SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE February 25, 1993 3:35 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Bert Sharp, Chairman Senator Randy Phillips, Vice Chairman Senator Tim Kelly Senator Georgianna Lincoln MEMBERS ABSENT Senator Jay Kerttula COMMITTEE CALENDAR SENATE BILL NO. 82 "An Act relating to the Dalton Highway." PREVIOUS SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION SB 82 - See Transportation minutes dated 2/16/93, 2/18/93 and 2/23/93. ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 93-9, SIDE A Number 001 CHAIRMAN SHARP called the Senate Transportation Committee to order at 3:35 p.m. The only order of business to come before the committee was SB 82 (OPENING THE DALTON HIGHWAY). Chairman Sharp indicated that there has been three hearings on the measure. He said he has received some information that was requested by Senator Lincoln and distributed it to the committee. Chairman Sharp asked committee staff, Steve Soenksen, to contact people and request the information that hasn't been received as of yet. He also indicated that his intent is to move the bill out of committee. SENATOR LINCOLN said only one of seven questions that she asked has been responded to. She said she hope that isn't the normal way that the committee will be conducted. Chairman Sharp explained that he has requested the information but he will not hold a bill up because people refuse to supply the information. He noted that there is another committee of referral. Senator Lincoln said she hopes that the committee will take some action if a commissioner or commissioners refuse to submit the requested information. She referred to information she requested from Commissioner Blatchford regarding negotiations that are currently occurring between the state, Arctic Slope, and Tanana Chiefs and said she also wanted to know the status is of the ongoing law suit. She also indicated that she asked a number of questions relating to fish and game regulations and monitoring. She said she asked a question relating to public safety. Chairman Sharp said as he recalls, during the course of the last three hearings, the Department of Fish and Game was in attendance and responded to every question as far as present regulations. He referred the Department of Public Safety and said they have indicated that two seasonal enforcement people will be needed. They also indicated that three blue shirts (???) would be required to patrol the entire length of the highway. He noted there currently isn't any. The Department of Fish and Game also gave statistics as to how many caribou have been taken along the highway. They also discussed the problem with confusion with hunting as the federal government is allowing rifle subsistence hunting within a five mile range. Number 097 SENATOR RANDY PHILLIPS suggested that the committee request information, in writing, from the various departments and that it be sent to the Senate Transportation Committee before the bill is heard in the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Lincoln said she thinks the Transportation Committee is where the questions should be responded to. She objected to SB 82 being moved out of the committee. SENATOR KELLY indicated he doesn't care for the bill but supports it moving out of committee. He moved that the committee adopt CSSB 82 (TRA). Senator Lincoln objected. A roll call was taken. Senators Sharp, Phillips and Kelly voted "yes." Senator Lincoln voted "no." So the motion carried. Senator Kelly moved to pass CSSB 82 (TRA), out of committee with individual recommendations. Senator Lincoln objected. A roll call was taken. Senators Sharp, Phillips and Kelly voted "yes." Senator Lincoln voted "no." So the motion carried. Senator Randy Phillips suggested that a hearing not be scheduled in Senate Finance until all the questions asked by Senator Lincoln have been answered. He suggested sending a letter to the appropriate agencies requesting information before the bill would be heard for the first time in Finance. Senator Lincoln said she would appreciate the request. Senator Sharp said he would also make the request to Senate Finance but noted that the Transportation Committee cannot tell Finance how to schedule bills. There being no further business to come before the Senate Transportation Committee, CHAIRMAN SHARP adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m.