Legislature(2005 - 2006)
05/04/2005 04:45 PM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB46 | |
| HB61 | |
| HB33 | |
| HB149 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE BILL NO. 46
"An Act making capital appropriations and appropriations to
capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date."
This bill had previously been heard in the Senate Finance
Committee. Unless otherwise noted, amendments are considered to the
committee substitute, Version "Y" adopted at the previous hearing.
Amendment #35: This amendment inserts a new subsection into Section
52. DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION., on page 119, following line 26
to read as follows.
(c) The sum of $4,350,000 is appropriated from the
general fund to the Department of Administration,
commissioner's office, for distribution to state agencies to
offset the increased chargeback rates for statewide services
as identified in the statewide federal cost allocation plan.
AND
Amendment #36: This amendment inserts two new subsections into
Section 20. FUND TRANSFERS., on page 96, following line 18 to read
as follows.
(d) The sum of $12,000,000 is appropriated from the
general fund to the Alaska public building fund (AS
37.05.570).
(e) The amount necessary to have an unobligated balance
of $5,000,000 in the state insurance catastrophe reserve
account in accordance with AS 37.05.289 is appropriated from
the general fund to the state insurance catastrophe reserve
account (AS 37.05.289).
This amendment also deletes "$300,000" from subsection (b) of
Section 52. DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION., on page 119, line 25 and
inserts "$40,300,000". The amended language reads as follows.
(b) The sum of $40,300,000 is appropriated from the
general fund to the information services fund (AS
44.21.045(a)).
The Committee adopted the two amendments at the previous hearing.
Co-Chair Wilken offered a motion to rescind action taken on
Amendments #35 and #36.
There being no objection, the Committee's action adopting Amendment
#35 and Amendment #36 was RESCINDED.
Co-Chair Green announced that these amendments would be replaced
with a new amendment.
Amendment #35 & 36(A): This amendment reads as follows.
This amendment corrects amendments #35 and #36
This allows the authorization to spend from the funds that are
capitalized.
SB 46 "F"
Amendment offered by Senator Green
Add:
Sec. 1.
Enterprise Technology $7,959,500 Information Svcs Fund
Services and Statewide Administrative
System Replacement capital projects
Deferred Maintenance for $12,000,000 Public Building Fund
Buildings in the Public
Building Fund
Sec. 20. FUND TRANSFERS. (c) The sum of $40,000,000 is
appropriated from the general fund to the information services
fund.
(d) The amount necessary to have an unobligated balance of
$5,000,000 in the state insurance catastrophe reserve account
in accordance with AS 37.05.289 is appropriated from the
general fund to the state insurance catastrophe reserve
account.
New Section XX. Department of Administration. The sum of
$4,350,000 is appropriated to the Department of
Administration, Commissioner's Office for the distribution to
state agencies to offset the increased chargeback rates for
statewide services as identified in the Statewide Federal Cost
Allocation Plan.
GINGER BLAISDELL, Staff to Co-Chair Green, explained the new
Amendment #35 & 36(A), saying it would have a net zero impact.
[Note: The Committee's intent was to adopt the amendment, although
no motion was made to do so.]
Co-Chair Green determined the amendment to be ADOPTED without
objection.
Amendment #37: This amendment inserts two new bill sections to read
as follows.
Sec. XX. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES PERSONAL
NEEDS ALLOWANCE FOR ASSISTED LIVING HOMES. (a) It is the
intent of the legislature that the Department of Health and
Social Services repeal 7 AAC 43.1058(k)(1)(B) effective July
1, 2005.
(b) It is the further intent of the legislature that the
Department of Health and Social Services shall adopt new
emergency regulations establishing a personal needs allowance
for recipients residing in an assisted living facility equal
to the monthly income limit set in AS 47.07.020(b)(6) minus
$260.00. Until such time as the department can adopt these
regulations at 7 AAC 43.1058(k)(1)(B), the department shall
apply personal needs allowance for recipients residing in an
assisted living facility equal to the monthly income limit set
in AS 47.07.020(b)(6) minus $260.00. This meets the
requirements for finding of a public, health, safety and
welfare emergency under AS 44.62.250.
(c) The sum of $363,500 is appropriated to the Department
of Health and Social Services, senior and disabilities
Medicaid services in order to adopt new emergency regulations
as outlined in subsections (a) and (b) of this section for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, from the following sources
in the amounts stated:
Federal Receipts $209,300
General Fund Match 154,200
Sec.__. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) Section XX (a) is effective July
1, 2005.
(b) Section XX (b) is effective July 2, 2005.
Co-Chair Green moved for adoption and outlined the amendment.
There being no objection, Amendment #37 was ADOPTED.
Amendment #38: This amendment inserts a new subsection in to
Section 20. FUND TRANSFERS., on page 96, following line 18 to read
as follows.
(d) The sum of $2,693,700 is appropriated from the
general fund to the Alaska marine highway system fund (AS
19.65.060(a)).
This amendment also stipulates an effective date of July 1, 2005
for the inserted subsection. Accompanying explanatory language
reads as follows.
DESCRIPTION: Marine highway fuel increase
The FY 06 Governor's request as proposed in December 2004 was
based on $1.17 per gallon of fuel. The volatility of fuel
prices is reflected in the $1.54 per gallon average price to
date in FY 05. If we use the Alaska Department of Revenue's
Spring Forecast to estimate prices in FY 06, the result is a
delivered fuel price for the AMHS at a slightly lower average
price of $1.425 per gallon estimate. The marine highway system
is projected to use approximately 10.7 million gallons of fuel
in FY 06.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green objected for an explanation.
Ms. Blaisdell explained that this amendment would appropriate over
$2 million general funds for Alaska marine highway vessel
operations. The amount approved in the FY 06 operating budget
legislation would be insufficient.
Senator Dyson understood therefore that this is a FY 06 operating
budget expenditure.
Co-Chair Green clarified this would be a supplemental appropriation
to the amount provided in the operating budget.
Ms. Blaisdell informed that this amendment was offered at the
request of the Office of Management and Budget and the Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities. The need for additional
funding was realized at the time that the operating budgets for the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities was closed out.
Senator Dyson clarified this is not an FY 05 supplemental
appropriation.
Co-Chair Wilken affirmed.
There being no objection, Amendment #38 was ADOPTED.
Amendment #39: This amendment deletes the City of Sand Point -
Purchase and Upgrade of Old Reeve Aleutian Airways Building (HD 37)
component of the Airport Improvement Program Budget Request Unit
(BRU), Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on page
49, lines 29 - 32 and the $1 million allocation to that component.
This amendment also deletes the Ketchikan: Airport Improvements (HD
1) component of the Airport Improvement Program BRU, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities on page 51, lines 5 and 6 and
the $500,000 allocation to that component.
This amendment also deletes Sand Point: Terminal Redevelopment Plan
(HD 37) of the Airport Improvement Program BRU, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities on page 52, lines 31 and 32
and the $200,000 allocation to that component.
This amendment also adds a new City of Sand Point - Purchase and
Upgrade of Old Reeve Aleutian Airways Building (HD 37) component to
the Congressional Earmarks BRU, Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities on page 65, line 6 and allocates $1 million to
the component.
This amendment also adds a new Ketchikan: Airport Improvements (HD
1) component to the Congressional Earmarks BRU, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities on page 65, line 6 and
allocates $500,000 to the component.
This amendment also adds a new Sand Point - Terminal Redevelopment
Plan (HD 37) component to the Congressional Earmarks BRU,
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on page 65, line
6 and allocates $200,000 to the component.
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Description:
These projects are Congressional Earmarks, rather than Airport
Improvement Projects. The funding source (federal receipts)
does not change. This amendment just moves the projects from
the Airport Improvement Program appropriation to the
Congressional Earmarks appropriations.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Ms. Blaisdell characterized this as a technical amendment. She
proposed changes to the amendment to delete the City of Sand Point
- Purchase and Upgrade of Old Reeve Aleutian Airways Building and
corresponding $1 million allocation and change the title of the
Sand Point - Terminal Redevelopment Plan (HD 37) component to read,
"Sand Point - Terminal Redevelopment (HD 37) and increase the
allocation to that component to $1 million.
4:53:37 PM
Ms. Blaisdell continued to outline the proposed amendment to the
amendment.
Co-Chair Green clarified the projects should be categorized as
congressional earmarks.
Ms. Blaisdell affirmed, noting the federal funds.
[Note: The Committee intent was to amend the amendment to
incorporate the changes proposed by the witness, although no motion
was made.]
Co-Chair Green determined Amendment #39 to be AMENDED and ADOPTED
without objection.
4:54:17 PM
Amendment #40: This amendment increases the appropriation to the
Alaska Aviation Safety Project Phases 2 and 3 (HD 1-40) component
of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on page 38,
lines 13 through 15 from $8,452,000 Other Funds to $11,452,000
Other Funds. Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Description: Alaska Aviation Safety Project Phases 2 and 3 (HD
1-40)
The department has recently received word that NASA will be
increasing this grant by $3 million.
This project involves mapping the most dangerous major air
corridors in Alaska using ortho-rectified, remote imaging and
digital elevation models to create 3-D visual fly-throughs.
The aviation community, Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) and
the Medallion Foundation will use these renderings. The goal
of this research is to apply advanced sciences and technology
to decrease aircraft accidents and related fatalities.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green overviewed the explanatory statement.
There being no objection, Amendment #40 was ADOPTED.
4:54:53 PM
Amendment #41: This amendment deletes the language pertaining to FY
03 from subsection (d) of Section 35. RATIFICATIONS., on page 106,
lines 12 through 14. The amended language reads as follows.
(d) The expenditures by the Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development for a qualified trade
association contract for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004,
are ratified in the amount of $158,174.
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Description: Technical correction to reflect just fiscal year
2004.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green clarified this is a technical amendment.
JOAN BROWN, Chief Budget Analyst, Office of Management and Budget,
Office of the Governor, affirmed this is a technical amendment to
eliminate ratification amounts for FY 03 from this provision.
AT EASE 4:56:13 PM / 4:56:15 PM
There being no objection Amendment #41 was ADOPTED.
4:56:43 PM
Amendment #42: This amendment changes the funding source of the
$55,400 appropriation to the Interior Region Timber Marketing
Prospectus (HD 6) component of the Department of Natural Resources
on page 40, lines 30 and 31 from Statutory Designated Program
Receipts (Fund 1108) to Timber Sales Receipts (Fund 1155).
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Description: Interior Region Timber Marketing Prospectus
There is no source of SDPR for the Interior Region Timber
Marketing Prospectus.
Timber Sales Receipts could fund this program.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green explained this is another technical change.
There being no objection, Amendment #42 was ADOPTED.
4:57:11 PM
Amendment #43: This amendment increases the allocation to the
Fairbanks International Airport: Terminal Area Development (HD 7-
11) component of the Airport Improvement Program BRU, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities on page 50, lines 19 through
21 from $2.2 million to $40.6 million. A notation states "This will
change the Airport Improvement Program appropriation amount on page
48." Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Description:
New fund sources: $3,000,000 Federal Receipts (Fund 1002)
10,000,000 International Airport Revenue
Funds (Fund 1027)
27,600,000 International Airport
Construction Funds
(Fund 1112)
This funding change was submitted in the March 25, 2005
amendment package sent to the Legislature.
A terminal area development plan was completed for FAI under
the guidance and direction of the FAI Terminal Development
Technical Committee consisting of representatives from FAI,
DOT&PF, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the
airlines. As a subtask of this effort, a deficiency evaluation
was completed for the facility. This deficiency study notes
that three independent structural evaluations found portions
of the building to be structurally unsound and that under a
design level seismic event the building will be subject to
possible collapse and significant damage. The study also noted
that portions of the facility Department of Education and
Early Development not meet required fire and life safety
codes, are functionally deficient and that the buildings'
physical systems (HVAC, electrical, etc.) were near the end of
their useful life and will require major repair or replacement
in the near future. A preferred alternative for replacing and
upgrading portions of the facility to address the noted
deficiencies while providing adequate space for the expected
growth in passenger traffic in the near term was developed and
agreed upon by the members of the Technical Committee.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Ms. Blaisdell explained that the Office of Management and Budget
has identified additional funds, none of which are general funds.
Co-Chair Green clarified this amendment would have no net increase
in general fund expenditure.
Ms. Blaisdell stressed the significant increase in use of other
funds.
There being no objection, Amendment #43 was ADOPTED.
4:58:23 PM
Amendment #44: This amendment inserts a new subsection into Section
22. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR., on page 98, line 9 to read as follows.
(a) Section 8(a), ch. 6, SLA 2005, is amended to read:
(a) The sum of $375,000 is appropriated from
the general fund to the Office of the Governor for
direct support of national efforts to open the
coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge for oil and gas exploration and development,
and other oil and gas and natural resource
development projects, for the fiscal years ending
June 30, 2005, and June 30, 2006.
New Text Underlined
This amendment then renumbers the existing subsections of Section
22 accordingly. Accompanying explanatory language reads,
"Description: This extends the purpose of the appropriation."
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green objected for explanation, noting it was offered at
the request of the Office of Management and Budget.
Ms. Blaisdell explained this amendment relates to "appropriation
items that are in the gas pipeline section of the supplemental
portion of this bill."
Co-Chair Green ordered the amendment TABLED.
4:59:11 PM
Amendment #45: This amendment adds "and other oil and gas and
natural resource development projects" to subsection (a) of Section
22. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR., on page 98, lines 9 through 12. The
amended subsection reads as follows.
(a) The sum of $125,000 is appropriated from the Alaska
Permanent Fund Corporation receipts to the Office of the
Governor for direct support of national efforts to open the
coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil
and gas exploration and development, and other oil and gas and
natural resource development projects, for the fiscal years
ending June 30, 2005, and June 30, 2006.
Accompanying explanatory language reads, "Description: This expands
the purpose of the appropriation."
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Ms. Blaisdell explained that this amendment is similar to Amendment
#44.
Co-Chair Green objected to the motion and ordered the amendment
TABLED.
4:59:41 PM
Amendment #46: This amendment increases the general fund
appropriation to the Management Information System (HD 1-40)
component of the Department of Law on page 38, lines 8 and 9 from
$500,000 to $1 million. Accompanying explanatory language reads as
follows.
Description:
This amendment restores this project to the full amount
requested in the Governor's Capital Budget. The agency is
concerned that reducing this appropriation to 50% jeopardizes
its ability to purchase needed software and hardware to
achieve critically needed improvements in technology in the
State's largest law office. The current timekeeping and
billing system is outdated, case management and document
management is practically nonexistent when measured against
industry standards. The agency is hampered in its ability to
supply accurate and dependable management information that
would be the cornerstone of meaningful and measurable
performance information.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Ms. Blaisdell outlined the explanatory statement.
There being no objection, Amendment #46 was ADOPTED.
5:00:37 PM
Amendment #47: This amendment deletes the language of Section 10.
NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE - ALASKA IMPACT GRANT PROGRAM; INTENT.
(b), on page 92, lines 16 - 20 and inserts new language to read as
follows.
(b) The sum of $24,706,539, received by the National
Petroleum Reserve - Alaska special revenue fund (AS 37.05.530)
under 42 U.S.C. 6508 by August 31, 2005, is appropriated to
the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
from capital project grants under the National Petroleum
Reserve - Alaska impact grant program to the following
municipalities for the purposes stated in the amounts set out:
MUNICIPALITY PROJECT AMOUNT
(1) North Slope Borough Social and cultural $275,880
study - phase 2
(2) North Slope Borough Wainwright youth 229,500
program
(3) Nuiqsut Local government 468,000
operations/cultural
coordinator
(4) North Slope Borough Wainwright softball 35,000
field
(5) Barrow City impound and 174,389
disposal site project
(6) North Slope Borough Atqasuk energy 100,042
assessment
(7) North Slope Borough Wainwright local 311,500
government operations
(8) Barrow City Hall building 69,413
addition feasibility
study
(9) Nuiqsut Youth center operations 150,000
and maintenance
(10) Atqasuk Atqasuk local 336,468
government operations
(11) Barrow Roller rink renovation 63,556
feasibility study
(12) North Slope Borough Utility master plan/ 106,221
emergency plan
(13) North Slope Borough Misdemeanor probation 346,071
officer
(14) North Slope Borough Fire equipment and 250,000
training
(15) Barrow Barrow local 1,385,843
government operations
(16) Nuiqsut Design/install 200,000
retractable boat ramp
(17) North Slope Borough Continuing studies to 2,461,368
investigate
wildlife/subsistence
(18) North Slope Borough Oil spill response team 737,867
(19) North Slope Borough Police officers for 1,486,689
NPR-A villages
(20) North Slope Borough Health, survival, and 654,426
sustainability of key
subsistence resources
(21) North Slope Borough Workforce development 3,729,451
program
(22) North Slope Borough Mayor's job program 2,527,961
(23) North Slope Borough Police importation 1,101,512
combat program
(24) North Slope Borough North Slope science 425,578
initiative
(25) North Slope Borough Village capacity 968,182
building
(26) North Slope Borough NPR-A technical 1,468,508
review team
(27) North Slope Borough Allied health 3,400,000
training center
(28) North Slope Borough Wainwright city office 38,114
renovation
(29) Atqasuk Youth center addition 680,000
to community center
(30) North Slope Borough Wainwright lagoon 525,000
boat launch
(c) If the amount available for appropriation from the
National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska special reserve fund (AS
37.05.530) under (b) of this section is less than $24,706,539,
then each of the appropriations made by (b)(1) - (30) of this
section is reduced in proportion to the amount of the
shortfall.
This amendment also stipulates a lapse date of June 30, 2006 for
the appropriations made in Section 10(b)(1)-(13); a lapse date of
June 30, 2007 for the appropriations made in subsections (14)-(16);
a lapse date of June 30, 2008 for the appropriations made in
subsections (17)-(26); and a lapse date of June 30, 2009 for the
appropriation made in subsection (27). The appropriations made in
subsections (28)-(30) lapse under AS 37.25.020.
Co-Chair Wilken announced this amendment would be NOT OFFERED, as
it is a duplicate of Amendment #30, which was adopted at the
previous hearing.
5:00:49 PM
Amendment #48: This amendment inserts a new subsection to Section
10. NATIONAL PETROLEUM RESERVE - ALASKA IMPACT GRANT PROGRAM;
INTENT., on page 92, following line 20 to read as follows.
(c) That portion of the amount appropriated by (B) of
this section that is not subject to a signed grant agreement
between the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development and an impacted municipality by August 31, 2005,
lapses into the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska special
revenue fund (AS 37.05.530) September 1, 2005.
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
Description:
This amendment is needed to allow lapsing into the NPR-A Fund
for funds that do not have a signed grant agreement.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green understood this to be a technical amendment.
Ms. Blaisdell affirmed and explained the language had been
inadvertently omitted.
There being no objection, Amendment #48 was ADOPTED.
5:01:41 PM
Amendment #49: This amendment inserts "and construction" to the
title of the Lower Kuskokwim - Kilbuck Elementary Deferred
Maintenance, Bethel (HD 38) component of the Major Maintenance
Grant Fund (AS 14.11.007) BRU, Department of Education and Early
Development on page 79, lines 22 through 24. The amended component
title is "Lower Kuskokwim - Kilbuck Elementary Deferred
Maintenance, and Construction, Bethel (HD 38)". The $24,251,565
general fund allocation remains unchanged.
Senator Hoffman moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green objected for an explanation.
Senator Hoffman explained this amendment would provide the Lower
Kuskokwim School District the option to utilize the funds to
construct a new school if deemed appropriate.
Co-Chair Wilken understood that the Department of Education and
Early Development must first review new school construction
projects. He asked if this facility has undergone the approval
process.
Senator Hoffman responded that this project has completed the
Department of Education and Early Development review.
Senator Stedman clarified the estimated cost of deferred
maintenance needs for the school is $24 million.
Senator Hoffman affirmed.
Co-Chair Green requested Senator Hoffman explain how the estimate
was achieved.
Senator Hoffman replied that the Lower Kuskokwim School District
submitted this amount to the Department after prioritizing the
needs.
Senator Stedman asked if the theory is that demolishing the
existing school and constructing a new facility might be more
economical.
Senator Hoffman affirmed that such a determination could be made.
There being no objection, Amendment #49 was ADOPTED.
5:03:36 PM
Amendment #50: This amendment adds a new Special Olympics Games
component to the Grants to Named Recipients (AS 37.05.316) BRU,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page
3 line 30 and 31 and appropriates $250,000 general funds to the
component.
Senator Dyson moved for adoption.
Senator Dyson offered a motion to amend the amendment. The
amendment to the amendment reduces the general fund appropriation
to the Special Olympics Games from $250,000 to $125,000.
The amendment to the amendment also adds a new Arctic Winter Games
component to the Grants to Named Recipients BRU and appropriates
$125,000 general funds to that component.
The amendment to the amendment also adds a new 2006 National
Veterans Wheelchair Games component to the Grants to Named
Recipients BRU and appropriates $250,000 general funds to that
component.
The total appropriation to the amended amendment is $500,000
general funds.
The amendment was AMENDED without objection.
Without further objection Amendment #50, as amended, was ADOPTED.
5:04:51 PM
Amendment #51: This amendment adds a new Fraternal Order of Alaska
State Troopers (FOAST) room conversion and facility upgrades
component to the Grants to Named Recipients BRU, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page 3, lines 30
and 31 and appropriates $12,000 general funds to the component.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green objected.
Co-Chair Green asked if Members had further objection and hearing
none, declared Amendment #51 ADOPTED.
5:05:17 PM
Amendment #52: This amendment inserts a new Fraternal Order of
Alaska State Troopers (FOAST) Photo/Video Project Program
Implementation component to the Grants to Named Recipients BRU,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page
3, lines 30 and 31 and appropriates $50,000. The fund source is not
specified.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green objected to the motion and ordered the Amendment
TABLED.
5:05:31 PM
Amendment #53: This amendment inserts a new City of Adak - Adak
Arctic Shuttle Pre-Feasibility Study component to the Grants to
Municipalities (AS 37.05.315) BRU, Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development on page 8, lines 11 and 12 and
appropriates $50,000 to the component. The fund source is not
specified.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green objected to the motion and TABLED the amendment.
AT EASE: 5:05:48 PM / 5:06:17 PM
Amendment #54: This amendment inserts a new Service High School
PTSA Scoreboard Improvement component to the Grants to Named
Recipients BRU, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development on page 3 lines 30 and 31 and appropriates $20,000 to
the component. The fund source is not specified.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
There being no objection, Amendment #54 was ADOPTED.
5:06:31 PM
Amendment #55: This amendment inserts a new Municipality of
Anchorage - 74th Ave Pedestrian Facilities - Arctic Boulevard to
Chad St. component to the Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department
of Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page 8, lines 11
and 12 and appropriates $250,000 to the component. The fund source
is not specified.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
There being no objection, Amendment #55 was ADOPTED.
5:06:36 PM
Amendment #56: This amendment increases the general fund
appropriation to the Municipality of Anchorage - Kincaid Park
Summer and Winter Recreational Improvements, Fields, Paving and
Equipment (HD 17-32) component in the Grants to Municipalities BRU,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, on page
23, lines 18 through 23 from $480,000 to $730,000.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
There being no objection, Amendment #56 was ADOPTED.
Co-Chair Green requested clarification of the project.
Ms. Blaisdell explained the improvements would be made to the
recreational facilities of Kincaid Park in Anchorage.
5:07:01 PM
Amendment #57: This amendment changes the title of the City of
Sterling - Sterling Senior Center Kitchen Equipment (HD 33-35)
component in the Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page 12, lines 23
through 25, to read "Sterling Senior Citizens, Inc. - Sterling
Senior Center Kitchen Equipment (HD 33-35). The general fund
appropriation to the component of $64,000 is reduced to $58,000.
This amendment also changes the title of the Kenai Peninsula
Borough - Kenai Road Improvements (HD 33-35) component in the
Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development on page 14, lines 25 through 27, to read "City
of Kenai - Kenai Road Improvements (HD 33-35)". The general fund
appropriation remains unchanged.
This amendment also reduces the general fund appropriation to the
Kenai Peninsula Borough - Nikiski Elementary School Bicycle Trail
(HD 33-35) component in the Grants to Municipalities BRU,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page
14, lines 31 - 33, from $154,400 to $137,000.
This amendment also reduces the general fund appropriation to the
Kenai Peninsula Borough - Ninilchik Pressure Reducing Station (HD
33-35) component in the Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page 15, lines 3,
through 5 from $225,000 to $210,000.
This amendment also changes the title of the Kenai Peninsula
Borough - Ninilchik Pumper Tanker Truck (HD 33-35) component in the
Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development on page 15, lines 6 through 8, to read
"Ninilchik Emergency Services, Inc. - Ninilchik Pumper Tanker Truck
(HD 33-35)". The general fund appropriation to the component is
reduced from $154,000 to $140,000.
This amendment also changes the title of the Kenai Peninsula
Borough - Soldotna Road Improvements (HD 33-35) component in the
Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development on page 15, lines 16 through 18, to read "City
of Soldotna - Soldotna Road Improvements (HD 33-35)". The general
fund appropriation remains unchanged.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption of the amendment.
Co-Chair Green characterized this as a "neutral" amendment, in
which some funding reductions are made.
There being no objection, Amendment #57 was ADOPTED.
5:07:40 PM
Amendment #58: This amendment increases the general fund
appropriation to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough - Academy Charter
School/Administrative Building Improvements (HD 13-16) component in
the Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of Commerce, Community
and Economic Development on page 16, lines 7 through 10, from
$20,000 to $35,000.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Ms. Blaisdell explained this is a technical correction.
There being no objection, Amendment #58 was ADOPTED.
5:08:16 PM
Amendment #59: This amendment inserts a new 2006 National Veterans
Wheelchair Games component to the Grants to Named Recipients BRU,
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page
3, lines 30 and 31 and appropriates $250,000 general funds to the
component.
Co-Chair Green announced this amendment would be NOT OFFERED due to
action taken on Amendment #50.
AT EASE 5:08:41 PM / 5:10:07 PM
Amendment #60: This amendment deletes the Denali Borough - Anderson
School/Septic Leach Field Replacement (HD 7-11) component from the
Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development on page 13, lines 17 through 19, and the
$77,800 general fund appropriation to that component.
This amendment also inserts a new World War 2 Memorial component to
an unspecified BRU and department and appropriates $35,200 to the
component. The fund source is not specified.
This amendment also deletes the Denali Borough - Cantwell
School/Sprinkler System Fire Upgrade and New Well (HD 7-11)
component from the Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department of
Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page 13, lines 20
through 23, and the $182,400 general fund appropriation to that
component.
This amendment also inserts a new Ester Volunteer Fire Department
component to an unspecified BRU and department and appropriates
$125,000 to the component. The fund source is not specified.
This amendment also inserts a new Morris Thompson Cultural Center
component to an unspecified BRU and department and appropriates
$100,000 to the component. The fund source is not specified.
A notation on the amendment reads "net zero technical change".
Co-Chair Green announced this amendment would be NOT OFFERED..
Amendment #61: This amendment changes the title of the City of San
Point - Purchase and Upgrade of Old Reeve Aleutian Airways Building
(HD 37) component in the Grants to Municipalities BRU, Department
of Commerce, Community and Economic Development on page 49, lines
29 through 32 to read, "City of Sand Point - Airport Terminal
Project (HD 37). Accompanying explanatory language reads as
follows.
Amendment is requested by the City of Sand Point at the
recommendation of Kip Knudson, Deputy Director for Aviation,
DOT. Knudson advised that the inclusion of the word "purchase"
may overly limit the use of funds in the event the Reeve
building is not totally recoverable for renovation. The
requested broader language will give the City of Sand Point
the flexibility to build a new terminal if and when the actual
condition of the Reeve building is determined.
Co-Chair Green announced this amendment would be NOT OFFERED.
Amendment #62: [Note: The amendment specifies the following be
inserted "following page 15, line 9, under Department of Fish and
Game". This page of the committee substitute contains Grants to
Municipalities BRU components. Appropriations to the Department of
Fish and Game are contained on page 35, lines 11 through 32.] This
amendment inserts a new Implementation of Intensive Management Laws
component and appropriates $250,000 general funds to the component.
Accompanying explanatory language reads as follows.
The Board of Game has authorized several predator control
programs in an effort to allow major depleted ungulate
populations that have been limited by predation to increase.
In order to sustain these programs long enough to be
effective, and in recognition of the need for additional
similar programs in other areas, there is a need for
biological inventories and studies to gather information upon
which the Board can base its decisions. This information also
represents the basis for defending the programs from legal
challenges.
The existing intensive management programs and requests for
similar programs from other parts of the state have placed a
major financial burden on the Division of Wildlife
Conservation in the Department of Fish and Game. Although
funds have been prioritized within the division to cover many
of the most important expenses for these programs, the
biological data gathering and administrative costs needed to
support these programs has escalated beyond the capacity of
the division to respond.
This CIP [capital improvement project] demonstrates the
legislature's intent that the Intensive Management laws be
implemented to the maximum extent possible.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
5:10:48 PM
Co-Chair Green overviewed the explanatory statement.
Senator Hoffman supported the amendment.
Co-Chair Wilken commented that the commissioner had submitted a
funding request approximately one month ago. However, the plan he
proposed was unclear. Upon the Committee's request, the Department
resubmitted a plan detailing the predator control program
specifically targeting wolf and bear.
There being no objection, Amendment #62 was ADOPTED.
AT EASE 5:12:10 PM / 5:13:10 PM
Amended Amendment #9: This amendment inserts a new Bristol Bay
Borough Community Mapping Project component to the Grants to
Municipalities (AS 37.05.315) BRU of the Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development on page 8, lines 11 and 12. This
amendment also appropriates $150,000 general funds to the
component.
This amendment also increases the general fund appropriation to the
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, Grants
to Municipalities (AS 37.05.315) BRU, City of Unalaska - Boat
Harbor (HD 37) component on page 13 lines 3 and 4 from $2 million
to $4 million.
This amendment also adds a new Togiak/Twin Hills Bridge Feasibility
Study component to the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities and appropriates $150,000 general funds to the
component.
This amendment also increases the general fund allocation to the
Department of Education and Early Development, School Construction
Grant Fund (AS 14.11.005) BRU, Dillingham Middle/High School
construction and renovation - Dillingham City Schools (HD 38)
component on page 83 lines 14 - 17 from $7 million to $9.5 million.
The amendment to the amendment also adds a new Aleutians East
Borough - Cold Bay Airport Terminal component to the Grants to
Municipalities (AS 37.05.315) BRU, Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development and appropriates $500,000
general funds to the component.
Co-Chair Green announced that Amendment #9 was again before the
Committee. This amendment was amended and adopted at the previous
hearing.
Ms. Blaisdell reminded that this amendment had been amended and
outlined the changes.
Ms. Blaisdell indicated the amendment to the amendment to remove
from the amendment, the Cold Bay access Improvements component from
the Surface Transportation Improvements, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities, on page 58, lines 30 and 31,
and the increased general fund appropriation to the component was
in error.
Ms. Blaisdell stated that the amendment to the amendment should
have provided that the component remain in the bill and the $2
million appropriation contained in the committee substitute remain
unchanged.
5:15:08 PM
Senator Olson asked if the airport terminal project is located at
Cold Bay or Sand Point.
Ms. Blaisdell responded the appropriation would be made to the
Aleutians East Borough not to Sand Point.
Co-Chair Green clarified the grant would be provided to the
Aleutians East Borough and is comprised of general funds.
[Note: No motions were offered and no formal action was taken on
the amendment. The Committee's intent was not specified.]
AT EASE 5:16:03 PM / 5:35:19 PM
Amendment #63: This amendment inserts a new bill section to
appropriate $985,000 general funds to the Department of Fish and
Game for Chitna Personal Dip Net Fishery (HD 99). Accompanying
explanatory language reads as follows.
This amendment funds dumpsters, transporter vehicle to carry
dumpsters to the landfill, portable outhouses, service truck
to service outhouses and concession building all to be located
at Chitna for the services of the Chitna personal dip net
fishery. Also includes signage and access design.
Co-Chair Wilken moved for adoption.
Co-Chair Green objected.
Co-Chair Wilken corrected the amendment to appropriate the funding
to the Department of Natural Resources rather than the Department
of Fish and Game.
Co-Chair Wilken explained the need for facilities at the Chitna
River to provide access. This funding request is the result of
months of consideration and negotiation between the Native
corporation landowner and the Department of Natural Resources. A
survey would be conducted to establish future claims.
Senator Stedman clarified this request is for "start-up money" and
to develop a plan for future operations.
Co-Chair Wilken understood this is a capital appropriation. The
intent is that user fees collected from fishers would support the
program in the future.
SENATOR RALPH SEEKINS elaborated about the personal use fishery at
Chitna, which he is very familiar with. A dip net fishery plan to
mitigate the impact of the fishery on the local community has been
anticipated. Approximately 20,000 personal use dip net permits are
sold for this fishery every year. Administration of the mitigation
program would be similar to that utilized for a State park.
Participants would be required to utilize the facilities provided
and minimize impact. Previously, facilities such as dumpsters and
portable toilets were not available, which resulted in an unhealthy
and unsightly situation. This funding request is to address the
first stage of the need and is supported by Department of Natural
Resources Commissioner Tom Irwin and Governor Murkowski.
5:41:11 PM
Co-Chair Green thanked Senator Seekins for proposing the amendment.
Co-Chair Green ordered the amendment HELD in Committee. She noted
that all State parks are in need of funds and should be addressed.
Senator Seekins emphasized the significant impact of the 20,000
participants to the area.
Co-Chair Green ordered the bill HELD in Committee.
5:42:44 PM
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