Legislature(1993 - 1994)
03/31/1993 08:40 AM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 1
"An Act relating to motor vehicle registration; and
providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE GAIL PHILLIPS, SPONSOR noted that present
Alaska law does not provide for a state program of municipal
grants for recycling junked and abandoned cars. HB 1 would
create a program to do so by charging an annual fee to
vehicle owners at the time of registration and by creating a
fund in the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities for the purpose of providing grants to
municipalities for transporting such vehicles to recycling
centers.
Representative Phillips observed that much of the beauty of
our Alaska scenery is marred by the sight of junked and
abandoned vehicles along roadways. In addition to the
visual disruption, these vehicles are attractive nuisances
where children may be at risk because of broken glass and
other hazards. There is also the environmental damage
stemming from leaking oil, fuel, brake and transmission
fluids and battery acids.
Representative Phillips explained that the program set forth
in HB 1 would add a recycling fee of $2 to the annual
vehicle registration fee. Current statistics show that
there are 488,937 or more registered vehicles in this state
which would create a fund of approximately $980,000. The
funds from the fee would be deposited into the general fund.
The bill also creates a municipal recycling grant fund
Representative Phillips stated that the legislature would
have to annually appropriate money from the General Fund
into the Municipal Recycling Grant Fund. The Department of
Transportation would then allocate grants to municipalities
for the recycling of motor vehicles. Several municipalities
have participated in programs for the removal of vehicles on
their own or in conjunction with state-sponsored
2
"beautification" efforts. Other municipalities have
participated in a federal program administered by the
Department of Transportation/Public Facilities. During the
last 13 years, over 7,000 vehicles have been removed from
public roads under the federal program, with grants
totalling $522,000. However, continued funding of the
federal program is uncertain and would not be available in
those areas that do not have federal funding for roads.
Representative Phillips explained that because of the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities'
expericence in administering and history with ISTEA
(Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991)
the legislation calls for DOT to be the administering
agency.
Representative Grussendorf asked if the municipalities that
are already providing this service will be the ones to get
all the funds. Representative Phillips stated that the
program will be based on pro rata of vehicle registration.
Representative Parnell noted that there is already an
abandoned vehicle fund in AS.28.11.110. He noted that the
program proposed in HB 1 is slightly different. He asked if
there had been discussion of merging the two funds.
Representative Phillips replied that there had not.
Representative Hanley referred to the fiscal note. He
observed that the revenue source would be $2 dollars per
vehicle. Representative Phillips noted that $2 dollars per
vehicle would raise approximately $2 million dollars. The
Alaska Municipal League has encouraged a $5 dollar fee. The
sponsor elected to keep the fee at $2 dollars per vehicle.
Co-Chair MacLean asked how HB 1 would work in rural areas.
Representative Phillips stated that back haul barges could
be used.
Representative Brown asked if language should be inserted to
direct the department in the allocation of funds. She
emphasized that there will not be sufficient funds to
address the need.
KENT SWISHER, ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE expressed support for
HB 1.
JEFF OTTENSEN, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES stressed that the program will not cover all the
demand. Only one out of 10 cars will be cleaned up. He
emphasized the need to encourage other disposition of
vehicles. In response to a question by Representative
Brown, he clarified that the federal program was a one time
3
clean up effort. Cars had to be on or within 100 feet of a
federal or state right-a-way. Once funds were spent
municipalities were mandated to keep the highway clean. He
assured members that a formula can be developed to allow use
of funds to be divided among applicants.
Representative Brown asked if regulations would be adopted.
Mr. Ottensen replied that regulations would be enacted.
Representative Brown asked if the fiscal note addressed the
cost of enacting regulations. Mr. Ottensen answered that
the fiscal note does cover the cost of regulations.
Representative Brown asked if there are controls to assess
municipal spending. Mr. Ottensen replied that there is a
small amount of money included for audits. He added that
maintenance station operators will keep the Department
informed on municipal progress.
IRENE MORRIS, ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL LOBBY spoke in support of
HB 1. She emphasized that HB 1 will help ensure that junked
and abandoned cars and trucks are removed from state and
municipal roadways. She added that HB 1 will help address
solid waste problems and potential safety and hazardous
waste dangers.
Representative Foster MOVED to report CSHB 1 (CRA) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 1 (CRA) was reported out of Committee with "no
recommendation" and with a fiscal impact note by the
Department of Public Safety, and with a zero fiscal note by
the Department of Environmental Conservation and with a
fiscal impact note by the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities, dated 3/22/93
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|