Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/15/2008 10:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB120 | |
| SB209 | |
| SB243 | |
| SB254 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 120 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 209 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 243 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 254 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 254
"An Act extending the termination date of the
Alaska regional economic assistance program;
and providing for an effective date."
JODI SIMPSON, STAFF, SENATOR HUGGINS, presented SB 254 and
read from the sponsor statement:
The Alaska Regional Economic Assistance Program was
created by the Legislature in 1988 to promote the
economic development of Alaska's urban and rural areas.
This program enables the creation of Alaska Regional
Development Organizations (ARDORs). Each ARDOR is
guided and directed by a board of directors composed of
the economic development interests in the region. To
carry out their mission, the State provides funding in
the form of grants for the ARDOR program. In turn, the
ARDORs use that money to leverage, on average, eight
times the State's investment in private, federal, and
other funds. Currently, there are 11 ARDORs across the
state. These ARDORs:
• Enable local officials and businesses to pool
their limited resources and work together on
economic development;
• Develop partnerships among public, private and
other organizations; and
• Provide technical assistance via direct links
with local citizens.
SB 254 is a companion bill to House Bill 272, which is
sponsored by Representative Bill Stoltze. The Alaska
Regional Economic Assistance Program and its ARDORs are
an important part of the economic development of their
regions. I ask your support in extending this program
to 2013.
10:46:32 AM
Senator Dyson noted that Ms. Pat Davidson, Legislative
Auditor testified that the standard extension is eight
years. He questioned why the provision extends to only five
years.
Ms. Simpson explained that there was some discussion on
decreasing the standard five year extension to three years.
The extension remained at five years and she was uncertain
if the eight year extension was considered.
10:47:37 AM
Senator Huggins explained the standard of eight years
relates to boards and commissions which is a different
category from programs.
Ms. Simpson said there are two fiscal notes from Department
of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
Senator Huggins noted there is a considerable amount of
nongovernmental funds that come into play with the
organization.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if Legislative Budget and Audit
(LB&A) reviewed any of the activities of the AIEDEA.
Ms. Simpson explained that each ARDOR is responsible for
conducting an internal audit. She said Ms. Davidson
reported there has not been a Legislative audit in the last
10 years.
Co-Chair Stedman asked Ms. Simpson to explain the role of
ARDORS as collaborator with other organizations to improve
economic conditions.
10:49:41 AM
Ms. Simpson deferred to Michael Hanzuk and Mike Catsi who
could better explain their relationship with other
organizations.
10:50:29 AM
MICHAEL HANZUK, DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, ARDOR PROGRAM,
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
(testified via teleconference) in support of SB 254. Mr.
Hanzuk said there has been a great deal of collaboration
within the 11 groups, as well as at the local level with
economic development groups. Each region works with all
entities to determine the regions goals and objectives.
10:52:56 AM
MIKE CATSI, SOUTHWEST ALASKA MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE (testified
via teleconference), in support of SB 254. He explained
that his organization works with a wide range of
organizations. He said he was available for any questions.
Senator Thomas commented that ARDORS are good coordinators
for collaboration on economic development issues.
SALLY SADDLER, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, COMMERCE COMMUNITY AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, addressed the fiscal note. She
explained the fiscal note adds $13.1 thousand of AIDEA
receipts to be transferred to the Office of Economic
Development via inter-agency receipts for keeping the
position funded at 50 percent.
Senator Olson emphasized the value of the work done by
ARDORS in his district and voiced strong support of SB 254.
10:56:28 AM
Senator Huggins emphasized the importance of economic
development across the state and the significance of the
ARDORS role in assisting communities in that endeavor.
Senator Huggins MOVED to Report out of Committee SB 254
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
AT EASE: 10:57:38 AM
RECONVENE:10:58:18 AM
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