Legislature(2005 - 2006)BUTROVICH 205
03/31/2005 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB133 | |
| SB16 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| = | SB 16 | ||
| = | SB 133 | ||
SB 133-AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD
CHAIR HUGGINS announced SB 133 to be up for consideration.
KIP KNUDSON, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities (DOT/PF) testified in support of the
Aviation Advisory Board. He maintained it has been an effective
policy tool since inception. Aviation industry and interest
groups recommended the formation of the board to Governor
Murkowski. Since formation, the board is renewed each year
through an administrative order. The commissioner of DOT/PF
recommends the board become a permanent group.
1:37:19 PM
CHAIR HUGGINS asked Mr. Knudson whether the Aviation Advisory
Board was in existence prior to Governor Murkowski's
administration.
MR. KNUDSON replied no.
SENATOR COWDERY asked the purpose of having the commissioner
consult with the board regarding hiring.
MR. KNUDSON answered the board would like to be involved with
the hiring of airport directors.
SENATOR COWDERY inquired whether the system worked prior to the
board being involved.
MR. KNUDSON responded there was a quick turnover of directors in
Anchorage for eight or nine years.
SENATOR COWDERY indicated that might have been due to a lack of
qualifications by persons holding the job.
MR. KNUDSON neglected to comment. He reiterated the board would
like to be consulted regarding the hiring of airport directors.
SENATOR COWDERY asserted the hiring of airport directors should
be an independent decision of the commissioner.
1:40:13 PM
CHAIR HUGGINS understood any advise from the board was advisory.
MR. KNUDSON agreed. The board has no veto ability.
SENATOR THERRIAULT suggested the Governor's Administration would
welcome the opinion of the board.
MR. KNUDSON said it is the opinion of the Governor and the
commissioner that there are critical infrastructure elements at
stake and the aviation communities need to be involved with the
appointments.
CHAIR HUGGINS asked whether the Governor was in support.
MR. KNUDSON said yes.
SENATOR FRENCH stated the purpose of the board is to comment on
the selection of the two individuals who will run either the Ted
Stevens Airport or the Fairbanks Airport. He inquired as to
their other duties.
MR. KNUDSON admitted the vetting of the candidates is a small
part. The board is used to review and discuss present and future
policies.
1:42:43 PM
MR. KNUDSON advised the committee the board has met 10 times
since creation.
CHAIR HUGGINS commented Anchorage and Fairbanks are represented
and wanted to know if other communities are seeking
representation.
MR. KNUDSON replied no. Anchorage and Fairbanks have large
facilities in the communities. Board members are from the south
central region.
1:44:18 PM
CHAIR HUGGINS asked whether board members should have an
aviation background.
MR. KNUDSON replied both Anchorage and Fairbanks mayors did
chose people with significant aviation backgrounds.
1:45:51 PM
SENATOR COWDERY asked him how many recommendations the board has
made.
MR. KNUDSON replied one formal resolution was forwarded to the
Governor.
1:47:01 PM
SENATOR THERRIAULT commented the Aviation Advisory Board members
receive no pay but are allowed travel expenses yet the fiscal
note is zero. He asked whether it was previously submitted in
the FY 2006 budget.
MR. KNUDSON responded yes. The total amount is $20,000 for the
activity.
SENATOR FRENCH asked where the meetings were held.
MR. KNUDSON advised they were rotated throughout the state.
CHAIR HUGGINS asked whether the board had any oversight with the
Medallion Flyer Program.
MR. KNUDSON advised that program is not included in the mission
statement. The current role of the advisory board is mainly
airport associated.
1:49:34 PM
KAREN CASANOVAS, executive director, Alaska Air Carriers
Association, testified in support of SB 133 and said it would
create a positive impact on air carriers operating in Alaska.
The Aviation Advisory Board provides support, which will
increase the aviation business, promote aviation safety, and
provide for better policy making.
1:51:21 PM
MS. CASANOVAS added the board has discussed multiple priorities
in their meetings.
CHAIR HUGGINS asked whether aviation insurance has been
addressed.
MS. CASANOVAS surmised the subject has been discussed.
MR. KNUDSON advised air carrier insurance has not been a direct
topic.
1:54:18 PM
CHAIR HUGGINS commented there were different insurance
challenges between Part 121 and Part 135 operators.
MR. KNUDSON advised the smaller carriers suffer the squeeze.
MS. CASANOVAS added insurance costs are a continuing issue for
the carriers. Some underwriters give a cost break if the carrier
participates in the Medallion Program.
1:56:05 PM
TOM GEORGE, representative for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association, testified in support of SB 133. Making the Aviation
Advisory Board permanent provides a balanced approach for the
aviation industry to work with the Department of Transportation.
1:59:03 PM
RUSS PAINTER, president, Alaska Airmen's Association, testified
in support of SB 133.
2:01:00 PM
SENATOR COWDERY moved SB 133 from committee with individual
recommendations and attached zero fiscal note(s). There being no
objection, the motion carried.
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