Legislature(2011 - 2012)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/17/2011 05:00 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB46 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 46 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 46
"An Act making and amending appropriations, including
capital appropriations and other appropriations;
making appropriations to capitalize funds; and
providing for an effective date."
5:05:24 PM
Co-Chair Stedman explained the two minute time limit for
public testimony.
5:07:14 PM
SHELBY BOOTHE, BRISTOL BAY AND MARV SMITH, BRISTOL BAY,
testified representing the Bristol Bay Borough Assembly. He
recognized Senator McGuire for her work in his community.
He mentioned the expansion of the port of Bristol Bay. He
explained that $9 million was gathered for the project. He
expressed the need for further work on the existing and
proposed docks. The priority was replacing the existing
dock. He explained that Phase 2 was designed and Phase 3
was partially designed. He quoted the price of the projects
at $24 million. He requested an additional $6 million for
the dock's replacement. He noted the number of shipping
containers which doubled.
MAYOR LUKE HOPKINS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Host Society of the
Alaska 2014 Arctic Winter Games. He spoke about the
voluntary wood stove change-out program with a request for
$5 million. He addressed the Noel Wien regional library,
which served a large portion of the state and required a $6
million upgrade. The North Pole library requested $12
million for a new library. He moved on to the deferred
maintenance list and the Pioneer Park $500 thousand
request. The Centennial roof replacement request was $650
thousand. He mentioned underground fuel storage tanks,
which required $650 thousand. He mentioned the community
swimming pool maintenance lists totaling $750 thousand. He
mentioned the request for the road service area funding
with a request of $10 million. He described Phase 1 of the
animal shelter reconstruction project. He mentioned five
school projects with requests submitted.
5:16:17 PM
Co-Chair Stedman commented on the Capital Project
Submission & Information System (CAPSIS). He stated that
the system included $7 billion in requests.
5:16:58 PM
DAVE WEBER, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Natural Gas Transition Line from Anchor
Point to Homer. He spoke to the value of low cost natural
gas and stated that he had a "shovel ready project."
5:18:58 PM
DALE WYGANT, JUNEAU, testified in support of the public
transportation system. He informed the committee that he
rode the bus as a public employee and continued to do so as
a retired person. He urged support of the bus system and
hoped for an increase in funding.
5:20:30 PM
JEFF LOGAN, JUNEAU, testified in support of the second
appropriation for the Arctic Winter Games. He stressed
continued legislative support for the games. He commented
on Senator McGuire's opinions regarding the support of the
winter games.
5:22:50 PM
VALERIE DAVIDSON, AK NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH (via
teleconference), spoke in support of Medicaid funding. She
spoke on behalf of two projects, the statewide long-term
care facility in Anchorage and the Norton Sound Health
Corporation's long-term care project in Nome. She stated
concerns regarding general fund expenditures and the
savings that occur with long-term health care. She stressed
that Providence was downsizing creating a waitlist and
without an extension of the long-term care facilities, the
program will suffer.
5:25:31 PM
BRAD SWORTS, MATSU BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION (via
teleconference), testified in support of the governor's
budget recommendation of $20 million for the Port MacKenzie
rail extension and $3 million for the South Denali visitor
center project.
5:27:15 PM
DAVE TALERICO, MAYOR OF DENALI (via teleconference),
testified in support of the Port MacKenzie rail extension.
He commented on the Tri-Valley school gymnasium roof
replacement. He spoke to the need for $180 thousand for a
fire truck for the Anderson volunteer fire department. He
addressed a $60 thousand request for repairs needed for a
brush truck.
5:29:13 PM
DR. MARY LOEB, SUNSHINE CLINIC (via teleconference),
testified regarding funding for construction of the Willow
Community Health Center. She explained that she was the
medical director and physician on staff for two clinics. She
stated that the current clinic was unable to perform
necessary services.
5:30:49 PM
DEBORAH GRIFFIN, SUNSHINE CLINIC (via teleconference), spoke
on behalf of the Sunshine Community Health Clinic Willow
project. She urged the committee to appropriate the
requested funds for the new facility. She mentioned the
services provided by the clinic.
5:31:59 PM
TIM DILLON, SELDOVIA (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for the Arctic Winter Games.
5:32:38 PM
DANIEL DUAME, ASSOCIATION OF AK HOUSING AUTHORITY (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Alaska Housing
Finance Corporation (AHFC) grant program. He mentioned the
program's benefits and the necessary 20 percent match. He
noted the $7 million request in the governor's proposed
budget. He requested an appropriation increase to $11
million.
5:34:55 PM
RICK BOYLES, TEAMSTERS LOCAL (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Fairbanks natural gas project, which could
reduce the increased cost of energy in the interior of
Alaska. He commented on the high oil prices and the need for
affordable fuel.
5:36:20 PM
Co-Chair Stedman commented that the committee was committed
to the energy issue.
5:36:54 PM
ROBERT BOYLE, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke on
behalf of OceansAlaska and education in Southeast Alaska. He
commented on the value of the science programs for
kindergarten through high school. He believed that the
enhancement of the OceansAlaska project would benefit the
communities in Southeast Alaska. He mentioned the importance
of re-roofing the Valley Park School.
5:39:13 PM
JACK SHAY, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in support
of library facility funding. He noted the fundraising
efforts and the bond issued in Ketchikan for the library
facility. He added the endorsement of funding for rare-earth
investigation.
5:40:48 PM
DAVID MITCHEL, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding the capital request of $300 thousand for
OceansAlaska and the Mariculture Research and Training
Facility. He stressed that the coastal regions of Alaska
would benefit from the state's support of the project.
5:42:22 PM
MICHAEL PATE, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in support
of the Homer gasline extension. He understood that
additional funding of $10 million was required to fund the
extension. The gasline would provide employment and
resources needed in the Homer and Anchor Point areas.
5:44:19 PM
PHIL MORRIS, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Anchor Point to Kachemak City transmission
line. He assured that the project was "shovel ready." He
believed that the pipeline extension was the most important
request in SB 46, and he urged support of the project.
5:45:30 PM
LARRY SHIRTS, HOMER (via teleconference), spoke in support
of funding for the gas transmission line between Anchor
Point and Kachemak City. He echoed the testimony of the
prior testifiers from his region. He added that the high
cost of fuel oil warranted the funding.
5:47:51 PM
RANDY PITNEY, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Arctic Winter Games. He stated that the team
was founded in 1968 by Governor Hickel. He spoke about the
360 letters of support for the Arctic Winter Games.
5:50:00 PM
PAUL METZ, FAIRBANKS, testified in support of the Port
MacKenzie rail extension and the North Slope natural gas
project. He commented on the mineral holdings in Alaska. He
noted that the metallic minerals were in great demand in and
could be delivered to market. The extension of the rail to
the port was the initial step in the expansion of the rail
system in interior Alaska and onto the rest of the North
American rail grid. He stated that 60 percent of the cost of
mining and mineral extraction was energy. The first step to
bringing natural gas from the interior would help jumpstart
the recent mineral discoveries.
5:52:51 PM
JOHN RINGSTAD, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the maintenance requests in the Fairbanks School
District. He requested the consideration and support of the
list of school maintenance requests.
5:54:06 PM
LARRY EHNERT, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke to the
need for funding for the K-12 science technology engineering
and math program and the Juneau Economic Development Council
(JEDC). He testified that JEDC coordinated many of the
school robotics competitions throughout the state.
5:55:46 PM
GLADI KULP, JUNEAU, testified in support of funding for the
new State Library Archives and Museum (SLAM). She commented
on the importance of the library's collections. She urged
support for funding a new building. She stressed the
importance of housing the artifacts and document collections
within one building as opposed to three.
6:02:48 PM
MARY HAKALA, EDUCATION COORDINATOR, K-12 STEM, testified in
support of program funding for science and math programs
throughout the state. She highlighted the importance of
engaging students in science through robotics and sea
perches. She stressed the importance of technology education
for the future leaders of the state.
6:02:52 PM
DOUG BRIDGES, SOUTHEAST SENIOR SERVICES, urged support of
the inclusion of $3 million in matching funds for public
transportation. He expounded on the transit needs of seniors
in the community. He pointed out that both rural and urban
communities benefit from public transportation.
6:04:56 PM
DAVE JONES, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, Kenai Peninsula SCHOOL
DISTRICT (via teleconference), testified in support of the
request for $10 million to build the natural gas
transmission pipeline from Anchor Point to Homer and
Kachemak City. He estimated the savings for the five
affected schools at $260 thousand per year. He urged the
inclusion of the project in SB 46.
6:06:08 PM
FRED STURMAN, SELF, wished to remind the committee that the
state was running out of money and the projects listed in
the capital budget would not be sustainable. He expressed
appreciation for his two minutes of testimony.
6:08:08 PM
WILLARD DUNHAM, MAYOR, CITY OF SEWARD (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the $210 thousand Maritime Protection
Upgrade. He detailed the various improvements necessary for
the center to remain viable. He urged support for the $1
million AVTEC, Alaska's Institute of Technology deferred
maintenance request. He urged consideration of both
projects.
6:11:28 PM
BOB MEDINGER, SITKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY (via teleconference)
testified in support of the State Library Archives and
Museum project. He stated that the existing buildings were
in need of maintenance. The state purchased the land and
accomplished the design work for the combined building.
6:12:40 PM
GERRY HOPE, THE RIDE, SITKA (via teleconference), urged
support for the contribution of $3 million to provide
matching grant funds for operating expenses for local tribal
and federally funded public transit projects in Alaska. He
noted positive impacts for Sitka with the potential
expansion of services.
6:14:01 PM
JOE D'ELIA, KODIAK PUBLIC LIBRARY (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for state public library's
new construction major expansion grant program for
communities such as Kodiak, Ketchikan, Skagway, and
Soldotna. The communities submitted grant applications and
were ready to move forward with their library project. He
identified the various upgrades needed to improve the Kodiak
Library.
6:15:28 PM
LARRY DEVILBISS, MAYOR, MAT-SU BOROUGH (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the rail extension to Port MacKenzie. He
expounded on the many ways in which the state would benefit
from the project, particularly in the area of exportation.
He requested the additional $35 million.
6:17:36 PM
PATTY HOLMES, PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSOCIATION (via
teleconference), urged additional funding for public library
construction grants. She detailed the various ways in which
the library was a community hub. She requested additional
funding.
6:19:06 PM
PAT HOLMES, KODIAK (via teleconference), spoke in support of
fisheries funding - particularly in the Kodiak area.
6:20:45 PM
JAMES GARHART, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference) made
suggestions regarding capital spending. He spoke of money
that should have been put in the Constitutional Budget
Reserve (CBR) under Pat Galvin. He was in strong support of
forward funding of the budget.
6:23:00 PM
VERGIE THOMPSON, MAYOR, CITY OF HOUSTON, WASILLA (via
teleconference), urged support for an additional tanker of
water to support the City of Houston.
6:24:59 PM
JENNY PEGITANO, PALMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of $200 thousand in capital funding for Family
Centered Services of Alaska. The service would reduce the
number of children requiring intensive residential care in
the future and provide additional space to train foster
parents.
6:26:08 PM
BETH FREAD, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), urged support
of the Rail Extension Project's additional funding of $35
million. She believed that the extension would bring jobs to
the state and aid export.
6:27:45 PM
ARDEN MILLER, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference) testified
in support of an additional $35 million for the rail
extension. She highlighted the myriad of ways that the state
would benefit from the project.
6:29:21 PM
CARL GAMBLE, SELF, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of funding for the Port MacKenzie rail extension. He
stressed that the state required jobs and the railway would
create them. As a resident he expressed full funding support
for the project.
6:30:45 PM
MARVIN YODER, CITY OF WASILLA (via teleconference),
requested an amendment to the budget for road improvements.
He mentioned the $7 million request for road extensions that
would reduce congestion. He added the priority of a
connection between the airport and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) center.
6:31:54 PM
VERNE RUPERT, MAYOR, CITY OF WASILLA (via teleconference),
echoed the testimony of Mr. Yoder. He urged support for
funding road improvements. Additionally, he urged support
for the Rail extension.
6:33:15 PM
SHANE LINSE, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. The spur line
was a key component to the expansion of Alaska's
infrastructure. The line created short and long term
employment for construction, maintenance, and extraction of
natural resources.
ELIZABETH GAY, MAT-SU BOROUGH (via teleconference), urged
support for the Port MacKenzie rail extension with the full
$35 million. She stated that the value of mineral production
was estimated at approximately $1 billion over 100 years.
6:35:58 PM
CINDY BETTINE, SELF, WASILLA (via teleconference) testified
in favor of the governor's request of $20 million for the
Port MacKenzie rail extension along with the additional $35
million necessary to complete the project. She spoke to the
need for living wage jobs in the community. She stated that
MatSu's population had doubled, which required that citizens
commute to Anchorage or Prudhoe Bay for work. She stated
that the Port MacKenzie rail extension would provide local
employment for the MatSu area.
6:37:38 PM
LAKE WILLIAMS, IUOE 302, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
urged full funding for the Port MacKenzie rail projects. He
echoed prior testimony about the project's benefits. He
requested additional funding of $44 million for the railroad
project in Fairbanks. He spoke in support of the Fairbanks
Natural Gas Port Authority Project.
6:40:12 PM
HEATHER ARNETT, ASSOCIATION OF ALASKA HOUSING AUTHORITY (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding $11 million
to construct new housing throughout the state. The new units
would address overcrowding in homes that are severely
substandard. Fully funding the supplemental grant program
from the governor's amount of $7 million to $11 million
would mean that 254 new homes and apartments could address
the need for new housing throughout the state. Full funding
would also result in rehab of 187 units.
6:42:09 PM
CHRIS REITAN, GALENA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT (via
teleconference), urged support for funding to replace a
building lost in a fire. He stated that remodeling the
building on the Galena Air Force Base was the most practical
option, with the appropriation request of $1.1 million. He
explained that the district had $1.1 million in savings for
the project.
6:44:18 PM
JOHN TRONRUD, PORT CHAIRMAN, SKAGWAY (via teleconference),
urged support for the $10 million appropriation for the Port
of Skagway. He said that the port's project would provide
jobs and add to Skagway's infrastructure. He stated that the
project would support the Yukon region as well.
6:46:44 PM
TOM CORRIGAN, CITY MANAGER, GALENA (via teleconference),
urged full support for both Galena city projects in the
governor's capital budget requests.
6:48:10 PM
RANDY PHILLIPS, TEAM ALASKA/ARCTIC WINTER GAMES, EAGLE RIVER
(via teleconference), urged support for the $315 thousand
appropriation required to send athletes to the Arctic Winter
Games in Whitehorse.
6:48:51 PM
MIKE ROBINSON, ALASKA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference) urged support of the public library
construction grant program and for State Library Archives
and Museum funding.
6:50:27 PM
ANDI NATIONS, STATEWIDE INDEPENDENT LIVING COUNCIL,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged support of $3 million
for a state matching fund for public and community
transportation programs. She stressed that cuts to the
programs hurt seniors and disabled Alaskans. She maintained
that community transportation services help stimulate the
community and provide jobs.
WILLIAM T. SIMS, OPERATING ENGINEER LOCAL 302, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference) urged support for the Port MacKenzie
rail extension. He believed that the project would create
thousands of jobs and bring other benefits through economic
diversification.
6:54:24 PM
PATRICK REINHART, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
favor of support for $3 million in public transit funding.
He stressed that public transit provided an economic driver
for communities. He stressed the importance of public
transit for seniors in the community.
6:55:26 PM
DAVE PATTERSON, VOLUNTEER, ALASKA FIRST PROGRAMS, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), urged support for the K-12 science
technology and engineering and math initiative (STEM). He
highlighted that participation in the program opened the
door for students in the state to receive scholarships for
higher education. The funding request would ensure the
continuation of the program and enable support for the youth
who participate.
6:58:49 PM
DAVID HANSON, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, MAT-SU BOROUGH
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the Port MacKenzie
rail extension. He emphasized the long term economic
benefits for the state. He stated that the construction,
planning, and coordination for the projects were organized
by a competent team.
7:01:14 PM
GARY HANSON, SKAGWAY PORT COMMISSION, testified in support
of the governor's $10 million capital budget request of $10
million for the Skagway Port development. He stressed that
the appropriation would provide necessary jobs in Skagway.
He believed that the project would be self-sustaining with
user fees.
7:03:23 PM
BART MEYER, BARANOF ISLAND HOUSING AUTHORITY, spoke in
support of AHFC's supplemental housing authority grant
program. He requested an increase in funding to $11.34
million in the form of an additional state general fund
appropriation.
7:04:49 PM
DOUG ISAACSON, NORTH POLE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Fairbanks municipal area transportation
request of $15 million. He supported the Alaska Railroad's
request of $44 million to complete the Tanana Bridge and
crossing. He spoke of a sewer line break in the water
treatment plant recently, and the trouble caused by it. He
requested $150 thousand to procure a response vehicle for
the city.
7:08:03 PM
BARRY DONNELLAN, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference)
testified in support of the railroad extension to Port
MacKenzie. He explained that the connection would benefit
the mine and provide jobs.
7:09:02 PM
CYNTHIA BURNS, VICE PRESIDENT OLD HARBOR NATIVE CORPORATION,
OLD HARBOR (via teleconference), urged support for the
airport extension program in Old Harbor.
7:10:12 PM
KEVIN GADSEY, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in
support of the $3 million in the capital budget for public
transit programs. He stressed that many people use public
transportation for financial reasons.
7:12:14 PM
PAM ROBINSON, SUNSHINE CLINIC, MAT-SU (via teleconference),
testified in support of $450 thousand for an additional
public health clinic in Mat-Su.
7:14:44 PM
KIRK HARDCASTLE, RESEARCH TECHNICIAN, ALASKA CENTER FOR
ENERGY AND POWER, urged support for continued funding of the
STEM program. The request was for $250 thousand.
SB 46 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
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