HOUSE BILL NO. 168 An Act authorizing two exchanges of land between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and providing for an effective date. DAVID SCOTT, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE KYLE JOHANSEN, explained that HB 168 would authorize two land transfers. It provides 10 acres of land exchange between the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) and the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. The legislation ensures that all the appropriate titles to property are in place for the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities projects. · Section 1 - Parks Highway Improvement Project · Section 2 - Fairbanks International Airport Heavy Aircraft Cargo Apron Mr. Scott noted that both projects require that ARRC adjust the track and right of way lands. Alaska Statutes require legislative approval for ARRC to exchange, donate, sell or otherwise convey its entire interest in land. 1:44:24 PM Vice Chair Stoltze said he welcomed the bill's language as the Railroad has previously engaged in illegal activities. The Railroad is reminded they are a public entity, which carries the responsibility to report. He asked if Wasilla and Fairbanks had authorized the transfer. 1:45:55 PM MARY SIROKY, SPECIAL ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, advised that the Department had gone through the public process addressing the roads; she did not know about the airport expansion. Vice Chair Stoltze understood that there had not been an official endorsement from local governments. He hoped that answers would be forth coming during the process. He assumed it was a straightforward land transfer. 1:47:52 PM Representative Kelly explained that the legislation accommodates the runway expansion and airport modification. It is a beneficial swap for both the State and the local areas. He doubted any objection by local governments. Co-Chair Chenault noted that he was not familiar with either project. He asked if the Railroad track had been realigned. Ms. Siroky said yes, during the construction easement portion of the project. 1:49:27 PM WENDY LINDSKOOG, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE AFFAIRS, ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION, offered to answer questions of the Committee. PUBLIC TESTIMONY CLOSED 1:50:42 PM Vice Chair Stoltze MOVED to REPORT HB 168 out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HB 168 was reported out of Committee with a "no recommendation" and with zero note #1 by the Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development and zero note #2 by the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. 1:52:04 PM