Legislature(2021 - 2022)BARNES 124
03/11/2021 01:30 PM House TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB63 | |
| HB27 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 63 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 27 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HB 27-NAMING IRENE WEBBER BRIDGE
1:55:13 PM
CHAIR HOPKINS announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 27, "An Act naming the irene Webber Bridge."
1:55:27 PM
SARA PERMAN, Staff to Representative Louise Stutes, Alaska
State Legislature, introduced HB 27, which would rename Bridge
406, Scott Glacier No. 6 on the Copper River Highway, to the
irene Webber Bridge, in memory of the longtime Cordovan whose
leadership and vision inspired Cordova's running community.
MS. PERMAN shared irene Webber, an Alutiiq woman born in
Ellamar, Alaska, near Tatitlek, and later moving with her family
to Cordova, was the owner of a seining operation and founder of
the Cordova Running Club, being remembered as the first sole
participant in Cordova's inaugural King Salmon Marathon in 1986.
Ms. Perman noted that irene was not a lifelong runner, coming to
the sport as an adult. With her boundless enthusiasm, irene
built that same marathon into the annual Alaska Salmon Runs.
After 34 years, the Alaska Salmon Runs now boasts five different
athletic events: The King Salmon Marathon, Sockeye Half-
Marathon, Coho 10K, Humpy 5K and the Smooth One Mile Fun Run.
The races have become a part of a renowned sporting event that
sees almost 300 participants each year from around the state.
MS. PERMAN shared irene was also responsible for founding the
Cordova 2x2 Cancer Walk. The annual walk raised money to
support Cordova cancer patients. Since its establishment in
2002, the event has raised more than $100,000 to assist
Cordovans with cancer screenings or treatment expenses. In
addition to her contributions to the Cordova running community,
irene selflessly volunteered her time to other philanthropic
efforts, supporting St. Jude's Children's Hospital, The American
Cancer Society and S.I.D.S. Ride-A-Thon. irene passed away in
2018. She is remembered fondly by many. With the passing of this
legislation, her contributions will continue to be memorialized
by the Cordova community.
MS. PERMAN noted the small "i" would be used as that is how
irene signed her name. DOT had been briefed on this, she noted.
Family suggested the bridge with its view of Scott Glacier which
overlooked the "Nine Mile Sand Pile," a popular gathering place,
for irene's bridge. She pointed out that the King Salmon
Marathon and Sockeye Half-Marathon would also go over this
bridge.
MS. PERMAN pointed out the fiscal note which included $10K from
the DOT&PF for signage.
1:59:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN looked to confirm DOT&PF being fine with
lower case "i."
MS. PERMAN replied yes.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether the sign manufacturer signed
off on that as well.
MS. PERMAN noted HB 27 was specifically drafted with the
constituent's request specifying the lower-case "i."
2:01:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CRONK voiced support for HB 27.
2:01:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE also voiced support but asked whether it
was possible to repurpose some materials to cut down on
material costs.
CHAIR HOPKINS replied finance committee may be able to address
it.
2:02:52 PM
CHAIR HOPKINS opened public testimony on HB 27.
2:03:12 PM
MICHAEL WEBBER, Son of irene Webber, representing self, spoke in
support of HB 27. Shared his mother irene, a "little Alaska
Native lady with a big heart," spoke what was on her mind, which
empowered folks in Cordova and gave them focus. He added much
of this was in terms of sobriety as irene spent over half her
life celebrating sobriety. She made a stand and had a voice and
a kind heart, which she used to reach out to others, helping
them in their difficult times. She changed her addiction from
drinking to running, which empowered her to the level it helped
her create the races, all named after species of fish in honor
of the fishing town. The runs brought the community together,
only getting stronger over time, Mr. Webber said. irene, a
commercial fisherman, was passionate and it came through in many
ways, he stated. He added she had been helping with the
American Cancer Society since the 1970s.
2:06:40 PM
MR. WEBBER said seeing his mother's name on a bridge would be an
honor for his family and for the community. She had many
children and grandchildren as well as followers in sobriety, he
stated. It would bring pride to those friends and family
members, he shared. She was a hero in many ways, he said.
2:08:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SPOHNHOLZ commented it was inspiring that a woman
in long-term recovery had gone on to become such a role model.
She added it was fitting to discuss in March, which was sobriety
awareness month. She thanked the bill sponsor and Mr. Webber.
2:09:42 PM
CHAIR HOPKINS asked the story was with the small "i."
MR. WEBBER replied it was part of her personality; she had used
a small "i" since the 1960s and had achieved Power of Attorney.
2:10:59 PM
NANCY BIRD, representing self, spoke in support of HB 27. A
good friend of irene's, Ms. Bird added the little "i"
represented Ms. Webber's belief people shouldn't be too
projecting of themselves; people didn't need to be talked about
so much. As the editor of Cordova Times in 80s, she shared an
anecdote that irene had really enjoyed an April Fools' issue
over which others had gotten upset. She expressed her support
and said there should be no problem with the little "i."
2:13:06 PM
CHAIR HOPKINS closed public testimony on HB 27.
2:13:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN moved to report HB 27 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes.