Legislature(2021 - 2022)ADAMS 519
05/04/2022 01:30 PM House FINANCE
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB183 | |
| SB20 | |
| HB283 | |
| Public Testimony | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 183 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 20 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 120 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 283 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE BILL NO. 283
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, reappropriations, and other
appropriations; making supplemental appropriations;
and providing for an effective date."
4:06:09 PM
Co-Chair Merrick relayed that public testimony would be
taken from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. She provided the email
address and call-in numbers.
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY
4:06:13 PM
BRYAN HAWKINS, CITY OF HOMER AND ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF
HARBOR MASTERS & PORT ADMINISTRATOR, HOMER (via
teleconference), supported the $750,000 in the capital
budget to complete the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers general
investigation for Homer's large vessel port expansion
project. He highlighted the funding was important match
funding of $750,000 set aside by the City of Homer and it
would leverage $1.5 million in federal funds. He shared
that the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly and Alaska
federal delegation were aligned in their support for the
project. The project was the district's top capital
priority. Additionally, he urged full funding of
$20,160,000 for the Municipal Harbor Grant Program. He
stated that the program was an equitable and effective
mechanism for completing deferred maintenance projects.
4:08:49 PM
BRUCE FRIEND, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified
in support of the bill. He shared that he was an active
member of the Homer Marine Trades Association. He provided
information about the organization. The organization was
intimately involved in the expansion of the harbor; it was
an extremely important addition to the current port. He
emphasized the need for the harbor expansion. He noted it
would bring commerce to the area and would provide
alternate port capability in the event of a disruption in
traffic in Cook Inlet.
4:11:23 PM
JON ERICKSON, CITY MANAGER, YAKUTAT (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for its work in the current year. He
had seen significant progress. He highlighted the
community's PFAS problem. He shared that he had spoken with
the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the
Congressional delegation to get PFAS funded to take care of
the airport. He spoke to the importance of funding sewer
and water projects. He spoke in support of the Municipal
Harbor Grant Program.
4:13:12 PM
BAL DREYFUS, MATSON, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for the opportunity to testify. He
detailed that Matson was a leading ocean carrier cargo
providing lifeline services to three Alaskan ports. He
requested the committee's support for Port of Alaska
funding. He stated that the port received 50 percent of the
state's incoming goods that 90 percent of Alaskans relied
on. He spoke to various communities that relied on the
shipments. He stressed that the port was the only
Southcentral Alaska facility with waterfront infrastructure
and workforce to support the cargo needs. He shared that
port users, the Municipality of Anchorage, and the
Anchorage Assembly were aligned in support for the project.
He highlighted various support for the project. He stressed
the need to fund the state's most critical infrastructure
projects. He supported a $200 million appropriation and
$200 million in matching funds as currently outlined in the
bill.
Representative Rasmussen stated there was another version
of a budget bill that included $25 million for the port.
She asked if it would be a sufficient contribution from the
state.
Mr. Dreyfus replied in the negative.
4:16:24 PM
BOB SCANLON, CEO, BLOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for the Blood Bank's
inclusion in the budget. He requested a $3 million
increment in the capital budget. He stated that funding
would allow the blood bank to end a serious vulnerability
to Alaska's blood supply by making the blood bank wholly
self-sufficient. He detailed that the funds would be used
to create instate donor testing and laboratory services. He
shared that donor testing currently done out of state was a
substantial bottleneck and ongoing dangerous vulnerability
for the state, impacting blood supply operations, routine
operations, medical trauma, and/or states of emergency. He
spoke to other benefits of instate donor testing and self-
sufficiency. Self-sufficiency would assure predictability,
consistency, versatility, and shorter response times in the
event of disaster.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if the blood bank had received funds
in the capital budget in the past.
Mr. Scanlon replied that the blood bank had received
appropriations in the past for the construction of the
Blood Center in Anchorage.
4:19:44 PM
MIKE BROWN, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), appreciated
state support for the Arctic Winter Games. He stated that a
$1 million appropriation would assist with hosting the
games. He supported a request for transportation system
funding. He shared that the assembly had put several
transportation projects before voters, which were approved
by a nearly two to one margin. The city was requesting
state support as the borough had already appropriated
several million dollars to the projects. He detailed it was
a way for the state to partner with a local government
match. He shared that a 50 percent match would total $30
million. The city would appreciate consideration of an
increment of at least $20 million. The borough appreciated
the inclusion of funds for a first responder training
facility. The assembly had already appropriated matching
funding. He asked the committee to continue to support the
request. He thanked the committee for its service.
4:21:59 PM
DOUGLAS OLERUD, MAYOR, HAINES (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Haines Borough Lutak dock
rehabilitation project. He shared that the community had
received a $20 million federal grant that was dependent on
a 20 percent match. The borough had put $2.4 million
towards a long awaited overhaul of the dock that was
crumbling and had holes in the concrete decking. All of the
fuel and freight for the community arrived at the dock. He
provided detail on the request for $3.2 million to complete
the match for the shovel ready project. He thanked the
committee.
Representative Rasmussen reviewed the numbers provided by
Mr. Olerud.
Mr. Olerud replied affirmatively.
4:23:46 PM
EDNA DEVRIES, MAYOR, MAT-SU BOROUGH, PALMER (via
teleconference), thanked the legislature for including $1
million for the Arctic Winter Games. She thanked the
legislature for funding for the first responder training
facility. She spoke to the importance of proper training.
She requested additional funds for transportation project
package that the voters approved two to one in a recent
election. The borough had already contributed 27 percent of
the total amount. She spoke to the importance of road
improvements to handle increased traffic resulting from
population growth.
4:26:03 PM
CARA DURR, FOOD BANK OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of items for food
security in Alaska. She highlighted that between years of
lean budgets and a pandemic the Food Bank saw record
numbers of Alaskans in need of its services. She reported
that the state's food bank and food pantry system was
strained. She stressed that a dramatic spike in costs drove
increased need and operational challenges. The budget
request would go far in addressing the problems. The funds
would address critical capital needs such as refrigeration,
vehicles, space modifications, and other. The investments
would increase the organization's ability to distribute
food. She provided additional program information and
benefits. She appreciated the committee's consideration.
Representative Rasmussen asked if Ms. Durr saw the Port of
Alaska as an area that could jeopardize food security if it
was not addressed.
Ms. Durr replied affirmatively. She shared that the Food
Bank received much of its food through the port. The
organization was in support of funding for the Port of
Alaska.
4:28:31 PM
JOHN HANDELAND, MAYOR, CITY OF NOME, NOME (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of the Port of Nome state
matching funds. He stressed that matching funding was
needed immediately, and any delay risked losing the
opportunity to build the port. He detailed that the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers released $250 million in federal
dollars. He provided detail about the project and work done
to bring it to fruition. He shared that Nome's economy was
struggling. He stated that the port would have long-term
economic benefits to the region. He spoke to other sectors
that would benefit.
4:31:18 PM
SARAH KATHRYN BRYAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the AWAIC shelter and transitional
living renovation projects for a 67-bed emergency shelter
and 10-bed transitional housing program. The project would
impact the lives of hundreds of victims escaping from
abusive situations. She spoke about the organization's
mission to provide shelter for female and male victims of
domestic violence and sexual assault. The shelter would
save lives. The increment was for $347,000. She thanked the
committee for its consideration.
4:32:48 PM
DIANNE HOLMES, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the Port of Alaska. She stated
that the port served most of Alaska. She emphasized that
other projects would cost more for materials and equipment
if the port project did not occur. She stated that the port
deserved to be funded at a higher level than the level she
had heard was in the budget. She asked the committee to
support the port's replacement.
Representative Rasmussen stated that the House version of
the bill included $200 million with $200 million in
matching funds. She believed the other body had $25 million
for the project in its version of the budget. She asked if
Ms. Holmes believed $25 million was insufficient or the
$200 million was insufficient.
Ms. Holmes stated that $200 million was not adequate for a
$1 billion project.
Co-Chair Merrick replied that the budget included $200
million in addition to up to $200 million in matching
funds. If the federal funds were secured, the amount would
be up to $600 million. She noted the $600 million was the
original request.
4:35:25 PM
JASON LESSARD, NAMI ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), provided details about his affiliation and
work with various entities. He supported $1.5 million for
Careline Alaska to rebuild its facility. He spoke to the
effectiveness of the Careline component. He stated that 90
percent of the calls could be handled at the call center
level and did not require any additional response. He asked
the committee to consider adding behavioral health
treatment capacity funding. He stated it had been a number
of years since the continuum of care had received an influx
of cash for capital improvements. He spoke in support of
funding for the Port of Alaska. He stressed that the port
was in dire need and the state depended on the port for
food security.
Co-Chair Merrick clarified that the House version included
$1.5 million for the Careline.
Representative LeBon stated that approximately $275,000
would likely be sufficient as Careline was not looking to
purchase a building currently.
4:38:41 PM
MARGARET HENSON, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
KOTZEBUE (via teleconference), spoke in favor of money for
the Alaska Technical Center student/family housing. She
provided detail about the district. The center provided
training in construction, health occupations, culinary
arts, and technology. The Red Dog Mine and the Ambler
mining belt was located in the region. She shared that
employment opportunities in the region frequently went to
non-local individuals. She elaborated that while many
residents desired to obtain certification to pursue career
opportunities, the individuals were having difficulty
securing necessary housing while attending training. She
requested $1.2 million for the project. They were confident
other funding partners would be available.
4:42:00 PM
PAUL OSTRANDER, CITY MANAGER, KENAI (via teleconference),
thanked the committee for the inclusion of $6.5 million for
the Kenai River bluff stabilization project. He thanked
Representative Carpenter and Co-Chair Merrick for including
the increment. He detailed that the funding would be
combined with $5.25 million from the City of Kenai. The
funds would be leveraged with $22 million to $23 million of
federal funding. It had been a top priority capital need
for at least 30 years and was a critical step in the
revitalization of oldtown Kenai, which was an area of
cultural and historical significance. There had been no
capital investing in the area for at least three decades
and the bluff continued to erode at three feet annually.
The project would stabilize the bluff. He thanked the
committee for the opportunity to testify.
4:44:24 PM
ROBIN MINARD, MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION, WASILLA (via
teleconference), asked for additional funding to support
behavioral health treatment capacity. She spoke to the
importance in access to healthcare. The funding would be
needed even in normal times; however, life post-COVID-19
was anything but normal. She highlighted examples. There
was more need now more than ever for behavioral health
support. She thanked the committee.
4:45:57 PM
KELLY LESSENS, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), highlighted the district's backlog in
deferred maintenance, which exceeded more than $800
million. She supported the $100 million for major
maintenance in the capital budget. She stated the funding
would allow the district to move forward on updates to
enable children to attend school in safe conditions.
Representative Rasmussen asked if the board had a position
on the Port of Alaska.
Ms. Lessens answered that it was not something the board
had engaged with. She noted that the district's supplies
came in and out of the port. She referenced food security
and supplies for capital projects that came through the
port. She personally supported action on securing a
functional port.
Representative Rasmussen asked how many students received
meals through the district.
Ms. Lessens answered that more than half of the district's
students were economically disadvantaged. She believed all
children were eligible for meals nationwide. She did not
have the exact figures, but she could follow up with the
information.
4:49:06 PM
HEIDI HILL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of $347,000 for AWAIC's shelter and transitional
living renovation project. She highlighted the terrible
rates of domestic violence in Alaska. She provided detail
about the existing shelter. She stated that the shelter
provided housing for domestic violence and sexual assault
victims. She saw the impact of the programs on the lives of
individuals on a daily basis. She relayed that the repairs
would be significant in terms of support for victims. She
appreciated the committee's support.
4:50:39 PM
BRENDA MOORE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
for support of $11 million for behavioral health treatment
capacity. Needs had risen and the pandemic had
substantially impacted behavioral health, yet the capacity
to treat behavioral health in Alaska had not seen
significant investment. She thanked the committee for its
commitment to Alaskans.
4:52:27 PM
DAVID KARP, SALTCHUK, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for the Port of Alaska. He
represented multiple port users. He believed there was a
significant role for the state, federal government, and
users to cover funding for the infrastructure project. He
had witnessed multiple starts and stops on the project
during his three years on the project. He stated that each
iteration of the project over the years resulted in lost
time and additional expense. They reached a moment in time
where there was an agreed upon scope of work, timeline, and
price. He implored parties to understand that each day
wasted created additional exposure for the majority of the
state's population as it pertained to the potential for a
catastrophic failure of the existing facility. It was
critical infrastructure that was currently at risk. He
urged support of funding in HB 283.
4:54:38 PM
ERIC WYATT, PRESIDENT, ALASKA MARICULTURE ALLIANCE (via
teleconference), testified in support of a one-time funding
request for a mariculture matching grant program with a
goal to double private investment. He shared that the
program was supported by existing farmers and new entrants.
Product demand had increased substantially in recent years.
He spoke to the demand for shellfish. The program would
allow the disbursement of funds to opportunities maximizing
industry growth in the future.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked about the amount of the funding
request.
Mr. Wyatt replied that the original ask was $25 million in
the governor's budget request.
4:56:42 PM
GALE VANDOR, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), thanked the
committee for including funding for the United Human
Services Teal Street center. She strongly supported service
coordination in one building ensure comprehensive planning
to provide assistance to people with disabilities that
would enable them to remain in their homes and communities.
Services would also be made available to patrons of the
Glory Hall. She highlighted the resource room in the center
that would enhance services for disabled persons in
Southeast. She provided details about the center and
clinic. The project had been in the works for more than a
decade. She appreciated the committee's time and attention.
4:59:05 PM
KURT BUCHHOLZ, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference),
supported the Blood Bank of Alaska funds to build a testing
lab. He was a practicing physician and had been a Blood
Bank medical director for several facilities. He shared
information about his work with the Blood Bank. The Blood
Bank provided sufficient blood to handle trauma and it had
been a great partner responding to facilities' medical
needs. The two elements that were incomplete included
performing testing on all of the blood units and testing
blood in the current environment was the safest it had ever
been. He spoke to the importance of reference labs in rural
communities. Moving the work to Anchorage would provide a
quicker response in critical situations in order to give
the proper, compatible blood.
5:01:58 PM
VIRGIE THOMPSON, MAYOR, CITY OF HOUSTON, HOUSTON (via
teleconference), requested the inclusion of the city of
Houston's installation of a natural gasline, which also
included the extension of power to areas that were
currently off-grid. The project would provide safe and
cost-effective heating fuel for residents and would improve
the cost of living for all impacted residents. The request
was for $993,410. She asked for support for the
construction of a commercial building to house fire
department and public works supplies, which would provide
fire protection to surrounding areas. She supported $1.2
million for the Houston school's campus paved walking
bicycle pathway. She provided detail on the benefits of the
pathway. She spoke in support of $723,000 for Bear Paw
activities park recreational area.
Representative Rasmussen asked how much Houston had
contributed towards the requests.
Ms. Thompson answered that the community currently had no
contributions to the natural gas project. She added it
would be shovel ready because there was only institution
installing natural gas. The city owned the property for the
fire station. The community did not have any contributions
for the pathway, and it owned the property and had the
design phase completed for the activities park.
Representative Josephson referenced the natural gas
infrastructure with a cost of $993,000.
Ms. Thompson agreed that it would cost $993,410 to put
natural gas in three sections of the city, which would
affect approximately 600 people.
Representative Josephson asked how much the fire station
cost was.
Ms. Thompson answered, "$2.5 million."
Representative Johnson thanked Ms. Thompson for calling in.
Ms. Thompson added her support for behavioral health
funding. She shared it took her granddaughter 17 hours for
intake when she had extreme need.
5:06:41 PM
BRYAN HAUGSEAD, AWAIC, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported funding for AWAIC, which gave critical aid to
victims of domestic violence. He asked the committee to
support the request the renovation of the AWAIC facilities.
He encouraged funding for the Blood Bank of Alaska. He had
personally had to leave the state for medical care and the
funding would be significant for everyone in Alaska.
5:07:21 PM
CLAY BEZENEK, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), shared
a food safety and biological issue had been identified in
the fall. He had been working with Vice-Chair Ortiz on the
issue. He requested support for a remote operated vehicle
(ROV) that went to a depth of 200 meters that would be used
to survey rockfish stocks in Southeast Alaska. Rockfish was
an important food staple for the community. He relayed that
the ROV would be used to survey from Sitka to the inside
waters of Ketchikan. There was currently one ROV located in
Homer that was only available for Southeast for three days
per year. He noted the community was not attached to the
road system and if there was a calamitous event, the
community would need to harvest out of the ocean.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked about the current status of local
residents' ability to harvest rockfish. He stated his
understanding it was limited.
Mr. Bezenek answered that they could not harvest any yellow
eye rockfish in Ketchikan. He detailed that the Board of
Fish had recently discussed the issue extensively. He
shared that it had been a crushing blow to the economy and
food safety.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked what the ROV would cost.
Mr. Bezenek replied it was a $250,000 purchase for a
machine that would last about 10 years. He detailed that
the Department of Fish and Game would come up with
surveying costs for the first year. He remarked that if the
issue would have been identified sooner it would have been
included in the budget in a different way. He appreciated
the support.
5:11:12 PM
PATRICK MAYER, SUPERINTENDENT, ALEUTIAN EAST BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, SAND POINT (via teleconference), thanked the
committee for its continued support of education in Alaska.
He supported school bond debt reimbursement and school
major maintenance. He shared that the funding would enable
districts to improve aging school buildings and ensure
students had a safe school environment. He highlighted the
increase in cost. The district had a structural roof and
foundation repairs to bring it up to ADA compliance. He
thanked the committee for making children a priority.
Vice-Chair Ortiz thanked Mr. Mayer.
5:12:46 PM
CHUCK HOMAN, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of $1.5 million for the Starner Bridge
replacement. The funding for maintaining and repairing the
roads was through local property taxes. He explained that
the taxes were split between road maintenance and capital
projects. He relayed the Starner Bridge was in poor
condition with a rating of three tons. There were concerns
the bridge would be closed by the bridge inspector and the
homes served by the bridge would be completely cut off. He
elaborated that the bridge was currently unsafe for
emergency vehicles. Funding the bridge replacement with
entirely local funds would wipe out the city's capital
projects budget for the year. He relayed that $1 million in
local tax dollars had been approved. He urged the committee
to include the $1.5 million.
5:14:39 PM
JOAN O'KEEFE, UNITED HUMAN SERVICES OF SOUTHEAST ALASKA,
JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in support of funding
for the Teal Street center social services hub in Juneau.
She detailed that the center would collocate nine
organizations in a hub to serve seniors, low income
individuals, and people with disabilities. She listed
various tenants. The center would also host providers in a
in a resource room to provide tools including employment
services, mental health education, legal resources, youth
mentoring, housing navigation, and disability access. She
provided additional details about the center. The
investment came at a critical point in the fundraising
effort. She highlighted escalated costs. The total project
had increased to over $10 million. She supported a $3.7
million increment.
5:16:50 PM
BRANDON CALCATERRA, SELF, EAGLE RIVER (via teleconference),
testified in support of $100 million for school major
maintenance and previous funding for school bond debt
reimbursement. He stressed the funding was critical to
ensure students had functional facilities. He thanked the
committee.
5:17:59 PM
JOY BAKER, CITY OF NOME, NOME (via teleconference), spoke
in support of $175 million for the Port of Nome. The
funding was needed to match the $250 million Army Corps
funding that would construct the only Arctic deep draft
port in the country. She spoke to the importance of the
Arctic port. She highlighted the benefits of the port
including food security, environmental safety, scientific
research, national security, and other. The current ability
to meet the needs in the Arctic were currently marginal at
best. She stated there were currently serious limitations
for providing response capacity for spill response and life
safety. She listed additional benefits of the port. She
spoke to developing resilient and stable infrastructure
necessary to support the national security fleet. The
increment was required by the corps. She thanked the
committee.
5:21:10 PM
JULIE DECKER, ALASKA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WRANGELL (via teleconference), spoke in
strong support for a $25 million mariculture matching grant
program included in the governor's capital budget. She
discussed that mariculture would benefit Alaska's
communities, environment, and economy. She highlighted it
was an opportunity to grow a new industry. Investing $25
million in state funds was a wise investment that would be
returned to the state through increased economic activity
for years to come. The funds would increase the trajectory
of the industry growth. She reviewed various growth
scenarios that depended on government investment.
5:23:45 PM
SUSANNE MARCHUK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA CARELINE,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), shared that she had been a
part of Careline for 16 years. She shared that Careline had
been a frontline of defense for Alaska's crisis care system
for nearly 20 years offering a statewide resource for
Alaska's most vulnerable. She highlighted the benefits of
the program. The entity was the only designated suicide
lifeline contact center in Alaska. She shared that the
center would begin receiving 988 contacts in July 2022.
Projections predicted nearly 45,000 contracts in FY 23,
which was a substantial increase. She shared that Careline
reduced the burden on law enforcement, EMS, and the
judicial system. She highlighted a lease agreement secured.
She believed it was in the best interest to purchase a
building. She thanked the committee.
5:26:25 PM
LAURA LANN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of $347,000 for the AWAIC transitional living
renovation project. The project was important to the
community because it provided critical renovation to the
67-bed emergency shelter and 10-bed transitional housing
facilities. She shared that AWAIC was the only provider of
emergency shelter and transitional housing for domestic
violence victims in Anchorage. The funds would address
multiple issues throughout the shelter and transitional
living facilities. She thanked the committee.
5:27:30 PM
JAN CAROLYN HARDY, STATE PRESIDENT, AFSCME, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), supported the proposal for a spending cap,
protection of the Permanent Fund, and energy relief
payments concurrent with the payment of the PFD. She stated
that the budget reversed cuts to human services. She
discussed that public health services had become more
significant and necessary over the past couple of years.
She discussed the need for long-term care for dementia and
Alzheimer's patients. She listed other health related needs
for individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral
health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and other. She
supported the inclusion of funds for education and school
bond debt reimbursement. She spoke in support of Pre-K and
WWAMI. She spoke in support of funding for the Port of
Alaska. She stated the port was critical to Arctic
commerce. She supported funding for the Port of Nome.
Representative Rasmussen thanked Ms. Hardy's comments in
support of the items.
5:30:49 PM
HEATHER MCCARTY, CENTRAL BEARING SEA FISHERMAN ASSOCIATION,
JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in support of $5 million
for the mariculture matching grant program. She highlighted
the original request for the program was $25 million and
she believed it could successfully support continued
mariculture growth and development in Alaska. She requested
an increased amount allocated to the program. She stated
that fully funding the program would provide stability and
potentially for shellfish enhancement. She stated that crab
had suffered over the past several years and was in a
disastrous situation. She provided detail about legislation
that was working to help.
5:33:22 PM
DAVE BRONSON, MAYOR, MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the Port of
Alaska and deep water Port of Nome. He stressed that the
projects were critical to the prosperity and security of
Alaskans. He stated that the ability to raise federal funds
for the port was directly related to the state funding
secured. He supported the HB 283 increments for the ports.
He stated failing to finance the Port of Alaska, the state
would face a humanitarian crisis if there was a seismic
event. He supported the $200 million appropriation with the
$200 million match for the Port of Anchorage.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if a spending plan had already been
submitted in regard to how $200 million would be used.
ROSS RISVOLD, FINANCE OFFICER, CITY OF ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), replied that the $200 million would be
committed funds for the cargo dock 1 and 2 replacements.
The funds would be committed to the $1.1 billion
replacement. The funds would not go to a particular item.
Representative Rasmussen stated the committee had heard
from several other local governments. She believed
Anchorage had contributed funding toward the project. She
asked for the figure.
Mr. Risvold replied that the municipality currently had
$222 million pf funds on hand. The municipality had
requested state funding in the amount of $600 million. The
port was seeking $281 million in federal funds. Anything
short of the State of Alaska request would be made up with
Port of Alaska revenue bonds.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if the city had submitted an
application for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
(IIJA) funds for the project.
Mr. Risvold answered that the plan finance included a
variety of fund sources including Port Infrastructure
Development Grants and RAISE grants in the $25 million
range. The port would also apply for IIJA funds as long as
it qualified.
Vice-Chair Ortiz asked if the port planned to apply for the
IIJA funds but had not yet done so.
Mr. Risvold answered affirmatively. He did not believe
applications were available yet.
Representative Josephson asked for verification that the
$281 million in federal funds was spread over many years.
Mr. Risvold answered that the port had a reasonable
expectation that the $281 million could be spread out over
more than one year.
Representative Josephson wondered how many years.
Mr. Risvold answered that the port needed to have committed
funds in place by 2025 totaling $1.1 billion. The port
would continue to pursue federal funding until that
timeframe and the municipal assembly would have to
authorize revenue bonds if the $1.1 billion had not been
achieved.
5:41:26 PM
SUZI PEARSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ABUSED WOMENS AID IN
CRISIS, requested $347,000 for the AWAIC shelter and
transitional living renovations project. She provided
detail on the project that would allow AWAIC to address
multiple issues in all of the facilities. She relayed there
were additional fund sources being used to support the
project. She thanked the committee.
STEVE WILLIAMS, ALASKA MENTAL HEALTH TRUST AUTHORITY,
JUNEAU, spoke in support of $8 million to stand up crisis
stabilization services in Anchorage. The increment would
enable Alaska to stand up the first 23-hour crisis
stabilization facility in the state. He elaborated on the
benefits of the project. He testified in support of funding
for the Careline, which was the first response to someone
in a behavioral health crisis.
Representative Josephson thought he had seen the number $9
million for the center.
Mr. Williams believed the increment was $8 million but he
was not positive.
Representative Josephson asked where the facility site was
located.
Mr. Williams believed it was the old Alaska Psychiatric
Institute (API) facility off of Piper.
5:45:15 PM
TOM CHARD, ALASKA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), requested an addition of $11 million
for behavioral health treatment capacity. He spoke to the
dramatic increase in need during COVID. He reviewed the
benefits of the treatment services. He spoke about
legislation that had authorized the use of 1115 Medicaid
waivers for behavioral health and substance abuse. Capital
funding would help recruit and retain counselors, upgrade
electronic health systems, and other. He thanked the
committee.
5:47:08 PM
MARIYA LOVISHCHUK, THE GLORY HALL, JUNEAU (via
teleconference), testified in support for funding for the
United Human Services on Teal Street Center. She provided
detail on the center. She stated that collocating the
services would move the needle on homelessness. She stated
that homelessness was a problem and difficulty getting to
appropriate resources was a problem. The project would
improve service delivery and was in the right place at the
right time. She thanked the committee.
5:48:34 PM
BRUCE BUSTAMANTE, ANCHORAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke to the mission to support
growth and success for members and economic strength and
resiliency for Anchorage. He spoke in support of funding
for the Port of Alaska. The current port was beyond
disrepair. The port was the highest priority of the
Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. He spoke to the assets of
the port. He cited a study by the McDowell Group
highlighting the port's critical nature. He supported a
$200 million appropriation and $200 million match.
5:51:20 PM
JERRY JENKINS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), asked
for additional funding for behavioral health treatment
capacity. He thanked the committee for taking his
testimony.
5:52:03 PM
MORIA SMITH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), thanked
the committee for including $100 million for school major
maintenance. She thanked the committee for funding school
bond debt reimbursement in the operating budget. She stated
that her son's elementary school was in sore need of
improvements. She thanked the committee.
5:53:21 PM
JULIA LUEY, VOA ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
provided information about VOA Alaska that provided
therapeutic services to youths and their families. She
listed attributes of the program. She thanked the
legislature for including $960,000 for VOA's school-based
mental health program. She requested support for behavioral
health treatment capacity. She stated that with the
Medicaid 1115 transformation, providers could not stand up
new service lines without funds. She highlighted the youth
mental health crisis impacting youth in Alaska. She
discussed the large increase in calls and in suicidal
inclination. She provided further detail. She urged the
committee to prioritize youth mental health.
Co-Chair Merrick remarked that she had visited the VOA
facility and had been very impressed.
5:56:29 PM
JESSICA LEONARD, SELF, HOUSTON (via teleconference),
requested the addition of City of Houston capital projects
to the capital budget. She spoke in support of funds of the
local fire station and public works facility. She supported
pathways for the local school, which had been needed for a
long time. She noted dangerous traffic in the area. She
spoke in support of funding for the Bear Paw Park. She
provided detail. She thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Merrick asked who the senator and representatives
were for Houston.
Ms. Leonard did not know.
5:59:10 PM
HALEY JOHNSON, ALASKA TRAILS, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of Alaska trails. She
thanked the legislature for support for the Alaska long
trail in the past. She supported funding for land and water
conservation fund, recreational trails program, fee
stations for state parks, and sanitation and deferred
maintenance funds for state parks. She stressed that state
managed public lands were in dire need of funding for
recreational purposes. She encouraged additional funding
for public use cabins.
6:01:08 PM
DR. GENE QUINN, ALASKA HEART INSTITUTE, ALASKA HEALTH
INFORMATION EXCHANGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
shared information about his work with the Alaska Health
Information Exchange. He took care of individuals who had
heart attacks. He did not always have patient's records.
The Health Information Exchange provided a way to transfer
records. He noted there had been a mistake in the budget.
The $6 million had been removed in the Senate because they
thought there was federal COVID relief funding available.
There was not. He was asking for the item to be included in
the budget to fund the Health Information Exchange for the
next two years. He stated the federal government and the
state had put tens of millions of dollars into creating the
infrastructure. He appreciated the committee's
consideration of reinserting the item in the budget, which
was critical infrastructure for Alaska's healthcare system.
Representative Josephson had heard about the funding source
problem. He hoped the issue could be fixed.
Co-Chair Merrick asked if Dr. Quinn was working with
someone in the Senate to offer an amendment on the Senate
floor.
Dr. Quinn referenced lobbyists for the Health Information
Exchange. He relayed there were multiple individuals
working on the issue including the commissioner and Dr.
Anne Zink. He was happy to reach out to someone if he
needed to.
Representative Rasmussen suggested the issue should be
brought to Senator Mia Costello's attention as well.
6:05:57 PM
DONNA ADERHOLD, HOMER CITY COUNCIL, HOMER (via
teleconference), appreciated the $750,000 for a general
investigation study for the harbor's large vessel expansion
project. The funds would match funds the city had already
set aside in addition to federal funds. The city had
outgrown its current harbor. She thanked the legislature
for including full funding for the municipal harbor grant
program. She spoke to the benefits of the program.
6:07:25 PM
ED HENDRICKSON, ANCHORAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the growth
and support of business. He supported the Port of Alaska.
He detailed that the current port had reached the end of
its life and had experienced severe corrosion. He stressed
the need for urgency. He supported the $200 million
included in HB 283. He stated that the port supported
military operations in Alaska, the Arctic, and the Pacific
Rim. He stressed the importance could not be over
emphasized. He stated failure to act was not an option. He
thanked the committee for its support.
6:09:52 PM
POLLYBETH ODOM, SELF, MAT-SU VALLEY (via teleconference),
asked for support for additional funding for behavioral
health treatment capacity. She had seen an increased need
for services and less money for services needed. She
requested support for AWAIC and the Port of Alaska.
Representative Rasmussen thanked Ms. Odom for calling in
support of the port.
6:11:17 PM
CARL WEISNER, NORTHWEST ARCTIC BOROUGH, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), testified in support of a $1.5 million
request for a public safety facilities for the villages of
the Northwest Arctic Borough to store firefighting and
search and rescue equipment in order for communities to
have access to the equipment when needed. He stressed that
outdoor temperatures made things difficult. He shared four
members of a family had lost their lives in a house fire
the previous month. He elaborated that the equipment the
community had been attempting to use had been frozen. He
thanked the committee.
6:12:58 PM
CHRIS MANCULICH, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Port of Alaska. He
stated that a catastrophic failure of the current port
would cost the lives of longshoremen would be lost.
Additionally, an even would impact food security. He
supported any money they could get immediately.
Representative Rasmussen asked if the $25 million proposed
in the Senate would be sufficient to meet the needs.
Mr. Manculich answered that he thought the increment was
$200 million.
Representative Rasmussen clarified that the House version
included $200 million with a $200 million match whereas the
Senate version included $25 million with a $25 million
match.
Mr. Manculich answered that $25 million was not sufficient
when talking about a $1.2 billion project. He highlighted
longshoremen had worked at the port during the pandemic
with no plumbing because it had been frozen. He stated
there had been a lot of deferment waiting for funds that
were not there. Without complete funding, the project would
still be in limbo.
6:15:36 PM
CARTER COLE, CITY OF HOUSTON COUNCIL MEMBER, HOUSTON (via
teleconference), thanked the committee for the opportunity
to testify. He was in support of funding highlighted by the
Houston mayor earlier in the meeting. He supported a
project related to natural gas in the community. He shared
that the project plan had originally been driven by
residents, but there was no funding mechanism within the
city to help them. He worked with the third-party gas
supplier have gas costs as reasonable as possible. He
remarked it was rare to find unanimous consent by the
public. The projects were well-supported.
6:17:23 PM
SUZANNE LAFRANCE, ANCHORAGE ASSEMBLY, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Port
of Alaska. She discussed that rebuilding the port had been
an ongoing priority for the assembly and of the current and
prior administrations. She supported a request to assist
with repair, design, and modernization. She asked for
continued support for the port. She listed stakeholders who
were united around the plan. She shared that an investment
would help in the pursuit of federal funds and would reduce
the amount borne by most Alaskans through tariffs. She
thanked the committee.
6:19:12 PM
KATIE BETHARD, SEAWOLF HOCKEY ALLIANCE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in favor of $340,000 for upgrades to
the UAA sports center. She shared information about the
volunteer alliance. She stated that previously the
organization had raised over $3 million through private
donations during COVID to save the hockey team from
elimination. The organization was asking for some state
funding to make improvements to keep spectators and the fan
base safe. The current bleacher situation was unsafe. The
money would go toward the installation of new bleacher
seating and a jumbotron. She thanked the committee for its
time.
6:22:13 PM
GEORGIANA PAGE, HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of funding for the Health
Information Exchange. She provided details about the
exchange and its benefits. She stated that a loss of the
exchange would be a major setback and would place an undue
burden on public health employees and lead to reporting
delays. She stated that the exchange had played a vital
role in COVID test results reporting. She provided further
detail about the operations of the exchange. She asked the
committee to consider the funding.
6:24:34 PM
CARLIN EVANOFF, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Health Information Exchange.
The exchange provided point of care access. The exchange
provided care coordination and other serving individual
Alaskans and reducing the overall cost of healthcare in
Alaska. The secure storage of health data would allow for
analysis of healthcare gaps, needs for services, and
allocation of healthcare resources to those needing it the
most. She requested support for the exchange to support
individuals, public health, and pandemic management.
6:26:54 PM
STEVE NERLAND, MIRACLE LEGION BASEBALL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of a $200,000 request for
Miracle Legion Baseball. He shared information about the
legion. There was seasonal maintenance and the legion paid
umpires. There was no building for the organization, and it
had low operational cost. The funds would go toward working
with matching grants from private organizations for various
fields statewide. He thanked the committee.
6:29:05 PM
NORIA CLARK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Port of Alaska. She thanked
Representative Rasmussen in regard to the Sand Lake Road
study. She remarked on the lights on Sand Lake. She noted
there were safety issues on the road. She thought the
assembly needed to stop wasting the community's money. She
appreciated the state stepping in. She thanked the
committee for its hard work.
6:31:56 PM
TOM ATKINSON, CITY MANAGER, CITY OF KOTZEBUE, KOTZEBUE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Cape Blossom Port
and road. He shared that the city had been working on the
port for many years with other regional stakeholders.
Kotzebue was the gateway to 11 villages in the region and
represented about 10,000 residences. The project would help
reduce the cost of goods in the region. He highlighted that
many residents paid prices that were up to 61 percent
higher than Anchorage. He relayed it would be an economic
driver for the region. He provided detail about the current
status of the project. He spoke about an 11.5 mile road out
to the port site. Phase 2 of the road would cost was also a
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities project.
The community had received federal infrastructure funding
in the amount of $27.7 million. The estimates for the road
were between $40 million to $50 million, leaving a
shortfall of $13 or so million. The community had applied
for a federal RAISE grant in addition to another grant. The
port would be the only one above the Arctic Circle. He
hoped the committee would consider support for the project.
6:35:11 PM
JUNE ROGERS, FAIRBANKS CITY COUNCIL, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for a law
enforcement range and training facility. The current
facility was located on the Fairbanks International Airport
property and the rules made basic training difficult. In
2018 law enforcement agencies were notified the range would
be shut down. There was no other firearm range training
facility. A new facility would serve every local, state,
and federal law enforcement agency in Interior Alaska. A
professional training environment was essential. She
thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Merrick asked if the amount requested was $6
million.
Ms. Rogers answered in the affirmative. The estimate for
the range was $16 million and there was an additional $225
in a Department of Environmental Conservation grant to the
Alaska Peace Officers Association for the design of the
facility.
Co-Chair Merrick asked if it would be helpful to receive
half of the $6 million.
Ms. Rogers answered that everything was helpful. She added
that the City of North Pole was looking at the possibility
of donating land. She stated that looking at working
together to move forward was incredibly helpful.
6:38:28 PM
VICTORIA KILDAL, KODIAK AREA NATIVE ASSOCIATION, KODIAK
(via teleconference), asked for additional funding support
for behavioral health treatment capacity. She thanked the
committee.
6:39:04 PM
JOANN RIESELBACH, JUNEAU YOUTH SERVICES (JYS), JUNEAU (via
teleconference), requested $11 million for behavioral
health treatment capacity within the state. She spoke about
the services JYS provided to young people. The program
provided outpatient services and facility services.
Additional funds would enable the organization to increase
its capacity. She elaborated that the funding would allow
providers to better focus on youth crises. The absence of
funding hampered the ability to respond to the crisis. She
spoke to the need for funding for long-term strategic
planning. She thanked the committee.
6:41:56 PM
BRENT FISHER, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), shared
that he worked for JYS. He asked for support for behavioral
health treatment capacity. He thanked the committee.
6:42:40 PM
TIM POTTER, ANCHORAGE SKATES, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), underscored the need for behavioral health
services and facilities to diagnose, treat, and make
headway with the local population. He strongly supported
funding for the Port of Alaska. He stressed that if the
current port failed, the whole state would be in trouble.
He highlighted a request of $650,000 for a year-round
warming facility chalet for Anchorage Skates at the Cuddy
Family Midtown Park in Anchorage. He elaborated that the
park was used by residents and tourists. He had been in an
office located directly next to the park. He stated the
park was a huge benefit for mental health. The chalet would
allow for increased user safety and would help families
with small kids. He thanked the committee for its time.
Representative Josephson thanked Mr. Potter for his
testimony.
6:46:24 PM
RICHARD TULUK, CITY OF CHEVAK, CHEVAK (via teleconference),
testified in support of airport improvement funding for the
Chevak airport. He stated the funding was critical for the
city. Additionally, Chevak was designated as a postal hub
serving six other communities. He spoke to the importance
of addressing the needs of supplies and goods coming into
the airport to meet the needs of economic success for
communities. He discussed it would improve services for
villages around Bethel. He stated that airline companies
would benefit from increased service, and it would benefit
the community. The airport would most importantly help the
City of Chevak when it built a hotel to accommodate
visitors from an ecotourism program. It would also enable
residents to develop small business opportunities. He
thanked the committee.
Co-Chair Merrick CLOSED public testimony.
6:49:28 PM
AT EASE
6:54:22 PM
RECONVENED
Co-Chair Merrick noted the meeting would adjourn.
HB 283 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Research Dept.Defense Military Spouses.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Research ECS policy resources 3.19.2021.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Sectional version W.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert-Reciprocity Summary of Changes Version G to W.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| SB 20 TeacherCert_Reciprocity Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 20 |
| HB183 Amendments 1-2 050322.pdf |
HFIN 5/4/2022 1:30:00 PM |
HB 183 |