Legislature(2021 - 2022)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/13/2021 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB63 | |
| SB117 | |
| HB34 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 117 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 34 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 63 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
May 13, 2021
1:53 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Robert Myers, Chair
Senator Mike Shower, Vice Chair
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Jesse Kiehl
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Click Bishop
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 63(STA)
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities; renaming the Alaska Marine
Transportation Advisory Board the Alaska Marine Highway
Operations Board; relating to the membership and duties of the
Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board; and relating to the
comprehensive, intermodal, long-range transportation plan for
the state."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 117
"An Act relating to the state procurement code; establishing the
construction manager general contractor procurement method; and
providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 117 OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 34
"An Act naming the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Memorial Bridge."
- MOVED HB 34 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 63
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY OPERATIONS BOARD
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) STUTES
02/18/21 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/15/21
02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/21 (H) TRA, STA
03/11/21 (H) TRA AT 1:30 PM BARNES 124
03/11/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/11/21 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
03/18/21 (H) TRA AT 1:30 PM BARNES 124
03/18/21 (H) Moved CSHB 63(TRA) Out of Committee
03/18/21 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
03/20/21 (H) TRA RPT CS(TRA) NT 4DP 2NR
03/20/21 (H) DP: DRUMMOND, HANNAN, SPOHNHOLZ,
HOPKINS
03/20/21 (H) NR: MCCABE, CRONK
03/30/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/30/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/30/21 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/06/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/06/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/06/21 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/15/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/15/21 (H) Heard & Held
04/15/21 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/22/21 (H) STA AT 3:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
04/22/21 (H) Moved CSHB 63(STA) Out of Committee
04/22/21 (H) MINUTE(STA)
04/26/21 (H) STA RPT CS(STA) NT 6DP
04/26/21 (H) DP: CLAMAN, STORY, KAUFMAN, VANCE,
TARR, KREISS-TOMKINS
05/05/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/05/21 (H) VERSION: CSHB 63(STA)
05/07/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/07/21 (S) TRA
05/11/21 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/11/21 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/13/21 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 117
SHORT TITLE: PROCUREMENT; CONSTRUCTION; CONTRACTS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
03/31/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/31/21 (S) STA, TRA
04/27/21 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
04/27/21 (S) Heard & Held
04/27/21 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/06/21 (S) STA AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
05/06/21 (S) Moved SB 117 Out of Committee
05/06/21 (S) MINUTE(STA)
05/07/21 (S) STA RPT 4NR
05/07/21 (S) NR: SHOWER, COSTELLO, HOLLAND, REINBOLD
05/13/21 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 34
SHORT TITLE: NAMING VIETNAM HELI. PILOTS' MEM. BRIDGE
SPONSOR(s): SHAW
02/18/21 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/21
02/18/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/18/21 (H) MLV, STA
02/19/21 (H) FIN REPLACES STA REFERRAL
02/19/21 (H) BILL REPRINTED
03/02/21 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/02/21 (H) Heard & Held
03/02/21 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/04/21 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/04/21 (H) Moved HB 34 Out of Committee
03/04/21 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/09/21 (H) MLV AT 1:00 PM GRUENBERG 120
03/09/21 (H) Moved HB 34 Out of Committee
03/09/21 (H) MINUTE(MLV)
03/10/21 (H) MLV RPT 6DP
03/10/21 (H) DP: CLAMAN, TARR, NELSON, STORY, SHAW,
TUCK
05/03/21 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
05/03/21 (H) Moved HB 34 Out of Committee
05/03/21 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
05/04/21 (H) FIN RPT 9DP
05/04/21 (H) DP: ORTIZ, EDGMON, LEBON, CARPENTER,
THOMPSON, JOHNSON, JOSEPHSON,
RASMUSSEN,
05/04/21 (H) MERRICK
05/04/21 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
05/04/21 (H) VERSION: HB 3
05/05/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/05/21 (S) TRA
05/13/21 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
KERRY CROCKER, Staff
Representative Louise Stutes
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the sponsor statement and sectional
analysis on behalf of the sponsor of HB 63.
SHANNON ADAMSON, Alaska Regional Representative
International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 63.
BEN GOLDRICH, representative
Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 63.
ANDY MILLS, Special Assistant to the Commissioner;
Legislative Liaison
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 117 on behalf of the
administration.
ALICIA SIIRA, Executive Director
Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 117.
CHARLIE DEININGER
Chief Procurement Officer
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 117.
SARAH LEFEBVRE, Office Manager/Contract Administrator
Exclusive Paving
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 117.
REPRESENTATIVE LADDIE SHAW
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 34.
JOSH WALTON, Staff
Representative Laddie Shaw
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of the sponsor of HB 34.
LYNN KILE, President
Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided invited testimony on HB 34.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:53:22 PM
CHAIR ROBERT MYERS called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:53 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Kiehl, Shower, Micciche, and Chair Myers.
HB 63-ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY OPERATIONS BOARD
1:53:59 PM
CHAIR MYERS announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO.
63(STA), "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities; renaming the Alaska Marine
Transportation Advisory Board the Alaska Marine Highway
Operations Board; relating to the membership and duties of the
Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board; and relating to the
comprehensive, intermodal, long-range transportation plan for
the state."
1:54:31 PM
KERRY CROCKER, Staff, Representative Louise Stutes, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided the sponsor statement and
sectional analysis on behalf of the sponsor of HB 63. He
paraphrased the sponsor statement, which read:
[Original punctuation provided.]
This bill would establish a nine-member Alaska Marine
Highway (AMHS) Operation's Board, with members having
the skills and experience of a ferry commission or a
marine business board. The board would have the
ability to assess and suggest marine business
practices that enhance revenue and reduce costs.
Members of the board would be chosen based on
experience in personnel management, ship maintenance,
construction and repair, plans and activities, and
they would also have insight on fleet strategy,
reliability and other service objectives.
A continuing challenge for AMHS has been frequent
change in policy direction, coupled with insufficient
appreciation of long-term implications of such
changes. Lack of clarity and long-term planning
objectives such as fleet design, vessel deployment
strategy, and marine business expertise have also been
a hindrance.
A Marine Advisory Board was established under Alaska
Statute (AS) 19.65.110, and though formed with capable
individuals, it is not structured to effectively
direct AMHS with its large marine business operations,
planning, or solutions for issues it currently faces.
Recent agendas suggest the Marine Advisory Board has
kept community stakeholders informed of AMHS
activities and budges and provided them with general
feedback about AMHS service. Currently the board is
comprised of members from ferry service areas, which
brings public transparency and community engagement,
however the system cannot survive with community
feedback alone. The members must additionally weigh
business practices and have expertise in strategic
planning.
1:56:37 PM
MR. CROCKER continued:
The AMHS Marine Operations Board would provide
professional advice focused on business and financial
practices of the ferry system, including fleet
planning, maintenance, pricing, service models, and
capital asset investment. The board would be
comparable to a board of directors providing business
leadership and long-term strategic planning for a
corporation.
1:57:11 PM
MR. CROCKER read the sectional analysis for HB 63.
Section 1: Changes 19.05.030 by adding two duties to
the Department of Transportation. 19.05.030 (8) which
requires the Department to review and respond to
recommendations by the Marine Operations Board and (9)
to report whether or not the Alaska Marine Highway is
meeting performance goals.
Section 2: Requires the Board to create comprehensive
long term and short-term plans and provides them the
framework detailing what should be included in the
plans. Requires the Department to submit both the
short-term and long-term plans, revisions, and updates
to the legislature and the governor and make the plans
available to the public.
1:57:58 PM
MR. CROCKER continued:
Section 3: Changes the name of the board from "Marine
Transportation Advisory Board" (MTAB) to "Alaska
Marine Highway Operations Board".
Section 4: Repeals AS 19.65.120(a) and is reenacted to
do the following: (a) Creates a nine-member board
instead of twelve, which includes the deputy
commissioner of transportation and public facilities
and requires each member to be an Alaska resident. (1)
Requires one member to be a recognized union employee
from the Alaska Marine Highway, to be appointed by the
governor. Page | 2 (2) Requires one member from an
Alaska native organization or tribe, appointed by the
governor (3) Requires six members of the public: (A)
That have experience in marine business and
procurement practices, marine personnel management,
commercial service options, ship maintenance,
construction, and repair, fleet strategy, reliability,
and regulatory compliance, or risk management (B) Two
of which are appointed by the governor, two by the
speaker of the house and two by the president of the
senate.
1:59:20 PM
Section 5: Creates staggered six-year terms on the
board instead of three-year terms, with exception of
the deputy commissioner. If a vacancy arises, it
allows for a new appointment to be made to serve out
the remaining term of the vacant seat.
Section 6: Exempts the deputy commissioner from being
removed from the board.
Section 7: Requires the board to provide orientation
about the Alaska Marine Highway System to the newly
appointed members. Also allows for regional
development associations to make recommendations for
appointments to the board.
2:00:06 PM
MR. CROCKER continued:
Section 8: Requires the Department to provide
information at the request of the board in a timely
manner.
Section 9: The board will provide recommendations to
the commissioner of the department. (f) creates a
mechanism for reporting if the recommendations are not
followed. (g) allows the board to create a taskforce
consisting of non-board members to investigate matters
relevant. (h) Requires the board to annually make
recommendations regarding preparation of the "STIP" to
the department.
Section 10: Changes the name of the board from "Marine
Transportation Advisory Board" (MTAB) to "Alaska
Marine Highway Operations Board".
Section 11 AS 44.0Section 11: Amends 44.42.050(a) to
require the commissioner to incorporate the
comprehensive long-term plan recommended by the board
into the long-range plan required under the statute.
2:01:19 PM
Section 12: Repeals 19.65.120(B)
Section 13: Once this bill is enacted, this section
directs the terms of members of the current Marine
Transportation Advisory Board to expire on the
effective date and sets new staggered terms for the
members of the Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board.
2:01:53 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether the intention was for the board to
only consider vessels or if it would also include shoreside
activities, such as strategy, reliability and reservations.
MR. CROCKER responded that the sponsor's intent was that all
aspects of AMHS would be covered, including terminals and
marketing.
2:03:06 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE recalled that the committee previously
considered and amended [SB 103] with respect to the board
composition for an Alaska Native from a coastal community that
is served by the AMHS. However, that language does not seem to
be part of this bill. The committee agreed it was important that
the Alaska Native participant be from a coastal community that
the AMHA serves.
MR. CROCKER answered that was covered in HB 63 [in AS
19.65.120(a)(2)], which read "one representative of an Alaska
Native organization or tribe who is currently from a community
served by the Alaska marine highway system, appointed by the
governor;".
2:04:13 PM
SENATOR KIEHL referred to another change the committee made to
[SB 103] was to require the Alaska Marine Highway Operations
Board to propose an operating and capital budget ahead of the
governor's usual budget schedule. He asked whether the sponsor
considered this.
MR. CROCKER answered that the sponsor believed this would
inherently happen when developing the short and long-term plans.
The sponsor did not think it was possible to craft the plans
without considering a budget.
2:05:31 PM
CHAIR MYERS opened public testimony on HB 63.
2:05:49 PM
SHANNON ADAMSON, Alaska Regional Representative, International
Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, Juneau, Alaska, said
she serves on the current Marine Transportation Advisory Board
(MTAB). She spoke in support of HB 63 because it created a more
diverse board membership than the current MTAB. MM&P believes
this will help depoliticize the board and isolate AMHS from some
political infighting, she said. HB 63 also includes language to
require that DOTPF incorporate the board's short and long-term
plans, which would help the board with existing management and
create better solutions. As a current MTAB member, she found
that aspect invaluable because DOTPF has not adopted MTAB's
recommendations. She offered her view that increasing funding to
AMHS would not produce significant positive changes in service
or sustainability unless AMHS's management structure were to
change. Every report related to AMHS has recommended changes to
its management structure. This bill starts that process and MM&P
looks forward to that change.
2:07:36 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked whether MM&P would support moving AMHS out
of DOTPF.
MS. ADAMSON responded that MM&P would support any positive
change to AMHS's current structure. The current system does not
work, so that any change would be positive.
2:08:32 PM
BEN GOLDRICH, representative, Marine Engineers Beneficial
Association (MEBA), Juneau, Alaska, said MEBA represents the
engineers on board AMHS vessels and shoreside. He said he was
fully supportive of Ms. Adamson's comments. Although he does not
work on the vessels, he has worked closely with AMHS for 18
years. He said Governor Dunleavy appointed him to serve on
AMHS's Reshaping Work Group. One recommendation of the group was
to change AMHS's management structure, which MEBA views as
necessary.
2:09:42 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked if he would support moving AMHS being out
of DOTPF.
MR. GOLDRICH answered that MEBA would support such a change.
2:10:12 PM
CHAIR MYERS, after first determining no one wished to testify,
closed public testimony on HB 63.
[HB 63 was held in committee.]
SB 117-PROCUREMENT; CONSTRUCTION; CONTRACTS
2:10:39 PM
CHAIR MYERS announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 117
"An Act relating to the state procurement code; establishing the
construction manager general contractor procurement method; and
providing for an effective date."
2:10:50 PM
ANDY MILLS, Special Assistant to the Commissioner; Legislative
Liaison, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOTPF), Juneau, Alaska, on behalf of the administration, stated
that SB 117 was in response to the department's desire to work
directly with the contracting community. SB 117 would amend AS
36.30, the state's procurement code, by codifying the
department's current use of the CM/GC or construct
manager/general contractor contracting method. He explained that
the CM/GC method would provide a two-phase contract for both a
project's preconstruction and construction phases. Although this
method was not an option under current procurement law for
competitive sealed bidding, the department has used the CM/GC
contracting methodology under the state's existing innovative
procurement statute for over fifteen years. He recalled that
this process was used on over 20 complex projects. He said that
CM/GC is included in Federal Highway Administrative regulations,
in other states' regulations, and is a common and accepted
practice in the construction industry. In the department's
experience, CM/GC contracts could decrease contractor change
orders, administrative delays and leverage department resources.
2:12:33 PM
MR. MILLS said this process could allow the department and its
contractors to improve Alaska's transportation infrastructure
faster, which is its mission. Once the CM/CG contracting method
is adopted in statute, the department would collaborate with the
Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC) and other
stakeholders to adopt regulations, policy and guidance
materials, further refining this innovative contracting method
for use in Alaska.
2:13:23 PM
ALICIA SIIRA, Executive Director, Associated General Contractors
of Alaska (AGC), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that AGC supports
having the CM/CG tool as an alternative project delivery for
DOTPF. She stated that AGC is a statewide construction trade
association representing contractors, specialty contractors,
suppliers and manufacturers in Alaska. AGC unites the
construction industry to focus on balance and work to foster
constructive legislation, regulation and standards. As
previously stated, CM/CG has been used in Alaska for more than a
decade. SB 117 will benefit the construction industry by
modifying procurement statutes to codify the CM/CG procurement
process, she said. It would allow DOTPF to use the process
without submitting an innovative procurement request to the
Department of Law and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
for each project. This will modernize, clarify and improve the
state's procurement process and align Alaska with the majority
of other states.
2:14:53 PM
MS. SIIRA said SB 117 would allow DOTPF to add clarity and
consistency for CM/CG use across all regions, which is a
priority for the construction industry. She stated that the
passage of this bill would also provide an opportunity for the
industry to participate in the development of regulations that
would remedy concerns about consistency in CM/CG projects. In
closing, she said AGC supports this bill and looks forward to
being included in further enhancing the CM/CG process.
2:15:48 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked how broadly this process would be used. He
related his understanding that it was not appropriate to use
this process in lots of projects.
MR. MILLS agreed with Senator Kiehl. He stated that low-bid
process was predominately used by the department for
administrative ease. Given the nature of many DOTPF projects, he
said it wasn't necessary to use CM/GC to add efficiency or
complete the process.
2:17:10 PM
CHARLIE DEININGER, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), Juneau, Alaska,
responded that DOTPF has typically used CM/GC on one to three of
the 100 to 120 total DOTPF projects per year. He explained that
the department would develop criteria in regulation for CM/CG
contracting. Further, it would require the commissioner's
approval to use the CM/CG process.
2:18:48 PM
SENATOR SHOWER stated that this bill was previously heard in the
State Affairs Committee, which he chairs, so he was familiar
with it. He pointed out that the administration made it clear
that the department would work with smaller contractors on the
process. He suggested that the committee consider a small
amendment to require the administration to conduct outreach to
inform contractors about this process and provide them with any
assistance needed. He acknowledged that CM/CG would generally be
limited to larger, more complex projects.
2:20:32 PM
SENATOR KIEHL recalled slides during a presentation discussed
using an independent cost estimator. He characterized it as an
essential part of the process but he did not see any provision
for an independent cost estimator in the bill.
MR. MILLS related his understanding that many aspects would be
included in regulations for CM/CG. He assured members that the
independent cost estimator would be part of the process.
SENATOR KIEHL said the independent cost estimator was a critical
safeguard for the owner so he wants to be sure it is addressed.
2:22:30 PM
CHAIR MYERS opened public testimony on SB 117.
2:22:51 PM
SARAH LEFEBVRE, Office Manager/Contract Administrator, Exclusive
Paving, Fairbanks, Alaska, spoke in support of SB 117. She
provided her background, such that she has worked in the
construction industry for over 20 years. She said she agreed
with AGC's testimony.
MS. LEFEBVRE spoke to her experience with the CM/CG process. She
said that each proposal is different depending on whether best
practices are incorporated into the proposal. From a
contractor's perspective, she expected that the largest CM/CG
project her company was involved in would provide the best
experience. However, that was not the case. She predicted that
the inconsistencies and flaws within the process would continue
unless legislation were passed. Other than the state's steps to
obtain the authority to use the CM/CG procurement method, the
state does not have any defined processes. She said CM/CG was
being used as a procurement concept. After that, how it was used
depended on the specific DOTPF staff involved. Comparing the
CM/CG projects from 2012 to 2021, the results would show the
process varied widely and the sequence of changes did not track
for developing or implementing best practices. Placing CM/CG in
statute would create a pathway to develop regulations and clear
guidelines to define the process and ensure that the best value
was indeed being described and sought on behalf of the state.
She said this is crucial to achieving the best competitive
environment.
MS. LEFEBVRE explained that contractors must make significant
investments for CM/CG projects. In her experience, the internal
costs ranged from $30,000 to $100,000 for her company to
participate in the process. She suggested that the small
business amendment would be better addressed by regulation. In
closing, she urged members not to delay passing SB 117 for
another year. With forthcoming federal funds state
infrastructure projects will increase, she said. The CM/CG's
procurement method will provide an opportunity for the state to
ensure that Alaska can maximize the opportunities to use federal
funding. She cautioned that it may take a year to complete the
regulation process after passage of SB 117. She said the
construction industry is prepared to actively participate in
drafting regulations to ensure that Alaska is a sound platform
to build future CM/CG Request for Proposals (RFPs).
2:25:45 PM
CHAIR MYERS, after first determining no one wished to testify,
closed public testimony on SB 117.
2:26:00 PM
SENATOR SHOWER offered to work with the Chair on an amendment
for small businesses.
2:27:02 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated his desire for SB 117 to pass this year.
SENATOR SHOWER offered to make a conceptual amendment.
MR. MILLS interjected that an amendment was not necessary for
public outreach. He offered to commit to initiating a public
information campaign. Further, he said he had already discussed
with Mr. Deininger ways to supplement the process to better
inform contractors.
SENATOR SHOWER indicated that he was comfortable with Mr. Mill's
commitment.
CHAIR MYERS informed members that HB 160, the companion bill
passed the house. He wondered about the process for the
companion bill.
SENATOR MICCICHE explained that if SB 117 were to pass, it would
meet up with HB 160 in Senate Rules. He expressed concern about
any potential delays by holding SB 117 in committee.
CHAIR MYERS said he was comfortable moving SB 117.
SENATOR SHOWER stated that he was comfortable moving SB 117.
2:30:41 PM
At ease
2:31:15 PM
CHAIR MYERS reconvened the meeting.
2:31:23 PM
SENATOR SHOWER moved to report SB 117, work order 32-GS1579\A
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
CHAIR MEYERS found no objection and SB 117 was reported from the
Senate Transportation Standing Committee.
HB 34-NAMING VIETNAM HELI. PILOTS' MEM. BRIDGE
2:31:56 PM
CHAIR MYERS announced the consideration of HOUSE BILL NO. 34 "An
Act naming the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Memorial Bridge."
2:32:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LADDIE SHAW, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau,
Alaska, sponsor of HB 34, stated that he served two tours of
duty in Vietnam. He related that he is an associate member of
the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association as a certified
helicopter pilot and a Vietnam veteran. He credited
Representative Tilton with the original idea for this bill since
the bridge is in her district. However, she allowed him to
sponsor HB 34 due to his helicopter pilot experience in Vietnam.
He also acknowledged the work on HB 34 by Representative
Tilton's staff, Health Hilyard. He informed members that every
veteran signed on as a co-sponsor of HB 34.
2:34:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW related one of his personal experiences from
his time in Vietnam. He referred to a photograph dated September
20, 1970, identifying the person in the lower right-hand corner
of the photograph as himself. The photo emphasized the
importance of helicopters to the troops in Vietnam. The Huey
helicopter shown arrived within seven minutes and evacuated
three of his teammates to Dang, Vietnam, but sadly, two others
died. One of the injured teammates was put into an induced coma
due to the severity of his wounds. He credited his teammate's
survival to the radio strapped on his back and the quick
evacuation. Thirty-seven years later, he crossed paths with this
friend, who recovered from his injuries and worked 20 years in
law enforcement. He retired as Chief of Police in Horseheads,
New York.
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW said he previously served as the Military
and Veterans Affairs director. He reviewed several peaks in the
Chugach Mountains that were named in honor of veterans,
including Mount POW/MIA and Gold Star Peak. Both of those peaks
look down on the bridge that HB 34 proposes to name.
2:36:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SHAW emphasized the value of honoring these
helicopter pilots. He noted that the bill carries a small fiscal
note.
2:37:18 PM
JOSH WALTON, Staff, Representative Laddie Shaw, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that HB 34 would name
bridges 1124 and 1889 the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots' Memorial
Bridge. He explained that these bridges span both the north and
southbound bridges over the Matanuska River at mile 30.4 of the
Glenn Highway. He stated that anyone who travels from Anchorage
to the Mat-Su Valley crosses over one of these bridges. He noted
that members' packets contain photos of the bridges. He referred
to a 1994 article, "The Coming of Age: The Role of the
Helicopter in the Vietnam War," which characterized the Vietnam
conflict as the first actual helicopter conflict. Several other
articles emphasize the heroism of helicopter pilots, including a
September 15, 2016, Time magazine article and a September 2015
Air & Space Magazine article, he said. He reviewed additional
support for the bill.
2:39:46 PM
LYNN KILE, President, Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association
(VHPA), Anchorage, Alaska, stated that he is a Vietnam veteran.
He stated that VHPA's membership in Alaska consists of 85 pilots
and crewmembers. He estimated an additional 300 pilots live in
Alaska but he was unsure of the number of crewmembers in the
state.
MR. KILE said the story Representative Shaw mentioned was just
one of many experienced by helicopter crews and pilots. The
medevac helicopters flew over 500,000 missions evacuating over
900,000 soldiers and troops with an 82 percent survival rate.
From logistics to medical evacuations, helicopter pilots flew
thousands of missions. He said he is honored that the committee
is taking up this bill. Naming these bridges represents a small
token of thanks to honor the contributions these helicopter
pilots made to the state and nation. He recalled that veterans
did not receive a warm welcome home like WWI or WWII veterans
did so now is the time to honor their contributions and
sacrifices made to the nation and state by the dedication of
these small landmark bridges over the Matanuska River. This
landmark memorial will remind those who see it of the trials and
tribulations of the Vietnam conflict and to honor those who
dedicated their skills to our state and country.
2:42:24 PM
SENATOR SHOWER thanked the sponsor for introducing the bill. He
said his father-in-law served three tours of duty in Vietnam;
and half of his academy class died in Vietnam. Further, his son
was airlifted in Iraq due to significant injuries he sustained.
He acknowledged the importance of helicopter evacuation because
treatment can begin on board. This bill is important because the
Vietnam veterans served their country but were often
disrespected, he said.
2:44:55 PM
At ease
2:45:15 PM
CHAIR MYERS reconvened the meeting.
2:45:23 PM
SENATOR KIEHL said it was his privilege to work in civilian life
under four Vietnam veterans. He stated that he learned about
duty and hard work from them but it cannot begin to compare with
the comments and service of Senator Shower and the sponsor of
the bill. He thanked them for their service.
2:46:11 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE said he was honored to support HB 34. He stated
that when he worked offshore in Cook Inlet he relied on
helicopters. He commended the skills of the helicopter pilots
who helped many survive the Vietnam War.
2:47:24 PM
CHAIR MYERS opened public testimony on HB 34 and after first
determining no one wished to testify, closed public testimony on
HB 34.
2:47:48 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE referred to the fiscal notes. He acknowledged
the importance of respecting the fiscal note on bills. However,
he related his understanding that bridge signs are often taken
out by snowblowers, car crashes or wear and tear so replacing
signs was common. Thus, he said he grapples to understand the
necessity for a fiscal note to replace this sign when the
department will need to replace it at some point and the sign
honoring these veterans seems worthy, he said.
2:49:00 PM
MR. MILLS agreed that signs are replaced but he was not certain
of the mechanism to do so. He said the department provided the
sponsor's office with several options. The fundamental issue of
zeroing out a fiscal note was that it would escalate the number
of requests to rename bridges and require numerous new signs. He
related his understanding that the Department of Administration
has a specialty plate mechanism whereby the costs are paid by
user fees. He suggested that a similar concept could be worked
out. The department cannot pursue it within this legislature's
timeframe given that the legislative session was nearly over. He
stated that the department believes in equal treatment but would
like to address this at a later date.
SENATOR MICCICHE said he hopes the legislature could create a
method for people to donate privately. He said he understands
how important it is for people to do so.
SENATOR SHOWER also offered his support to find a way to get
receipt authority so those who wished to cover the cost of signs
could do so.
2:53:11 PM
SENATOR SHOWER moved to report HB 34, work order 32-LS0265\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
CHAIR MEYERS found no objection and HB 34 was reported from the
Senate Transportation Standing Committee.
2:53:56 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Meyers adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 2:53 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB34 Sponsor Statement 2.25.2021.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 34 |
| HB34 Bridge Images 2.7.2020.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 34 |
| HB34 Additional Info - Vietnam Helicopter Memorial - Time Magazine 2.7.2020.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 34 |
| HB34 Additional Info - VHPA Honored 2.7.2020.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 34 |
| HB34 Additional Info - Helicopters in Vietnam 2.7.2020.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 34 |
| HB34 Additional Info - Air & Space Magazine Article 2.7.2020.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 34 |
| HB34 Additional Info - VHPA Website 2.7.2020.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
HB 34 |
| SB 117 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SB 117 |
| SB 117 Sectional Analysis 3.31.2021.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SB 117 |
| CMGC Award Process - Flow Chart STEP 2.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SB 117 |
| CMGC Award Process - Flow Chart STEP 1.pdf |
STRA 5/13/2021 1:30:00 PM |
SB 117 |