Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/18/2001 01:44 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 96
"An Act relating to acquisition and development of the
Jesse Lee Home; and providing for an effective date."
Representative Ken Lancaster, Sponsor testified in support
of HB 96. He explained that the legislation would allow the
Department of Natural Resources to look at acquisition of
the Jesse Lee Home. The home was built in Seward in 1925 to
house children. It hasn't been occupied since the 1964
earthquake when it was severely damaged. The Alaska state
flag was designed on the site and American soldiers were
housed there during World War II. It is currently in the
hands of the Kenai Peninsula Borough and is in the process
of being given to the city of Seward. There is a $65
thousand dollar fiscal note for an architectural study and
site assessment. The Jesse Lee Home was later moved to
Anchorage and is still in operation.
Representative John Davies clarified that the funds would go
toward the study. He questioned if the city of Seward would
donate the building. Representative Lancaster explained that
the Department of Natural Resources would be expected to
"make those assumptions". The city of Seward would be
willing to donate the property or it could be retained by
the city if the Department of Natural Resources wanted to
manage the property or help fix the building.
In response to a question by Representative Croft,
Representative Lancaster explained that the facility was
moved to Anchorage in the early 1960's after the earthquake.
Representative Harris referred to the fiscal note and
pointed out that an existing historic preservation grant
program would cover half of the cost.
JIM STRATTON, DIRECTOR, PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION,
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES testified via
teleconference. He explained that the grant requires a 50
percent match. This is half of the consultant's costs. This
would be matched with $35 thousand dollars in federal funds.
Representative Moses clarified that Unalaska was the first
site of the home.
Representative John Davies noted that $70 thousand dollars
would be spent on the architectural consultant. Mr. Stratton
observed that the federal funds are authorized in the
current operating budget through a historical grant program.
JIM MALEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JESSE LEE HOME, SEWARD
testified via teleconference in support of the legislation.
The program is currently known as Alaska Children's
Services, which is the oldest and largest childcare
institution in Alaska. The original home was built as an
orphanage in Unalaska in 1890. It was moved to Seward in
1925. He noted its historic value. He emphasized the home's
service to Alaskan children.
TIM SCZAWINSKI, SEWARD, testified via teleconference. He
suggested that the move of the Jesse Lee Home was not a
result of the earthquake damage as much as Alaska's move
toward foster homes. He stressed the community's interest
and involvement in maintaining this historical site. The
City Council appropriated $50 thousand dollars to clear the
adjacent land to make the site more presentable and protect
against further damage.
Representative John Davies MOVED to report HB 96 out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 96 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with previously published fiscal impact
note (1) by the House Education and Social Services.
CSHB 96 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass"
recommendation and with previously published fiscal impact
note (1) by the House Education and Social Services.
TAPE HFC 01 - 86, Side A
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