Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/18/2007 02:00 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB53 | |
| Adjourn | |
| SB53 |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 53 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
2:20:23 PM
SENATE BILL NO. 53
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations, supplemental appropriations, and
appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an
effective date."
This was the second hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance
Committee.
2:20:27 PM
Co-Chair Stedman announced that the Committee would hear
department testimony detailing the capital requests for fiscal
year (FY) 2008.
2:20:50 PM
Office of the Governor
Polling Place Accessibility Improvements under the Federal
Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
$100,000 Election Fund
Reference No.: 38524
Category: General Government
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2005 - 07/01/2009
To expand and improve access to polling places and voter
participation by individuals with disabilities.
GAIL FENUMIAI, Assistant Administrative Director, Division of
Administrative Services, Office of the Governor, spoke to this
request.
2:22:00 PM
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
AVTEC Distance Training Network
$750,000 Federal Receipts
$329,000 General Fund (G/F) Match
Reference No.: 43038
Category: Education
Location: Seward
Election District: Homer/Seward
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
AVTEC has received a federal Economic Development
Administration (EDA) grant for distance training equipment.
This grant will fund costs for providing
video/teleconference equipment and network services that
connect AVTEC with Regional Training Centers across Alaska
for distance delivered training. As a result of this
project five or six training centers in rural Alaska will
receive distance technology equipment and staff training
for its use. This will greatly improve access to
vocational/technical training for rural Alaskans in these
regions.
GUY BELL, Assistant Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, reviewed this
request, adding that the communities of Saint Mary's, Bethel,
Galena, Fort Yukon, Dillingham, King Salmon, and Sitka would
benefit from this program.
2:23:06 PM
King Career and Hutchison Center Construction Academy
$2,000,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD43295
Category: Development
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
To provide an opportunity to 400 Alaskans (200 youth and
200 adults) to attend a construction academy focused on
high demand high wage occupations in the construction
industry. Commitments have been made through the
Homebuilders Association and apprenticeship programs to
select successful completers of the construction academy
for employment and further apprenticeship opportunities.
Mr. Bell summarized this request. He informed that the Anchorage
and Fairbanks school districts were participants in this
program.
AT EASE 2:24:32 PM/2:27:57 PM
Department of Health and Social Services
JANET CLARKE, Assistant Commissioner, Finance and Management
Services, Department of Health and Social Services informed that
the Department's capital requests would be accompanied by a
slide show presentation and handout [copy on file].
Medicaid Management Information System Completion
$10,836,800 Federal Receipts
$1,204,100 G/F Match
Reference No.: 41501
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This request is for the replacement of the Department's
current computerized Medicaid Management Information
System.
Ms. Clarke overviewed this request.
2:29:20 PM
Deferred Maintenance, Renovation, Repair and Equipment
$150,000 Federal Receipts
$235,000 G/F Match
$515,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD31862
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This request is for deferred maintenance projects for 33
facilities maintained by the Department including health
centers, youth facilities and behavioral health facilities
statewide with a combined replacement value of $160.2
million. Funds would be used for immediate and critical
renewal, repair, replacement and equipment needs in state-
owned facilities along with selected leased facilities.
This request does not include deferred maintenance needs
for the Pioneer Homes or for recently constructed
facilities including the Alaska Psychiatric Institute.
Ms. Clarke spoke to this request, and identified the Bethel
Youth Facility as one of the 109 areas that would benefit from
this appropriation.
2:30:07 PM
Pioneer Homes Deferred Maintenance, Renovation, Repair and
Equipment
$1,200,000 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Dividend
Reference No.: AMD37934
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This request is for deferred maintenance projects for
Pioneer Homes statewide, including immediate and critical
renewal, repair, replacement and equipment. The Department
is responsible for operating and maintaining the six
Pioneer Homes throughout the state. Locations include
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, Palmer, and Sitka.
Ms. Clarke reviewed this request, noting that the needs
addressed with this funding were prioritized in the supporting
documentation.
2:30:58 PM
Safety and Support Equipment for Probation Officers, Social
Workers, and Pioneer Home Residents and Staff
$245,400 Federal Receipts
$107,663 G/F Match
$387,737 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD32446
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This project funds critical equipment needed by the
Department to enhance security and program efficiency and
replace aging equipment within division offices. There is
an urgent need for this equipment to improve the quality of
life of Alaska Pioneer Home residents and so that Alaska
Pioneer Home workers, Juvenile Justice detention and
probation officers and front line Public Assistance workers
can perform their duties safely and effectively.
Ms. Clarke summarized this request, emphasizing that the funds
would be utilized only in areas where employees interface
directly with the public.
2:32:11 PM
Eligibility Information System Maintenance
$154,800 Federal Receipts
$154,800 G/F Match
$103,200 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42856
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This project is a request for programming support to assist
department staff with a substantial backlog of Eligibility
Information Systems work requests for the Division of
Public Assistance. The work requests are a mix of changes
required by federal or state regulation and updates needed
to improve reporting, system accuracy and efficiency for
management and field staff in determining initial and
ongoing eligibility for public assistance programs. The
backlog of work requests are prioritized by division and
department management.
Ms. Clarke highlighted this request, noting that it represented
improvements to the "old system".
2:33:50 PM
Evaluate Eligibility Information System Alternatives
$248,400 Federal Receipts
$248,400 G/F Match
$165,600 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42854
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
The department seeks funding to acquire a professional
services contractor to complete an evaluation of current
and future business needs and alternatives for replacing or
upgrading the Eligibility Information System for the
Division of Public Assistance.
The first phase of the project evaluation includes a gap
assessment, requirements, feasibility and cost benefit
analysis.
The second phase of the project will be dependent on the
alternative chosen and will include development of a
federal Advanced Planning Document and Implementation
Request for Proposal.
Ms. Clarke spoke to this request.
2:34:50 PM
Mandatory Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information and
Billing System Improvements
$750,000 Federal Receipts
$750,000 G/F Match
Reference No.: 6816
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
Ongoing Alaska's Statewide Automated Child Welfare System
development and enhancements as required by federal and
state law and resulting changes in practice.
Ms. Clarke overviewed this funding request, noting the following
six areas of contractual need: meeting federal requirements for
independent living, adoption-related issues, federal disaster
recovery requirements, implementation of new safety assessments,
reporting development, data analysis and "clean-up".
2:35:49 PM
MH Southcentral Foundation Eklutna Residential Psychiatric
Treatment Center - Match for Bring the Kids Home
$7,000,000 General Fund/Mental Health (GF/MH)
Reference No.: 42847
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Eklutna
Election District: Chugiak/Southern Mat-Su
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
Southcentral Foundation Residential Psychiatric Treatment
Facility.
Ms. Clarke summarized this request, informing that this and the
following requests were related to Alaska Mental Health Trust
Authority (AMHTA) funding. She commented that these funds would
be matched by both the Denali Commission and the Southcentral
Foundation.
2:36:51 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if the aforementioned match funds were
already secured from those entities and dedicated to the
project.
Ms. Clarke understood they were.
Co-Chair Hoffman requested confirmation.
Ms. Clarke would provide that information.
2:37:11 PM
Senator Dyson requested a larger map of the location of the
Eklutna facility.
Ms. Clarke would provide the requested information.
2:37:43 PM
Co-Chair Stedman reiterated the requests for additional
information.
Ms. Clarke informed that each entity that participated in the
Denali Commission process was required to provide a business
plan, thus extensive documentation existed.
2:38:17 PM
Senator Huggins knew of a proposal to build gambling facilities
on Eklutna, and opined the Committee should know the proximity
of the gambling establishment to the treatment center.
2:38:40 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman inquired if the business plan required by the
Denali Commission included operation costs.
Ms. Clarke affirmed.
2:39:04 PM
Emergency Medical Services Ambulances and Equipment
Statewide - Match for Code Blue Project
$425,000 G/F Match
Reference No.: 42837
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
Capital Equipment funds are needed to continue the work of
the Code Blue Steering committee. This committee was formed
to identify and purchase critical EMS equipment and
ambulances for EMS agencies around the state, particularly
in rural locations. Through several sources of funding much
of the need has been satisfied, but funds are still
required to continue the work. This year a total of
$425,000 in capital funds is required to match federal,
local and private funds to be allocated for all 7 EMS
regional offices for such needs as ambulances, heart
monitors, training equipment, and communications equipment.
One dollar in state general funds leverages more than 4
additional dollars in other funds.
Ms. Clarke reviewed this "annual" request, and informed that
additional information on the project was available upon
request.
2:40:11 PM
Senator Dyson asked to return to request number AMD32446, Safety
and Support Equipment for Probation Officers, Social Workers,
and Pioneer Home Residents and Staff. He asked why the equipment
listed was so expensive.
2:41:31 PM
Ms. Clarke understood that the inquiry related to ergonomic work
stations, and explained that the employer had an obligation to
modify an employee's work station if it was not suitable to that
employee. Failure to make these accommodations expose the
employer to workers' compensation claims in the case of an
injury or condition brought about by a poorly designed work
station.
2:42:42 PM
Senator Dyson considered these purchases "problematic luxury".
Ms. Clarke would provide additional information comparing the
costs of ergonomic modifications and workers compensation
claims.
2:43:36 PM
Co-Chair Stedman requested the referenced information.
2:44:11 PM
Pioneer Home Flooring Replacement
$471,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42840
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
Flooring in areas of the Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan,
Palmer, and Sitka Pioneer Homes needs replacement. The
flooring is worn, stained, and inappropriate for the
current resident population and results in safety and
sanitation issues.
Ms. Clarke spoke to this request.
2:45:35 PM
Senator Olson asked when the floors were last replaced.
Ms. Clarke was unsure, but would provide that information.
2:45:51 PM
Pioneer Homes Storage Facilities Construction
$648,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42839
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
The Anchorage, Palmer and Fairbanks Pioneer Homes need
storage space for cleaning, activity, physical therapy
supplies, furnishings, fixtures and equipment. These items
are currently stored in resident rooms eliminating the
ability to fill that room and collect monthly receipts. In
addition, equipment stored outside is subject to weather
and moisture damage. The funds will purchase a
prefabricated storage unit for the Anchorage and Palmer
Homes and an addition to the existing Fairbanks Pioneer
Home garage.
Ms. Clarke overviewed this request.
2:47:05 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if a site had been identified for the
storage units.
Ms. Clarke believed so, and would provide the requested
information.
2:47:29 PM
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the funding would be used to build
storage in Anchorage, Palmer and Fairbanks.
Ms. Clarke responded that those were the Homes with current
identified storage needs.
2:47:46 PM
Senator Thomas asked the square footage of the proposed storage
facilities.
Ms. Clarke did not have that information.
2:48:08 PM
ARNOLD LIEBELT, Facilities Manager, Finance and Management
Services, Department of Health and Social Services informed that
the square footage would vary depending on the amount of land
available for storage purposes.
Ms. Clarke shared that the estimate the Department had received
was for a 15,000 square foot building.
Senator Thomas asked for more information, as the requested
funding seemed excessive for a small unheated storage building.
Co-Chair Stedman further requested a cost analysis.
2:48:54 PM
MH Cost Share Match for Bring the Kids Home
$1,000,000 GF/MH
Reference No.: 38923
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This request will provide funding for construction and
equipment grants for residential treatment alternatives for
Severely Emotionally Disturbed (SED) youth that support the
Department's Bring the Kids Home initiative. The Denali
Commission has contributed more than $5 million for this
program. The Denali Commission funds require a 50% cost
share match for all construction costs. This request will
provide the required matching funds.
Ms. Clarke summarized this request, noting it was a "critical"
component of the Bring the Kids Home initiative.
2:50:05 PM
MH Treatment and Recovery Based Special Needs Housing
$250,000 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Dividend
$250,000 GF/MH
$250,000 Mental Health Trust Authority Authorized Receipts
(MHTAAR)
Reference No.: 37901
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This grant program provides funding to develop special
needs housing for Trust beneficiaries that cannot be funded
under AHFC because of statutory limitations.
Ms. Clarke reviewed this request.
2:50:41 PM
MH Home Modification and Upgrades to Retain Housing
$250,000 MHTARR
Reference No.: 33671
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This project provides housing modification funds for people
with special needs. This project increases the
accessibility of current housing so that Trust
beneficiaries and other special needs populations can move
into or remain in their own homes.
Ms. Clarke overviewed this request, adding that the grants were
administered to provide up to $12,000 per home for
modifications.
2:51:34 PM
MH Deferred Maintenance and Americans with Disabilities Act
Improvement Grants to Service Providers and for Trust
Beneficiaries
$2,000,000 GF/MH
Reference No.: 33670
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This program makes capital funds available on a competitive
basis to Mental Health Trust service provider agencies for
deferred maintenance and accessibility improvements for
program facilities.
Ms. Clarke spoke to this request.
2:52:31 PM
MH Essential Program Equipment
$350,000 GF/MH
Reference No.: 33672
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
This request will provide capital grants through the
competitive process for agencies providing services,
activities and programs for Mental Health beneficiaries.
Ms. Clarke highlighted this request, exampling therapeutic and
medical equipment as expenditures that this request would fund.
AT EASE 2:53:40 PM/2:55:06 PM
Department of Natural Resources
Statewide Digital Mapping Initiative Phase 2
$4,000,000 Federal Receipts
$2,000,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42062
Category: Public Protection
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2011
This project will develop a digital elevation and an ortho-
imagary map of the entire State of Alaska. This project is
a collaborative effort between the Department of Military
and Veterans Affairs, the Department of Natural Resources,
and the University of Alaska. Project oversight is provided
by an Executive Steering group made up from the Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs, the University of Alaska,
and the Department of Natural Resources. This base map will
be the foundation for many organizations to build their GIS
data layers and assist in field operations. It does
compliment the DMVA AK Aviation Safety Program.
NICO BUS, Director, Division of Support Services, Department of
Natural Resources reviewed this request, informing that the
current "base map" had not been updated for 40 years.
2:56:55 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked how many phases comprised the project,
and what areas of the state would be included in Phase 2.
Mr. Bus spoke of differing estimates regarding the number of
phases that would be needed, but the Department currently
anticipated the project would be completed in three phases. The
first phase would inventory existing data.
Co-Chair Hoffman again asked what locations Phase 2 would
encompass.
Mr. Bus responded that this request should fund mapping of the
entire state, with the highest priority areas completed first.
2:57:59 PM
Senator Dyson informed that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have
digitized maps available online at no charge, and asked if
citizens would have access to the maps the Department was
producing upon completion.
Mr. Bus assured that the maps would be accessible to the public
online and at no cost.
2:58:45 PM
National Historic Preservation Fund Federal Grant Program
$1,050,000 Federal Receipts
$50,000 G/F Match
Reference No.: 6865
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 09/30/2009
The National Historic Preservation Fund (NHPF) is a federal
matching grant with a 60% federal and a 40% state match. It
provides the state a basic historic preservation program
including planning, survey, inventory, project review, tax
credits, and public education. Cooperative agreements with
federal agencies and grants from federal programs, which do
not require match, fund cultural resource management
projects. The historic preservation program contributes to
the department's mission through the development,
conservation and use of Alaska's heritage properties which
is consistent with the public interest and the Alaska
Historic Preservation Act.
Mr. Bus summarized this request.
2:59:17 PM
Senator Dyson asked for a list of the projects that were
ongoing.
Mr. Bus would provide the information.
Co-Chair Stedman reiterated the request.
2:59:42 PM
South Denali State Park Planning and Design - Phase 1
$1,000,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: 42887
Category: Development
Location: Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Rural Mat-Su)
Election District: Rural Mat-Su
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
This project will start the planning and design of a South
Denali Park visitor center complex with trails and
amenities on Curry Ridge in Denali State Park, which will
provide additional recreational opportunities for visitors
and residents. Access roads, campgrounds, trails and
waysides are also part of this multi-year project.
Mr. Bus overviewed this request.
3:00:14 PM
Federal and Local Government Funded Forest Resource and
Fire Program Projects
$1,500,000 Federal Receipts
$1,300,000 Statutory Designated Program Receipts
Reference No.: AMD37769
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
This project provides receipt authority for federal and
local government funds including federal National Fire Plan
allocations to Alaska. Funding provides specific support
including the ability of the State and local government to
educate, mitigate, prepare for and respond to threats of
wildland fire. This authority will allow state direction to
cooperative forestry projects in which state, federal and
local governments have mutual interest to participate.
Projects also include forest health initiatives, insect and
disease examination, internships, and community and urban
forest inventories; and, local government funding for
hazard fuels reduction, fuels treatment, and forest
stewardship projects.
Mr. Bus spoke to this "annual" request.
3:01:03 PM
Alaska Cadastral Project
$250,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: 37768
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
The goal of this project is to create an integrated system
for sharing land parcel information between federal, state,
local, and native organizations. The Alaska Cadastral
Project will enable anyone to access current rights,
interests and boundary information involving real property.
The project builds partnerships for the collection,
management, standardization, and sharing of Alaska's land
parcel information to provide business processes and
support decision making. The project offers several
strategic areas for improving the services of state and
local government by improving the quality and accessibility
of essential business information related to real property.
Mr. Bus highlighted this request.
3:01:37 PM
Remote Recreational Cabins Survey and Appraisals
$618,200 State Land Fund
Reference No.: 38480
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2013
DNR appraises and contracts for surveys of Remote
Recreational Cabin Site properties. This program
contributes to the development of Alaska's land through the
transfer of land into private ownership. This CIP
authorizes DNR to spend money already being collected from
applicants. Remote Rec Cabin Sites is a stake-it-yourself
land sale program. After applicants stake their parcels,
DNR issues a lease and collects lessee's money to pay for
surveys and appraisals. In addition, approximately 250
staking authorizations will be offered in FY08 through
auction.
Mr. Bus reviewed this request, stressing that the funding was
generated from the applicant fees and was not general fund
dollars.
3:02:29 PM
Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation Federal Program
$3,525,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: AMD6855
Category: Public Protection
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2010
The Legislature enacted the Alaska Surface Coal Mining
Control and Reclamation Act in 1983 (AS 27.21). One of the
main purposes of the act was to promote the reclamation of
areas mined and left without adequate reclamation before
the enactment of the federal Surface Mining Control and
Reclamation Act of 1977. These mined areas endanger public
health and safety, substantially degrade the environment,
and prevent the beneficial use of or cause damage to land
and water resources. The RAMS program allows us to mitigate
environmental and safety issues on non-coal sites at an
accelerated pace. This program will employ up to 75
Alaskans in private sector jobs as part of the reclamation
efforts.
Mr. Bus summarized this request, stating that a project was
selected each year based on its importance.
3:04:02 PM
Cooperative Water Resource Program
$545,000 Statutory Designated Program Receipts
Reference No.: 37762
Category: Development
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
This project funding allows DNR to accept funds from the
private sector, and local governments and to pass those
funds through to the US Geological Survey (USGS) and US
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of a
funding agreement for cooperative water resource programs.
Industry, and local government often requests and pays for
the USGS and NRCS to install and operate equipment to
obtain hydrologic data. The information is necessary for
resource development and for permitting projects such as
mining, hydroelectric, or public water supply. If gaging
funding is passed through a state agency, the funds can be
matched up to 100% by the federal government.
Mr. Bus overviewed this request, characterizing the State's
participation as a "go between" for collecting funds to be
matched by the federal government, which could not collect the
funds itself.
3:04:42 PM
AK Costal Management Federal Pass Through Grants
$1,360,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: 40082
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
NOAA provides the state an annual grant, and has done so
since 1979. The Office of Project Management & Permitting,
AK Coastal Management Program (OPMP/ACMP) is the designated
state agency that receives these federal funds and shares
them as pass-through grants to agencies participating in
the ACMP. These pass-through grant funds support the
implementation of the ACMP by the participating state
agencies, coastal districts, and other grant recipients.
Effective implementation of the ACMP by the grant
recipients promotes responsible development of the state's
coastal uses and resources, and improves the state's water
use, water quality, aquatic habitat initiatives and grant
programs.
Mr. Bus spoke to this request.
3:05:20 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked for a list of the grantees of the
previous year.
Mr. Bus would provide that list to the Committee.
3:05:34 PM
Coastal Impact Assistance Federal Program (CIAP)
$3,000,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: 41648
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 12/31/2011
The Office of Project Management and Permitting (OPMP) has
been assigned the lead state agency to administer the
approximately $3 million annually in Coastal Impact
Assistance Program (CIAP) funding disbursed by the Dept. of
Interior under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (R.R.6). As
required by law, 35% of these funds will be paid to the
coastal districts of the state, and the remaining 65% will
be allocated as identified in the approved program.
Mr. Bus reviewed the request, and allowed that he could provide
a listing of the distribution of those funds during the previous
year.
3:06:10 PM
Potter Marsh Boardwalk Improvements Phase 3
$1,500,000 Statutory Designated Program Receipts
Reference No.: AMD42019
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Anchorage Areawide
Election District: Anchorage Areawide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2010
These funds from the Conoco-Phillips Earth to Energy
Program will be used for the construction of an ADA
accessible elevated wooden boardwalk and viewing platforms
and connection to future Bird Treatment and Learning Center
location around Potter Marsh. This project is in
coordination with the Alaska Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities, the Federal Highway Administration,
and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. The first two
phases of this project were funded in cooperation with FWHA
for access roads, parking lot, vaulted toilet,
interpretation, habitat enhancement and construction of a
caretaker cabin.
Mr. Bus highlighted this project, which would be funded with
"industry money".
3:06:38 PM
Alaska Boating Safety Program
$1,000,000 Federal Receipts
$200,000 Vehicle Receipts
Reference No.: 32553
Category: Public Protection
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
The Alaska Boating Safety Program provides for boating
education programs that promote safe, enjoyable boating in
Alaska.
Mr. Bus reviewed this request.
3:07:24 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked the criteria employed in identifying
areas with high rates of drowning accidents.
Mr. Bus responded that the areas were identified, and the
details were provided in the back-up documents.
3:07:53 PM
Land and Water Conservation Fund Federal Grants
$1,250,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: 32552
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
LWCF is a 50/50 matching grant program that provides
funding for the development of outdoor recreation areas and
facilities. More than any other state in the union,
Alaskans recreate outdoors. LWCF is consistent with DNR's
mission in that, in terms of outdoor recreation, it
develops, conserves and maximizes Alaska's natural [outdoor
recreational] resources consistent with the public
interest.
New or rehabilitated LWCF projects increase the number of
park visits, furthering a desired end result. Privatizing
the management of a LWCF assisted site is consistent with
LWCF policy, addressing a second desired end result. LWCF
program staff is responsible for monitoring compliance with
LWCF regulation and policy.
Mr. Bus spoke to this request.
3:08:24 PM
National Recreational Trails Federal Program
$850,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: 6854
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
Alaskans rely on trails for recreation, subsistence, and
travel between communities. These trails need maintenance
to ensure safe passage and to ensure that they remain open
and available for use. Funds are distributed by 80-10
matching grants for recreational trail and trailhead
development and maintenance, and for education programs
relating to trail safety and environmental protection.
Grants are awarded to organizations, agencies and local
governments.
Mr. Bus summarized this request, noting that the grant
recipients from the previous year were listed in the supporting
documentation.
3:09:10 PM
Snowmobile Trail Development and Program Grants
$200,000 Vehicle Receipts
Reference No.: 33690
Category: Transportation
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
Snowmobiling is one of Alaska's fastest growing outdoor
recreation activities. Funds are needed to develop and
maintain trails and trailheads to provide for safe riding
opportunities and to educate riders about safety concerns.
Funds for this program are provided by snowmobile
registration fees paid by Alaskans. Funds are distributed
in the form of matching grants for trail and trailhead
development and maintenance, safety education, and trail
identification. Grants are to organizations, businesses,
agencies, local governments, and individuals.
Mr. Bus highlighted this request, pointing out that the grant
funds were derived from snowmobile registration fees.
3:09:41 PM
Forest Legacy Federal Grant Program
$50,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: AMD 34881
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
The Forest Legacy Program provides Federal funding for
acquisition of high-value private forestland that is
threatened with conversion to non-forest use. Legislative
intent targets private in-holdings adjacent to, or within,
existing conservation units (parks, refuges, etc.) that are
primarily used for fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor
recreation and traditional access that would be disrupted,
destroyed, or degraded if the private properties use were
to be converted. This allows State Parks to conserve the
land for outdoor recreational opportunities and maximize
the of use critical areas for all members of the public.
Mr. Bus overviewed the request, informing that no new grants
would be issued this year but that the funds were needed to pay
for existing activities.
3:10:14 PM
Coastal Wetlands Federal Grant
$1,000,000 Federal Receipts
Reference No.: AMD39042
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Afognak
Election District: Kodiak
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
There is one project for FY08, the Afognak Coastal Habitat
Protection Project: Portage Drainage B. The Division of
Parks and Outdoor Recreation will acquire 960 acres of
wetlands in the Portage Lake and Portage River Drainage on
the Northern Afognak Island.
Mr. Bus reviewed this request, stating that the goal of this
project was to protect the vital salmon spawning habitat, as
well as the brown bears, deer, elk and marine mammals that
reside in the area.
3:11:00 PM
Recorder's Office - Digital Integration Wrap-up (Records
for FY2008 Request: 1979-1990)
$400,000 Receipt Supported Services
Reference No.: 42893
Category: General Government
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
One of the primary statutory functions of the
Recorder's/UCC component is to provide customers with easy
access to the public record of Alaska. This project
accomplishes this requirement by completing the conversion
of all historical remaining records to digital format. Most
of the remaining records to convert are for the period
1979-1990 and a direct link will be established to the
digitized image of the document upon project completion.
This significantly improves document image retrieval time
while creating efficiencies for staff, and more importantly
for our customers performing research of the public record.
Mr. Bus spoke to this request.
3:11:29 PM
Mental Health Trust Land Development
$650,000 MHTAAR
Reference No.: 6853
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
The Trust Land Office (TLO) supported by funds derived from
Trust Income, manages and develops Alaska Mental Health
Trust lands on behalf of the Alaska Mental Health Trust
Authority. Our mission is to protect and enhance values of
and maximize revenues from Alaska Mental Health Trust land.
Mr. Bus summarized this request.
3:11:56 PM
Mental Health Trust Land Facilities Maintenance
$350,000 MHTAAR
Reference No.: 40474
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2012
The Trust Land Office (TLO) manages facilities owned by the
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. As part of our
mission to protect and enhance values of and maximize
revenues from Alaska Mental Health Trust Land, any
improvements upon that land must be maintained accordingly.
Mr. Bus overviewed this request.
3:12:22 PM
Petroleum Systems Integrity Office Contracts
$500,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42881
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
This project is a direct response to the Prudhoe Bay Unit
pipeline corrosion and production shutdown incidents and is
integral to the state's overall commitment to the State of
Alaska's oil and gas leases infrastructure oversight.
Division staff with assistance from private sector experts
in system integrity, quality control and quality assurance
and risk analysis will conduct ongoing reviews and
appraisal of oil and gas lessees operations and facilities.
It allows for contracted analysis and assessment of oil and
gas system segments on an "on-demand as-needed" basis,
where a critical assessment needs to be performed, or where
the risk of a system failure has far-reaching consequences.
Mr. Bus highlighted this funding request, which would be used as
needed to ensure pipeline integrity.
3:13:10 PM
Senator Elton understood the intent of the Department to request
$500,000 every second year for this "on-demand" program.
Mr. Bus explained that this was a new program, and the
Department was unsure what the budget needs would be.
Senator Elton asked why this program was considered a capital
expense rather than an operating cost.
3:14:09 PM
Mr. Bus responded that the operating budget funded staff
positions to manage the project, while the funding of this
request would pay for contracts with outside agencies. The
capital request would avoid "inflating" the operating budget.
Senator Elton asked how the expenditure of these funds would be
accounted for within the Department, and whether there existed a
"reporting feature" to inform the legislature of the
disbursement of monies.
Mr. Bus replied that the funds would be utilized in response to
an "incident," and expenses would be reported to the
legislature.
3:15:24 PM
Oil and Gas Royalty Settlement Agreements Reopener
Arbitration
$500,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD31371
Category: Development
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
This project will fund the cost of outside oil and gas
experts and legal counsel, and the State's cost of reopener
arbitrations as the State proceeds with the renegotiation
and arbitration of royalty issues.
Mr. Bus reviewed this request, noting that a recent dispute
resolution with Exxon Mobile resulted in an award to the State
of "well over" $20 million. These sorts of capital projects
generated revenues of 20-30 times their cost.
3:16:24 PM
Co-Chair Hoffman remarked that if this funding would be returned
20 to 30-fold, the State should increase the appropriation.
3:16:41 PM
Unified Permitting Process Phase 4
$800,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD38872
Category: Development
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2010
The Unified Permit Project delivers an interactive permit
application system that guides individuals and businesses
to the correct questions and helps them to supply answers
and content. The project is designed to support and
streamline the permit process, raising productivity and
setting known response times for applicants. Leases, water
rights, and related authorizations will follow permits. The
system integrates mapping and documents to case related
data. The long term goal is to modernize the entire DNR
case management system - changing from a mainframe system
to a Web based system.
Mr. Bus spoke to this request.
3:17:31 PM
State Park Emergency Repairs
$400,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD6843
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
This project will fund emergency repairs to park units to
protect visitor health and safety by providing safe, clean,
and well maintained units. Projects will upgrade or replace
the basic facilities at parks including latrines, drinking
water systems, safe access roads & trails, safe shelter
from harsh weather, and safe camping sites so that these
items will not continue to put the health and safety of the
recreating public at risk.
Mr. Bus summarized this request, and reported that the total
amount of deferred maintenance needs within the State Parks was
approximately $50 million.
3:18:03 PM
BLM 2009 - State Support for Public Access Issues
$300,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD41426
Category: Development
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2010
The BLM 2009 Conveyance Project is a federal effort with
the goal of completing federal land transfers in Alaska by
2009 for the Statehood Entitlement. The general funds are
needed to augment the federal funding and pay for work
necessary to protection the State's interest in the area of
public access and navigable water issues. No federal
funding is available for this work and it is a very
important part of this project.
Mr. Bus overviewed this request.
3:18:47 PM
Airborne Geophysical and Geological Mineral Inventory
$850,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD6852
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
The Airborne Geophysical and Geological Mineral inventory
project is a special multi-year investment to expand the
knowledge base of Alaska's mineral resources and catalyze
private-sector mineral development. The project seeks to
delineate mineral zones on Alaskan state lands that: (1)
have major economic potential; (2) can be developed in the
short term to provide high quality jobs for Alaskans; and
(3) will provide economic diversification beyond oil and
gas. Mineral resources compose significant economic assets,
yet the location and magnitude of these resources are
largely unknown.
Mr. Bus highlighted the funding request for this "popular"
project.
3:19:30 PM
Co-Chair Stedman asked the number of years the Department
estimated would be required for completion of the State-wide
project.
Mr. Bus deferred to Bob Swenson.
ROBERT SWENSON, Director, Division of Geological & Geophysical
Surveys, Department of Natural Resources, responded that the
program would likely not cover the entire state, but only those
areas determined to have "high minerals potential".
Approximately 40 million acres had been identified for this
project, and approximately six million acres had been mapped
thus far. At current funding levels, he estimated the project
would take an additional ten years to complete.
3:20:22 PM
Senator Elton inquired if a multi-year appropriation request as
opposed to annual funding would be "more efficient".
Mr. Swenson agreed, and shared that the Department had attempted
to secure funding for five years to allow for long-term
contracts and more proficient use of funds.
Senator Elton asked for cost estimates of the potential savings
that could be achieved through long-term funding.
3:21:30 PM
Interior Alaska (Tanana Valley) Timber Inventory Update -
Phase 2
$250,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD41417
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Fairbanks Areawide
Election District: Fairbanks Areawide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
This would complete the update of the Tanana Valley
inventory. The current inventory is seriously out-of-date
due to changes in land ownership, changes in forest cover
following the huge 2004-2005 wildfires, and the prior lack
of ortho-rectified imagery to assure that timber volume
data is accurately matched with vegetation classes.
Mr. Bus reviewed this request.
3:22:10 PM
Alaska Energy Inventory
$500,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD43300
Category: Development
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - [completion date not
provided]
Inventory and compile all available Alaska energy resource
data suitable for electrical power generation and space
heating needs including natural gas, coal, coalbed and
shalebed methane, gas hydrates, geothermal, wind, hydro,
and biomass into a searchable GIS format with quantitative
attributes. This data will be accessible through a user-
friendly web-based interactive map with scalable layers to
display the location, type, and where applicable, a risk-
weighted estimate of quantity for energy resources
available in a given area or site. The data will be used to
identify locations or regions where the most economic
energy resource or combination of energy resources can be
developed to meet local needs.
Mr. Bus spoke to this request, noting that this "cooperative"
project would be completed in phases.
3:23:44 PM
Gas Pipeline Corridor Geologic Hazards and Resources -
Phase 2
$600,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD41415
Category: Development
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
This is the continuation of a project to assess the
geologic hazards and resource potential along the proposed
natural gas pipeline corridor from Delta Junction to the
Canadian border. In the first phase, DGGS conducted
airborne geophysical surveys of the corridor to identify
major geologic features and structures. The next phase will
incorporate the geophysical data in high resolution
geologic mapping for hazard assessment, construction
materials identification, and resource evaluation. The
resulting maps and reports will provide data for; 1) design
and construction of the pipeline, 2) characterization of
available construction materials, and 3) future
developments such as the proposed Alaska Railroad
extension.
Mr. Bus summarized this request, and told that the Phase 1 of
the project, completed the prior year, was "very popular and
very useful".
3:24:34 PM
DNR Fairbanks Office Building Repairs and System Upgrades
$300,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42878
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Fairbanks Areawide
Election District: Fairbanks Areawide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
Funding is requested to correct deficiencies in the Natural
Resources office building and increase energy efficiency,
safety, and ease of maintenance. These projects include re-
ducting of the boiler room air handler, provide an air
conditioning system for the central server room, upgrade
and replace lighting and ventilation controls, replace
almost 20-year-old carpet, contract for electrical capacity
engineering design and construction estimate for the
building, and implement results of electrical capacity
assessment. Currently the building is at maximum capacity
for its electrical load - causing problems in day to day
operations.
Mr. Bus highlighted this request.
3:25:05 PM
State Parks Deferred Maintenance
$1,000,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD38878
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2009
The Div. of Parks and Outdoor Recreation's 10 Year
Strategic Plan identified a number of strategies for
improving the quality and safety of outdoor recreation for
park visitors. The highest priority action strategy
identified in the new plan recommends addressing the dire
deferred maintenance condition of many of the parks. While
the past two years' capital appropriations have, or are
being implemented to address the most serious needs, much
more is needed to provide for clean, safe and adequately
maintained park facilities. This request identifies some of
the most critical needs across the state to reduce to
current $49 million deferred maintenance backlog.
Mr. Bus overviewed this request, adding that the project details
were included in the full request, and mostly related to
sanitation issues. Totem Bight State Park totem pole restoration
was also included in the request.
3:25:55 PM
State Parks Maintenance Projects
$880,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD43321
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Statewide
Election District: Statewide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
This appropriation covers four allocations, all phased
projects addressing specific Parks rehabilitation projects:
Nancy Lake Campground Rehabilitation Phase 3; Harding Lake
Campground Rehabilitation Phase 3; and Johnson Lake State
Recreation Site Campground Rehabilitation Phase 2.
Nancy Lake Campground Rehabilitation Phase 3
$350,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD40003
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Mat-Su Areawide
Election District: Matsu Areawide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
South Rolly Lake Campground and Nancy Lake SRS Campground
are located in the 22,685 acre Nancy Lake State Recreation
Area at the end of Nancy Lake Parkway, 6.5 miles from the
MP 67.3 of the Parks Highway. South Rolly Lake Campground
was constructed in the late 1970's and the Nancy Lake SRS
campground was built in the late 1960's. Most facilities
within these campgrounds have exceeded their life cycle.
This project would refurbish the campsites, upgrade the
campground roads, parking areas, and replace the toilets
and water wells.
Harding Lake Campground Rehabilitation Phase 3
$230,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD40004
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Harding Lake
Election District: Richardson/Glenn Highways
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
Harding Lake Campground is located in the 169 acre Harding
State Recreation Area, MP 321.4 of the Richardson Highway.
Due to its proximity to Fairbanks and its association with
the recreational opportunities at Harding Lake, the 81 unit
campground is heavily used during the warm summer months.
The late 1970, early 1980 vintage campground is in dire
need of a major upgrade to replace worn facilities. The
project would refurbish the campsites, upgrade the
campground roads and parking areas, and replace the toilets
and water wells.
Johnson Lake State Recreation Site Campground
Rehabilitation Phase 2
$300,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD41421
Category: Natural Resources
Location: Kenai Areawide
Election District: Kenai Areawide
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area's campground is located
within a 332 acre recreation area near mile 111 of the
Sterling Highway and near Kasilof, on the Kenai Peninsula.
The campground is heavily used by families and others
engaged in sport fishing on the nearby Kasilof River or
clam digging at Clam Gulch, several miles away. The oldest
section of the campground was constructed in the 1960's,
with the most recent major rehabilitation done in the early
1980's. It is a much loved site in dire need of
rehabilitation to make it safe, useable for park visitors
using the large motor homes and trailers of today, and
accessible to persons with physical disabilities.
Mr. Bus summarized these requests for funding of the phased
projects within the State Parks.
3:26:43 PM
Juneau Subport Abatement Phase 2 - Mental Health Trust
Settlement
$725,000 General Fund
Reference No.: AMD42079
Category: Health/Human Services
Location: Juneau (Juneau/Downtown/Douglas)
Election District: Juneau/Downtown/Douglas
Estimated Project Dates: 07/01/2007 - 06/30/2008
Additional hazardous materials abatement and demolition of
the Juneau Subport Building and Land require funding beyond
that identified in the FY07 CIP request. We have
subsequently learned that the required asbestos abatement
will leave the building in a condition that necessitates
demolition. Furthermore, in January 2006 two large fuel
spills occurred within the Subport building following
completion of the original Environmental Survey, which need
to be abated.
Mr. Bus spoke to this request.
3:27:17 PM
ADJOURNMENT
Co-Chair Bert Stedman adjourned the meeting at 3:27:16 PM
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