inventory appropriation of $200,000. This is a multi-year project
designed to survey about 40 million acres of state owned uplands
within a seven year period. The goal of the project is to identify
those mineral zones with major economic value on Alaska state
lands.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER inquired as to the funding level of this project
last year. NICO BUS said that $400,000 was appropriated last year
for the Fairbanks area.
SENATOR GREEN asked where the $200,000 would be located. NICO BUS
explained that this year's appropriation would be used to complete
the Rampart-Manley-Totty Survey project that is already in
progress. This request will not have any new projects.
Number 036
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the oil and gas royalty accounting
system improvements appropriation of $100,000 in general funds in
order to complete the oil and gas royalty computer system. This
would purchase some software, hardware, and some consulting. The
next appropriation is $200,000 in general funds for the state
parks' emergency repairs and maintenance. This would deal with the
most critical needs including the replacement of building
foundations, toilets, picnic shelters, and installation of water
and sewage at volunteer support facilities.
In response to Chairman Rieger, NICO BUS pointed out that the
project list is contained in the detailed backup. The backup
matches the request in the bill.
NANCY SLAGLE proceeded with the coalbed methane resources
investigation appropriation of $400,000 in general funds. This
would demonstrate the existence of commercial quantities of coalbed
methane in rural Alaska. The goal is to encourage private sector
exploration and development to meet rural energy needs. Ms. Slagle
believed that the appropriation would fund a cost-benefit analysis.
NICO BUS explained that the project first will do a cost-benefit
analysis, then locate and identify candidate sites, and finally
conduct geological field examinations for the most promising sites.
SENATOR GREEN said that she read that coalbed methane drilling was
on-line in Houston this year. She also indicated that she had
talked with someone who was interested in this. Is this in
conjunction with these efforts?
NICO BUS believed that two years ago the legislature appropriated
money for a test site in the Mat-Su Valley. This project intends
to attract interested people to different locations. Mr. Bus said
that there was specific talk about Houston.
Number 112
NANCY SLAGLE moved on to the $250,000 request for federal receipts
for the land and water conservation fund in order to plan and
develop recreational facilities. Ms. Slagle said that those funds
must be matched $1 for $1 at the local level. NICO BUS said that
was correct. However, Mr. Bus pointed out that in the past this
request has been for $500,000 and now the full $250,000 will
probably not even be received.
SENATOR GREEN asked for an example of how these funds have been
used in the past. NICO BUS specified that the Twin Lakes shelter
was funded by land and water conservation funds. Mr. Bus offered
to provide the committee with a list.
NANCY SLAGLE continued with the national historic preservation fund
request of $640,000 of federal receipts. This would provide
historic preservation, planning, survey, inventory, project review
and public education as well as some cultural resource management
projects.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked if this grant was from the state to someone
or from the federal government to state. NICO BUS clarified that
this grant is given to the state by the federal government in order
to be given to the Historic Preservation Program in the Division of
Parks. This is also matched with local funding. Mr. Bus said that
this is a viable program and the grants look as if they will
continue into the next federal fiscal year.
NANCY SLAGLE moved on to the Department of Public Safety which has
a $450,000 general fund appropriation for building improvements
with life, health, and safety concerns as a priority.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER noted that a major portion of that appropriation is
for the sprinklers at the aircraft maintenance facility; is that
facility leased?
Number 170
KEN BISCHOFF, Department of Public Safety, clarified that it is a
state owned facility.
NANCY SLAGLE proceeded with the DMV mailout machine replacement for
$150,000. The next item is the fish and wildlife protection
aircraft/vessel repair/maintenance of $750,000. She noted that the
detailed backup contains a list of possible uses of this money.
Ms. Slagle began with the Department of Revenue. The first item
being the Alaska Student Loan Program computer system maintenance
for $196,500 of state corporate receipts. This would provide
additional equipment for the transition from a manual system to a
PC based system. By the end of FY 96, 60 percent of the Alaska
Student Loan Program's corporate staff would be shifted to PCs
which would address the remaining need while allowing for
standardized software upgrades.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER recalled that last year an appropriation for about
$1.6 million for a computer upgrade for the Student Loan
Corporation was appropriated. NANCY SLAGLE explained that went for
loan processing software development. This appropriation addresses
the PC hardware needs of the staff.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER said that he would have a hard time with that
appropriation. He felt that too much money was being spent on
something that could be contracted out for less money.
Number 224
NANCY SLAGLE moved on to the federal case registry of child support
orders which consists of $330,000 in federal receipts and $170,000
in general fund match. This federal case registry is required in
the federal welfare reform bill.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked what the required match percentage
GLENDA STRAUBE, Director of Child Support and Enforcement, said
that the required match is 66/34. There is legislation in Congress
which would allow the hardware and software to be funded at 90
percent.
SENATOR GREEN asked if this would be part of the nationwide
network. GLENDA STRAUBE informed the committee that almost half of
the division's cases are interstate cases. This would help make
collections on interstate cases by centralizing all the information
on-line with the federal government. The information would include
the location of the absent parent, their employer, and if there are
other child support cases around the country.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER said that the remaining portions would be dealt
with at the next meeting.
There being no further business before the committee, the meeting
was adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
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