Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/05/2000 01:50 PM 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. 362
"An Act authorizing the exchange of land between the
Alaska Railroad Corporation and Eklutna, Inc., between
the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the United States
Department of the Army and the United States Department
of the Air Force, between the Alaska Railroad
Corporation and Chugach Alaska Corporation, and between
the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Municipality of
Anchorage; and providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE LISA MURKOWSKI, SPONSOR testified in support
of the legislation. She noted that House Bill 362
authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to enter into
several land exchange agreements needed for a track upgrade
and realignment project.
The bill approves exchanges of Railroad landholdings for
equivalently valued land owned by the Air Force and Army on
Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson, Ekiutna, Inc., Chugach
Alaska Corporation and the Municipality of Anchorage, and
certain landowners in the Birchwood area.
Federal legislation is also necessary because of the land
swap with the military. The Alaska Railroad Corporation
(ARRC) is working with the Washington delegation to get
this passed.
The exchanges outlined in HB 362 will allow the ARRC's
track realignment project between Anchorage and Wasilla to
proceed, and will also allow the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities to relocate a portion
of the Seward Highway just north of Seward.
Upgrading and realigning the track will increase safety and
efficiency. Straighter track is safer due to reduced track
and equipment wear, consistency in train handling,
increased sight distance, and reduced maintenance
requirements.
Running time between Anchorage and Wasilla would also be
decreased from 95 minutes to 53 minutes, making commuter
service more viable.
The railroad plans an investment of $45-60 million for the
improvements. These funds will come from federal
transportation grants as well as the ARRC's operating
revenues. No general funds will be required.
Representative J. Davies questioned the impact on the
highway system.
WENDY LINDSKOOG, ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION (ARRC) provided
information on the legislation. She explained that grade
separated crossing at the military base would be paid by the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. The
movement of the tracks helps to facilitate the department's
work. The cost of the grade separated crossing at Beach Lake
Park would be incurred by the railroad. The grade separated
crossing along the Seward Highway is a Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities' project. The
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has asked
the railroad to move the track over through land exchanges
to accommodate the project.
Co-Chair Mulder questioned if there is a plan to relocate
fiber optic cable. Ms. Lindskoog affirmed that the plan is
to relocate the fiber optic cable so that it would remain
within the railroad right-of-way. This is part of the
railroad's cost.
In response to a question by Representative Phillips, Ms.
Lindskoog affirmed that arrangements have been made with the
military.
Representative Phillips questioned if the rails between
Wassila and Anchorage would support a fast train and if
there is an ability to lease out the tracks for a commuter
fast track.
CRAIG HUGHES, PROJECT ENGINEER, ALASKA RAILROAD CORPORATION
(ARRC) testified via teleconference. He noted that the
railroad had not looked at the market for a commuter
service. He stressed that travel time would be reduced from
95 minutes to 53 minutes. The improved track would support a
train operating at 50 miles an hour. The rail currently runs
at 35 miles an hour. Representative Phillips noted that
Amtrak operates at 75 to 80 miles an hour. Mr. Hughes
responded that the tracks would not support a train
operating at 75 - 80 miles an hour.
Representative J. Davies questioned if there has been a cost
analysis of what it would take to support a 75 to 80 miles
an hour computer rail. Mr. Hughes responded that the cost of
the project has not been figured at anything over 60 miles
an hour.
Ms. Lindskoog pointed out that light and heavy rail cannot
be mixed.
Representative Grussendorf questioned if there has been
discussion of game on tracks. Mr. Hughes explained that they
found that snow depth is a greater factor than speed.
In response to a question by Co-Chair Mulder, Ms. Lindskoog
observed that the interest of the Chugaik Corporation is in
Seward.
Co-Chair Therriault questioned if the language on page 3,
lines 2 - 16 were absolutely necessary for the legislation.
(a) Contingent upon the conveyance to the Alaska
Railroad Corporation by the Chugach Alaska Corporation
of an equivalent interest in real property onto which
the railroad utility corridor may be relocated, the
Alaska Railroad Corporation is authorized to convey the
corporation's entire interest in approximately 6.4
acres of railroad utility corridor between railroad
mileposts 14 and 15, within Township 2 North, Range 1
East, Sections 6 and 7, Seward Meridian, to the Chugach
Alaska Corporation.
(b) The conveyances described in this section are made
for the purpose of realignment of the railroad to allow
relocation of the Seward Highway by the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities to improve highway
operations and enhance safety.
(c) Land conveyed by the Chugach Alaska Corporation to
the Alaska Railroad Corporation shall be held and
managed by the Alaska Railroad Corporation in
accordance with AS 42.40.
(d) This section constitutes legislative approval
under AS 42.40.285(1) for the Alaska Railroad
Corporation to convey its entire interest in the land
described in (a) of this section.
Ms. Lindskoog responded that the language is not necessary
for straightening of the track. She emphasized support for
creating a grade-separated crossing that would help the
general safety of the public. She thought that the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities would
view the language as important.
In response to a question by Representative J. Davies,
Representative Murkowski stressed the importance of
straightening the track and did not want to see the bill
derailed by adding pieces of other legislation. She thought
that the other bills would be acceptable.
Lindskoog stressed the importance of straightening the
track.
Co-Chair Mulder pointed out that HB 362 could be the
locomotive to pull other legislation along.
HB 362 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|