Legislature(2005 - 2006)BELTZ 211
03/31/2005 01:30 PM Senate LABOR & COMMERCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB130 | |
| SB108 | |
| SB142 | |
| SB147 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 142 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 139 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 108 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SB 147 | ||
| = | SJR 11 | ||
| = | SB 130 | ||
SB 147-SPORT FISHING FACILITY REVENUE BONDS
CHAIR CON BUNDE announced SB 147 to be up for consideration.
SENATOR SEEKINS, sponsor, said sport fish production is
declining, because of 30-year old facilities in the Anchorage
area and the closing of another facility. The bond package would
fund a new hatchery in the Fairbanks area close to the Aurora
Energy Plant so waste heat could be used. The federal government
has come through with over $6 million already and another
promise for $3 million more. Now is the time to renovate and add
to hatcheries at Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson
and plan for the future.
The bond package would be used for the capital project and the
federal money would fund operating expenses. Surcharges would be
added to the existing state fishing license fees.
3:17:50 PM
CHAIR BUNDE asked if the annual surcharge on a sport fishing
license would be $45.
SENATOR SEEKINS responded yes for a non-resident; but for a
resident it would be $15 plus $8.50.
KELLY HEPLER, Director, Division of Sport Fish, said that the
annual non-resident sport fishing license is currently $100.
CHAIR BUNDE figured that would become $145. He asked if the
ratio between resident and non-resident fees was within
constitutional parameters.
MR. HEPLER replied yes; the ratio is about three to one now and
that is being kept with the surcharge. He said the last time
fishing license fees were raised was in 1993.
SENATOR SEEKINS said the intent is that the surcharge goes away
when the facility is paid for.
CHAIR BUNDE declared a conflict saying he is a recipient of
benefits from the King hatchery at Ship Creek.
3:20:24 PM
BRIAN ALLEE supported SB 147. "I think a hatchery in the
Interior is really important and renovation of the two
hatcheries in Anchorage, as well." He said he is director of the
Alaska Sea Grant Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
and knows the value of hatcheries in terms of the economy,
creating jobs and opportunities for fishermen. The University
would provide support to the hatchery in the Interior.
SENATOR SEEKINS said part of intent is for the University to
provide a research component.
3:23:10 PM
MIKE ROUND, Assistant General Manager, Southern Southeast
Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA), Petersburg, said SSRAA
is the current contracted operator of the Crystal Lake Hatchery
and supported SB 147. He read a statement about how well the
hatchery is doing. However, for several years many maintenance
issues have been deferred and providing a funding mechanism for
maintenance and renovation projects now will ensure the
facility's efficient functioning into the future.
3:25:33 PM
CHAIR BUNDE closed public testimony.
3:25:45 PM
SENATOR SEEKINS moved to pass SB 147 from committee with
attached fiscal notes and individual recommendations. Senators
Ben Stevens, Seekins, Ellis, Davis and Chair Bunde voted yea;
and SB 147 moved from committee.
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