Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
04/05/2008 09:00 AM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 221 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 5, 2008
9:12 A.M.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to
order at 9:12:22 AM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Harry Crawford
Representative Les Gara
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Mary Nelson
Representative Bill Thomas Jr.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Richard Foster
ALSO PRESENT
Paul Fuhs, Chairman of the Board, Marine Exchange of Alaska;
Edward Page, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard; Wayne Nicolls,
Society of American Foresters, Juneau; Matt Robus, Board
Member, Territorial Sportsmen, Inc., Juneau; Ron
Sommerville, Board Member, Juneau Shooting Sports
Foundation, Juneau; Dan Etheridge, AFL-CIO, Juneau; John
Walsh, Lobbyist, Bristol Bay Borough, Juneau; Tim
Richardson, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Juneau; Lee
Kadinger, Boy Scouts of America, Juneau
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
HOMER:
Ginger Fortin, Homer; Ken Satre, Homer
KETCHIKAN:
David Johnson, Physician, Ketchikan General Hospital,
Ketchikan
ANCHORAGE:
Aves Thompson, Executive Director, Alaska Trucking
Association, Anchorage; John Crews, Alaska Vocational
Education Technical Center, Anchorage; Sue Hecks, Executive
Director, Southern Region EMS Code Blue, Anchorage; David
Matthews, AVTEC, Anchorage; Mary Hughes, Chairman,
University of Alaska Board of Regents, Anchorage; Carolyn
Clift, Aqua Advisory, Anchorage; Laurie Rapuzzi, Aqua
Fitness, Eagle River; Bradley Harris, POOLS, Anchorage;
David Uldrich, People for POOLS, Anchorage; James Hasbrouck,
Anchorage; Peter Crosby, Anchorage Parks & Recreation
Advisory Commission, Anchorage; Tod Williams, Anchorage;
Dana Hyams, Anchorage; Nancy Meade, Anchorage; Ken
Winterberger, Anchorage; Steve Nerland, Anchorage; Amy
Holonics, APSC, Anchorage; Barb McMullen, Anchorage; Bobbi
Ramos Olson, Anchorage
KODIAK:
Shawn Dochtermann, Crewman's Association, Kodiak
BETHEL:
Dave Trantham, Bethel; Raymond Thor Williams, Alaska
Municipal League (AML), City of Bethel; Michelle DeWitt,
Tundra Women's Coalition, Bethel; Eric Middlebrook, Mayor,
City of Bethel; George Young, Fire Chief, Bethel
TOK:
Kathy Morgan, Tok Community Umbrella Corporation, Tok; Jeff
Hermanns, Tok
FAIRBANKS:
Mike Littlefield, Fairbanks; Susan Hendricks, University of
Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks; Karla Secor-Odonoghue,
Fairbanks; Ron Dixon, Tanana Valley Campus Community
Advisory Council, Fairbanks; Jim Sampson, Fairbanks; David
Miller, Fairbanks; Jim Lahti, Pipeline Training, Fairbanks
NOME:
Haven Harris, Norton Sound Health Coalition, Nome
DELTA JUNCTION & KASILOF
Max Sprott, Delta Junction; Connie Vann, Kasilof; Chris
Moracek, Soldotna, Central Emergency Services, Soldotna;
Cynthia Smith, Kasilof; Sandy Matthews, Kasilof; Daniel
Smith, Kasilof; Larry Willard, Kasilof;
OFF NETS:
Ethel Riley, Kasilof; Steve Hagedorn, Anchorage; Jim
Hickerson, Unalkleet; Ben Howard, Unalkleet; Jennifer Yuhas,
Special Assistant, Fairbanks North Star Borough; Sven
Haakanson; Bruce Merrel; Stephen Gemmell; Mike Catsi,
AWAKMC; Shelby Boothe; Chris Turletes, University Alaska-
Anchorage
GENERAL SUBJECT(S):
The following overview was taken in log note format.
Handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee
through the 25th Legislative Session, contact 465-6814.
After the 25th Legislative Session they will be available
through the Legislative Library at 465-3808.
>SB 221-BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS
TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION
9:12:49 AM Co-Chair Meyer Convened the House Finance Committee in
order to take public testimony on SB
221.
HOMER
9:13:41 AM GINGER FORTIN, Testified in support for the Kendicott
HOMER Ferry service to the Homer area, which
testified via would provide two weekly calls to
teleconference Homer. She stated that would be an
improvement.
9:14:46 AM KEN SATRE, Spoke in support for the blade
HOMER sharpener. He noted the costs
testified via associated with the required monthly
teleconference travel in order to sharpen the blades.
KETCHIKAN
9:15:46 AM DAVID JOHNSON, Requested support for the budget
PHYSICIAN, component, allowing the hospital to
KETCHIKAN upgrade the operating room. He
GENERAL explained that the small hospitals in
HOSPITAL, Alaska have great expenses for charity
KETCHIKAN care. He requested $4.4 million
testified via dollars for the program.
teleconference
ANCHORAGE
9:17:57 AM AVES THOMPSON, Focused on two critical routes which
EXECUTIVE need legislative fiscal support.
DIRECTOR, #1 - Dalton Highway / $19 million
ALASKA #2 - Parks Highway
TRUCKING
ASSOCIATION,
ANCHORAGE
testified via
teleconference
9:21:59 AM JOHN CREWS, Requested continued funding for the
ALASKA Alaska Vocational Technical Center
VOCATIONAL (AVTEC).
EDUCATION
TECHNICAL
CENTER,
ANCHORAGE
testified via
teleconference
9:25:26 AM SUE HECKS, Addressed the impacts of the proposed
EXECUTIVE removal of the Emergency Medical
DIRECTOR, Services (EMS) for code blue projects.
SOUTHERN The deleted project which needs
REGION EMS reinstatement is the emergency
CODE BLUE, communications funding, updating the
ANCHORAGE legacy emergency system used throughout
testified via rural Alaska. She urged that
teleconference maintenance and updating the system
needs to be funded @ $265 thousand
dollars.
9:28:33 AM DAVID Commented on three issues regarding
MATTHEWS, workforce development:
AVTEC,
· Reinstatement for funding for
ANCHORAGE
Alaska Vocational Technical Center
testified via
· Pipeline training facility in
teleconference
Fairbanks, matched through federal
funding
· SB 124 be reported out of the
House which increases opportunity
for the workforce across the
State.
9:31:31 AM MARY HUGHES, Testified for greater funding for the
CHAIRMAN, deferred maintenance component of the
UNIVERSITY OF proposed budget. The proposed amount
ALASKA BOARD is disappointing to the University,
OF REGENTS, which has millions of dollars of needed
ANCHORAGE deferred maintenance projects. She
testified via requested $50 million dollars more.
teleconference
9:35:04 AM CAROLYN CLIFT, Urged a funding match for the Municipal
AQUA ADVISORY, pools in Anchorage. She stated that
ANCHORAGE the pools provide for greater quality
testified via of life and requested matching funds.
teleconference Representative Gara asked if funds had
previously been included. Co-Chair
Meyer commented that it just happened
when the bonds passed.
9:37:12 AM LAURIE Echoed sentiments of the previous
RAPUZZI, AQUA testifier. She urged the matching
FITNESS, EAGLE funds for the pool, stating it is a
RIVER safety issue.
testified via
teleconference
9:38:21 AM BRADLEY Added his request for the matching
HARRIS, POOLS, funds for the pool used in Anchorage.
ANCHORAGE He pointed out the amount of use that
testified via the pools receive and how they help
teleconference children and adults to have improved
health. He urged preserving healthy
lifestyles.
9:41:57 AM DAVID ULDRICH, Echoed previous comments regarding
PEOPLE FOR matching funds for pool bonding. He
POOLS, urged that the funding become a
ANCHORAGE legislative priority. He mentioned
testified via concerns with drowning for untrained
teleconference swimmers.
9:44:14 AM JAMES Requested $2 million dollars for
HASBROUCK, capital repairs to Anchorage's aging
ANCHORAGE swim pools for the matching city
testified via bonding. He addressed the economic
teleconference benefit to the State, focusing on swim
team needs.
9:46:43 AM PETER CROSBY, Echoed the request for the pool
ANCHORAGE matching funds in the amount of $2
PARKS & million dollars. If the State fails to
RECREATION approve the funding, no repairs will be
ADVISORY made. It is essential funding. The
COMMISSION, total expense for pool repair is $4
ANCHORAGE million dollars.
testified via Co-Chair Meyer acknowledged that there
teleconference are five members on the Committee from
Anchorage whom all understand the need
for the pool funding.
9:51:24 AM TOD WILLIAMS, Echoed previous sentiments for the
ANCHORAGE matching fund request for pool
testified via maintenance.
teleconference
9:52:10 AM DANA HYAMS, Testified in support for funding for
ANCHORAGE the matching fund bonds for the pool.
testified via She mentioned how the request relates
teleconference to a relationship with health and
safety needs.
9:54:56 AM NANCY MEADE, Requested matching funds for the bond
ANCHORAGE which passed in Anchorage for the pool
testified via maintenance, emphasizing, it is a
teleconference statewide issue.
9:57:00 AM KEN Echoed previous concerns for the
WINTERBERGER, maintenance of the Anchorage pools.
ANCHORAGE
testified via
teleconference
9:58:32 AM STEVE NERLAND, Spoke on behalf of the University of
ANCHORAGE Alaska-Anchorage for funding for a new
testified via athletic facility/center to serve that
teleconference growing community.
Vice-Chair Stoltze indicated he
supports the request.
10:01:58 AM AMY HOLONICS, Reiterated previous testimony in
APSC, support for the pool funding. She
ANCHORAGE stated that pools ultimately save
testified via lives.
teleconference
10:04:08 AM BARB MCMULLEN, Spoke in support for the pool funding
ANCHORAGE request and reiterated previous
testified via testimonies. She mentioned pregnant
teleconference women that use the pools.
Representative Gara appreciated the
testimony but pointed out that there
are people across the State that do not
have a single pool in their community.
He stated that these issues are bigger.
10:06:08 AM BOBBI RAMOS Urged funding for the University of
OLSON, Alaska-Anchorage athletic facility,
ANCHORAGE commenting that the current facility is
testified via inadequate.
teleconference
KODIAK
10:08:47 AM SHAWN Testified in support for the Mission
DOCHTERMANN, road repair project funding for Kodiak.
CREWMAN'S It is the primary road in Kodiak.
ASSOCIATION, He added further reinstatement for
KODIAK funding for the Seafood Harbor data
testified via project. He stressed the importance of
teleconference that project.
BETHEL
10:12:16 AM DAVE TRANTHAM, Addressed two top priority projects in
BETHEL Bethel, which need funding:
testified via
· Fire station roof
teleconference
· Tundra Women's coalition
10:16:03 AM RAYMOND THOR Requested continued support for the
WILLIAMS, Bethel fire station roof repair and EMS
ALASKA support. He also stressed the need for
MUNICIPAL the facility funding for the shelter to
LEAGUE (AML), help protect the women of the community
CITY OF BETHEL from domestic violence. He addressed
testified via substance abuse. He mentioned a need
teleconference for a swimming pool in that area, which
could help address the number of people
drowning in that community.
He urged support for those items for
the betterment of Bethel.
10:18:50 AM MICHELLE Emphasized the need for the funding the
DEWITT, TUNDRA shelter request. The building is
WOMEN'S heavily used and is nearly 30 years old
COALITION, and is beyond renovation. She pointed
BETHEL out the partnership with the City of
testified via Bethel.
teleconference She added comments to the need for the
roof repair for the local fire station.
10:21:19 AM ERIC Stated that the most important project
MIDDLEBROOK, for the City of Bethel is the fire
MAYOR, CITY OF station roof repair. He stressed the
BETHEL urgency of that need & urged
testified via consideration.
teleconference He directed comments to the need for a
detox center, which could help the
Troopers with their work and added
consideration for a community swim
pool.
10:24:12 AM GEORGE YOUNG, Testified in support for the repair
FIRE CHIEF, project funding for the Bethel Fire
BETHEL Department structural roof project.
testified via He added his support for the Bethel
teleconference Women's shelter renovation in Bethel.
JUNEAU
10:25:47 AM PAUL FUHS, Asked to explain a bill contained the
CHAIRMAN OF budget called "Capstone on the Water".
THE BOARD, The request for funds will place the
MARINE transmitting equipment on the
EXCHANGE OF airplanes. He stated that the
ALASKA equipment is in place, however, they
are missing the receivers. He
referenced the handout, identifying the
receivers that have been already put in
place. (Copy on File).
The requested coverage would be used
for the North Slope. He mentioned the
missions happening in the Arctic and
tracking vessels in that area coming in
from out of the country.
10:29:32 AM EDWARD PAGE, Added that the requests represents a
CAPTAIN, U.S. shared commitment between the marine
COAST GUARD industry and the Coast Guard. It has
been used for the search and rescue
systems and was accessed by the Coast
Guard effectively.
10:30:48 AM Representative Asked if it included weather monitors.
Thomas Mr. Fuhs responded that was not
possible through the proposed system
but that there is another system that
addresses it.
Representative Thomas asked if there
was equipment needed to access that.
Captain Page responded that there are
sights and locations that will feed the
information back for vessel tracking.
Representative Thomas pointed out the
number of friends that he had lost
because of weather condition
complication with there vessels. Mr.
Fuhs stated that the most important
data is related to the transfer.
10:33:54 AM Representative Mentioned following and using the NOA
Kelly system. Captain Page pointed out that
those discussions have come up and
concerns have been noted with the relay
stations. There should be more weather
censors.
Representative Kelly believed that
there is opportunity with the request.
Mr. Fuhs pointed out that it would be
an all Alaskan vessel tracking.
TOK
10:35:38 AM KATHY MORGAN, Noted support for the request for fire
TOK COMMUNITY trucks. She added support for the
UMBRELLA renewal resource initiative. She
CORPORATION, pointed out that the community is in
TOK testified the middle of an overdeveloped spruce
via forest and needs to purchase a chipper.
teleconference
10:38:30 AM JEFF HERMANNS, Voiced support for the fire truck
TOK testified funding. He added his request for the
via bio-fuel project.
teleconference
FAIRBANKS
10:40:27 AM MIKE Noted concern for funding for the
LITTLEFIELD, pipeline training component. He urged
FAIRBANKS a coordinated effort to accomplish the
testified via request.
teleconference Representative Thomas asked how many
Union members would be included with
the training dollars. Mr. Littlefield
pointed out that last year, it included
100 people , not in the Unions.
Representative Thomas asked for a list
of those numbers including the number
that went into the Union. Mr.
Littlefield stated that there are many
people working on the North Slope that
are from outside Alaska.
10:45:13 AM SUSAN Voiced support for funds for repair and
HENDRICKS, renovation projects at the University.
UNIVERSITY OF The request will cover costs to the
ALASKA-entire statewide University system.
FAIRBANKS, Many of the buildings are over 40-years
FAIRBANKS old.
testified via
teleconference
10:47:29 AM KARLA SECOR-Spoke on behalf of the bond funding
ODONOGHUE, match for the Anchorage Municipal
FAIRBANKS pools.
testified via
teleconference
10:48:55 AM RON DIXON, Encouraged funding for the Tanana
TANANA VALLEY Valley campus deferred maintenance
CAMPUS projects.
COMMUNITY
ADVISORY
COUNCIL,
FAIRBANKS
testified via
teleconference
10:50:49 AM JIM SAMPSON, Urged funding for the $3 million dollar
FAIRBANKS request for the pipeline training
testified via center. He added support for the
teleconference Tanana Valley campus project.
10:51:51 AM DAVID MILLER, Asked the Committee to address the
FAIRBANKS Board of Regent's priorities. He
testified via explained the process to move through
teleconference that process.
10:53:52 AM JIM LAHTI, Directed comments to funding for the
PIPELINE pipeline training facility. He
TRAINING, maintained that it is an appropriate
FAIRBANKS training for Alaska hire in
testified via anticipation of the work that will need
teleconference to be done on a new line forecasts. He
stressed the need for improvement.
DELTA JUNCTION
10:55:56 AM HAVEN HARRIS, Urged reintroduction for funding for
NORTON SOUND EMS service purchases of those big
HEALTH ticket items. He mentioned the Youth
COALITION, and Elders Program.
NOME testified
via
teleconference
10:57:34 AM MAX SPROTT, Urged funding for the pipeline training
DELTA JUNCTION facility.
testified via
teleconference
JUNEAU
10:58:31 AM WAYNE NICOLLS, Noted support for a reforestation
SOCIETY OF project, which is not currently
AMERICAN included in the proposed budget.
FORESTERS,
JUNEAU
11:02:28 AM MATT ROBUS, Voiced support for funding of capital
TERRITORIAL funds for a shooting range in Juneau be
SPORTSMEN, included in the capital budget request.
INC., BOARD He pointed out that his board is
MEMBER, JUNEAU willing to collect partner monies to
help with facility funding.
11:07:17 AM RON Echoed sentiments expressed by the
SOMMERVILLE, previous speaker. He urged funding for
JUNEAU the indoor shooting range for the City
SHOOTING of Juneau. He mentioned the attempt to
SPORTS compromise.
FOUNDATION, He added support for the Afognik Island
BOARD MEMBER, funding requests, pointing out that
JUNEAU those dollars are not General Fund
monies.
Representative Kelly applauded the
professionals that after retirement
come forward to represent community
requests.
11:12:11 AM DAN ETHERIDGE, Testified on behalf of funding for the
AFL-CIO, Fairbanks Training facility. He
JUNEAU pointed out that it would be a
statewide training facility. He urged
that Alaskans get the work and that the
funding would be federally matched.
Representative Kelly & Representative
Gara agreed.
11:14:36 AM JOHN WALSH, Spoke in support for the Port of
LOBBYIST, Bristol Bay funding in the amount of
BRISTOL BAY $15 million dollars. The design is
BOROUGH, ready to go.
JUNEAU
11:17:43 AM TIM Testified on behalf of Native Alaskans
RICHARDSON, for reinstatement for Department of
ROCKY MOUNTAIN Natural Resources receipt authority for
ELK up to $10 million dollars to the Native
FOUNDATION, corporations on Afognik Island. It
JUNEAU would be revenue neutral for the State
budget. The offering price for the
lands would be determined by a state
certified appraisal. He noted support
for the project is widespread and that
Afognik is a popular for elk hunting by
Alaska residents.
11:20:06 AM LEE KADINGER, Spoke in support of a new program for
BOY SCOUTS OF the boy scouts that will offer high
AMERICA, adventure to scouts. The program will
JUNEAU be teaching life safety skills,
responsible land use and survival
skills. It is for the greater good of
the entire state. He added the need
for maintenance of the camps.
KENAI
11:24:02 AM CONNIE VANN, Spoke in opposition to the land
KASILOF purchase in Kasilof for providing a
testified via public sport fishing boat launch.
teleconference
CHRIS MORACEK, Requested dollars for the replacement
SOLDOTNA, of a fire truck on the Kenai peninsula.
CENTRAL
EMERGENCY
SERVICES,
SOLDTNA
testified via
teleconference
11:26:53 AM CYNTHIA SMITH, Echoed sentiments against funding for
KASILOF the Kasilof private property boat
testified via launch.
teleconference
11:28:31 AM SANDY Testified in opposition to funding for
MATTHEWS, the Kasilof private property boat
KASILOF launch.
testified via
teleconference
11:30:43 AM DANIEL SMITH, Spoke in strong opposition to funding
KASILOF for the Kasilof private property boat
testified via launch.
teleconference
11:31:42 AM LARRY WILLARD, Echoed sentiments of the three previous
KASILOF testifiers against the boat launch and
testified via the negative impact on the river.
teleconference
11:33:41 AM ETHEL RILEY, Spoke in strong opposition to funding
KASILOF for the Kasilof private property boat
testified via launch.
teleconference
OFFNETS
11:38:04 AM STEVE Addressed the dollars being requested
HAGEDORN, for the University athletic center,
ANCHORAGE noting that the current center is
testified via inadequate.
teleconference
11:40:59 AM JIM HICKERSON, Identified Unalkleet School District
UNALKLEET additional funding for major
testified via maintenance. He urged support for
teleconference energy relief and substance abuse
dollars. He worried about the current
fuel concerns of the area.
schools follow a code of conduct.
11:44:13 AM BEN HOWARD, Echoed concerns with moving the
UNALKLEET Unalkleet schools up to #21 on the
testified via priority list. He pointed out how old
teleconference the schools are and that there are many
major maintenance concerns with the
schools.
11:45:13 AM JENNIFER Commented on the request for technical
YUHAS, SPECIAL programs in Fairbanks.
ASSISTANT,
FAIRBANKS
NORTH STAR
BOROUGH
testified via
teleconference
11:46:11 AM SVEN HAAKANSON Noted support for the State libraries
testified via and museum projects and asked for an
teleconference increase to the funding request.
11:49:20 AM BRUCE MERREL Noted support for the State libraries
testified via and museum project. He asked for an
teleconference increase to the funding request.
11:51:39 AM STEPHEN Indicated support of the deferred
GEMMELL maintenance budget request. Pointing
testified via out that repairs are badly needed.
teleconference
11:56:12 AM MIKE CATSI, Southeast Alaska Municipal Conference
AWAKMC request in the amount of $150,000 for
testified via Fish and Game database. He added
teleconference support for the Bristol Bay port. He
asked for the reinstatement of the Old
Denali funding.
12:00:13 PM SHELBY BOOTHE Supported $500,000 increase for Phase 1
testified via project.
teleconference
12:01:38 PM CHRIS Supported funding for $50 million for
TURLETES, UAA system facilities maintenance
UNIVERSITY needed; and funding for the BIOS
ALASKA-facility. He added his support for the
ANCHORAGE planning & funding for UAA and Sports
testified via Complex.
teleconference
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:06 PM
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