Legislature(2021 - 2022)
2022-03-09 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2022-03-09 House Journal Page 2042 HB 395 HOUSE BILL NO. 395 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2022-03-09 House Journal Page 2043 "An Act relating to the Alaska marine highway system fund and the Alaska marine highway system vessel replacement fund; establishing the Alaska marine highway system fund and the Alaska marine highway system vessel replacement fund outside the general fund; authorizing the commissioner of transportation and public facilities to expend money from the Alaska marine highway system fund and the Alaska marine highway system vessel replacement fund; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Finance Committee. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Fiscal, Office of the Governor/Special Appropriations 2. Fiscal, Office of the Governor/Special Appropriations 3. Fiscal, Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 8 follows: "Dear Speaker Stutes: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the removal of the Alaska Marine Highway System fund (AMHS fund) and the Vessel Replacement fund from the general fund, authorizing that money appropriated to the AMHS fund or the Vessel Replacement fund may be spent by the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) without further appropriation, and defining purposes for which funds may be expended from the AMHS fund. This bill provides a framework for funding sources for legislative appropriation into the AMHS fund and provides stability to the AMHS fund and the Vessel Replacement fund by establishing both funds outside the general fund. This bill permits the DOT&PF Commissioner to use the AMHS fund to pay costs incurred through the operation of the Alaska Marine Highway System, excluding capital improvements, and otherwise fund and support the operation of Alaska Marine Highway System without 2022-03-09 House Journal Page 2044 the need of additional legislative appropriations. Additionally, the bill permits the DOT&PF Commissioner to use the Vessel Replacement fund for refurbishment of existing state ferry vessels, acquisition of additional state ferry vessels, and replacement of retired or outmoded state ferry vessels without further legislative appropriation. Passage of this bill will ensure a stable accounting and operating budget for the Alaska Marine Highway System. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor"