Legislature(2025 - 2026)BARNES 124
05/06/2025 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB207 | |
| Presentation(s): Rural Cap: 60 Years of Alaska Development and a Future View | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 207 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 207-FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM
8:07:15 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 207, "An Act relating to a matching
grant program for fire station construction and renovation; and
providing for an effective date."
8:07:37 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, presented HB 207. He paraphrased the sponsor
statement [included in the committee packet], which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
House Bill 207 establishes the Fire Station Grant
Program, promoting a robust partnership between local
communities and the state to strengthen safety and
security. This matching grant program provides funding
for up to 50 percent of the total project cost for
constructing or renovating fire stations, supporting
communities in enhancing their emergency response
infrastructure.
Alaska faces unique challenges in emergency response,
making it crucial for our fire stations to be well
equipped and properly maintained. Many fire stations
across the state are in desperate need of replacement
due to their age and deteriorating condition.
Replacing these facilities is essential to
strengthening their operational capabilities,
improving emergency response times, and ensuring that
Alaskans continue receiving the highest standard of
emergency fire services. Addressing these needs
involves constructing new facilities, replacing
outdated stations with new buildings when more
economical than renovation, and upgrading
infrastructure to meet current safety standards.
It has been over a decade since the Legislature last
dedicated substantial funding to support communities
statewide for the construction, replacement, or major
renovations of local fire stations. During that
period, state assistance facilitated the development
of approximately a dozen fire stations across Alaska,
marking one of the most well-received capital programs
in recent history. However, the need for such
investments has only grown. Recognizing this critical
need, the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association has
identified nearly two dozen projects for the
Legislature's consideration, underscoring the pressing
need for this program. The Fire Station Grant Program
seeks to invest in the safety of all regions of
Alaska, while also ensuring support at the local level
for these projects. Investing in these projects is not
merely a matter of infrastructure it's a matter of
public safety and preparedness for challenges of
tomorrow.
8:10:39 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether the sponsor envisioned the Fire
Station Grant Program similar to other state programs, like the
Renewable Energy Fund (REF) and the bulk fuel [loan program],
for example.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE responded yes, like those programs, this
would allow for long-range planning as opposed to ad hoc as
funding becomes available.
8:11:33 AM
AMANDA DNEMO, Staff, Representative Calvin Schrage, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Schrage, prime sponsor,
presented the sectional analysis for HB 207 [included in the
committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Section 1: Adds a new Article 6A to AS 29.60 creating
the Fire Station Grant Program.
Sec. 29.60.750 Creates the Fire Station Grant
Program as a matching grant program within the
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic
Development. Allows grants for up to 50 percent
of eligible projects to construct or renovate
fire stations.
Sec. 29.60.760 Establishes the Fire Station Grant
Fund as a separate fund in the department and
provides a framework for use of the fund.
Sec. 29.60.770 Instructs the department to adopt
regulations necessary to implement the fire
station grant program.
Section 2: Establishes an effective date of July 1,
2025.
8:12:52 AM
MS. DNEMO offered a brief PowerPoint presentation on HB 207
[hard copy included in the committee packet]. She gave an
introduction on slide 1, outlined the purpose of HB 207 on slide
2, and summarized the bill's key provisions on slide 3.
8:14:58 AM
FORREST KUIPER, President, Alaska Fire Chiefs Association
(AFCA); Chief, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Fire
Department, gave invited testimony in strong support of HB 207,
which he characterized as a direct investment in the safety,
resilience, and wellbeing of Alaska communities. He explained
that across the state, fire departments are doing critical work
with aging infrastructure, limited space, and buildings that
were not designed for the demands of modern emergency response.
Upon request in 2023, the AFCA identified a list of over $400
million in new and renovated construction needs across the
state. He emphasized that in an emergency seconds matter, and a
well-located, properly equipped fire station saves lives,
reduces response times, and protects property. HB 207
recognizes that infrastructure is just as important to public
safety as personnel and equipment. He urged the committee to
pass the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE highlighted that ad hoc funding requests
have been received over the years and its often difficult to
decide which community to award. The bill would allow for a
more open and transparent process. He offered to share examples
of the conditions of fire houses across the state, highlighting
the significant need.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT opened public testimony.
8:19:46 AM
CAROLE TRIEM, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, Alaska
Municipal League (AML), gave public testimony in support of HB
207. She pointed out that public safety and fire protection are
among the core services expected of local governments. She
opined that the Fire Station Grant Program would go a long way
towards meeting crucial public safety needs across the state.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT closed public testimony and sought questions
from members of the committee.
8:21:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the program is separate or
whether the bill sponsor envisions it coming in through
municipalities.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he hopes that it would help
facilitate more communication. He explained that HB 207 is
designed to be complementary to existing funding sources for
fire stations and would allow for long-range planning.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX observed that local efforts have not been
coordinated in North Pole and relayed that requests have been
disconnected as opposed to integrated.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE acknowledge that different needs should
be considered, balanced, and prioritized.
8:26:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked about the current status of funding
for fire stations.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said there has been a diminishment of
state support for fire station renovation, construction, and
capital needs. The lack of funding is evidenced by some of the
identified needs. He directed the question to Chief Kuiper.
8:28:22 AM
CHIEF KUIPER said all efforts to find funding has been
exhausted. There was some opportunity through AFT on a federal
level, but capacity is limited. There are also federal brick
grants and others that departments have applied for
unsuccessfully.
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND shared his understanding that fire
stations are fairly integrated facilities and expressed concern
that "fire station grants" is too prescriptive for these multi-
layered funding streams.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE shared his belief that local entities
could piece together funding streams for a more comprehensive
renovation. He added that whether grant program is too limiting
would depend on the regulations and criteria for program
eligibility. He opined that the bill, as written, would offer
enough flexibility, but welcomed further input.
8:32:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HALL asked whether the 50 percent match is a
traditional percentage split for similar programs; additionally,
she asked whether the intent is to braid funding with public and
private dollars through the course of the program.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE shared his belief that yes, funding could
be braided and offered to follow up on the 50 percent match.
8:33:41 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether the list in members' packets of new
fire station construction and renovated projects is
comprehensive.
CHIEF KUIPER yes, the list is the comprehensive list that's
dynamic and constantly updated. He added that with new
construction estimates, the list increased by $30 million in
construction costs over the past yar.
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether there is a need to cast the net
wider to capture the needs of smaller communities.
MR. KUIPER responded that it was created as a preliminary list
to identify need across Alaska. He added that the intent is to
ensure that every community in Alaska is aware of the program.
8:36:45 AM
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether the Division of Community &
Regional Affairs is involved in efforts to identify community
needs for fire stations and facilities.
SANDRA MOLLER, Director, Division of Community & Regional
Affairs, Department of Commerce, Community & Economic
Development, answered no, not at this time.
CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether the division would have the
capacity to identify community needs for public safety
facilities.
MS. MOLLER said it depends on how robust the program would be.
8:39:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked whether public safety facilities
and other community infrastructure is catalogued.
MS. MOLLER responded yes, there is a community database online
that's fairly robust; however at present, it does not track this
specific need, but it could be added.
CHIEF KUIPER said if the program were enacted, AFCA would work
with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Ms. Moller to
update the database.
8:41:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether Department of Commerce,
Community & Economic Development (DCCED) has a capital
improvements list from municipal governments.
MS. MOLLER answered no, there's no database for unmet needs.
8:44:05 AM
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked how the funding would be dispersed.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said as currently proposed, regulation
would determine the disbursement of funding. The legislature
would appropriate money to the fund, which would allow the
department to provide grants of up to 50 percent of the cost of
the renovation or new construction.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT said she would like to see some parity
between urban and rural that's not guaranteed in regulation.
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the bill sponsor had explored
funding mechanisms other than the general fund (GF).
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE answered no.
CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT shared her understanding that when another
state approves a capital project, they put aside 3 percent for
maintenance. She asked whether that would feel like overreach
to the bill sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he would need more information on
the structure of that program. Nonetheless, he said he was open
to exploring options.
[HB 207 was held over.]
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 207 - Sponsor Statement 4.30.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 Version A (34-LS0913A) 4.25.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 Sectional Analysis - Version A 4.30.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 Fiscal Note - DCCED-DCRA 5.2.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HB 207 - AFCA Letter of Support 5.5.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM HCRA 5/13/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |
| HCRA Presentation by RurALCAP 5.6.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM |
RurAL CAP |
| HB 207 Presentation - Fire Station Grant Program 5.6.25.pdf |
HCRA 5/6/2025 8:00:00 AM |
HB 207 |