Legislature(1993 - 1994)
03/04/1993 01:37 PM House FIN
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HOUSE BILL NO. 60
"An Act making appropriations for capital projects; and
providing for an effective date."
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Members were provided detailed backup on the Department of
Fish and Game's FY 94 CIP requests (copy on file).
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
CARL L. ROSIER, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
reviewed the Department's capital improvement project
requests (CIP) for FY 94:
* Vessels Major Maintenance - $315.0 thousand
dollars
This CIP request would provide for general
maintenance on three vessels. Vessels support
fishery monitoring efforts. In addition, this
request would retrofit the R/V Media's heating and
insulation. The R/V Media was purchased in FY 93
through a FY 93 CIP appropriation. The vessel
will be used for finfish and shellfish assessment.
Representative Hoffman asked if the Department has the
latest marine survey on the R/V Media.
LARRY JONES, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME replied that the Department has
the survey which accompanied the vessel at the time of
purchase.
* Tag/Otolith Laboratory - $1.1 million dollars
This CIP request would allow the Department to
relocate the existing Coded Wire Tag Processing
Laboratory. Otolith tags are placed in the head
of immature fish. The tags are used in stock
identification. The existing facility is located
in Juneau. The facility condition is adverse to
employee health. The Department intends to
relocate into an existing building in the Juneau
area.
Commissioner Rosier clarified otolith tagging is not
preformed by private business in the State of Alaska. The
existing laboratory is owned by the State of Alaska.
Representative Therriault asked how the Department derived
the cost estimation. Mr. Jones explained that the
Department has inquired into the cost of purchasing and
renovating several buildings in the Juneau area.
Commissioner Rosier interjected that there are multiple
users of the otolith processing. Private hatcheries are
interested in the process. He explained, in response to a
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question from Representative Therriault, that the Department
has not entered into negotiations.
* Crystal Lake Water Recirculation Project - $1.0
million dollars
This CIP request would be used to construct a
water recirculation system for the Crystal Lake
Hatchery. The project is estimated to double the
facility's fish production capacity. The facility
produces chinook salmon and steelhead trout. The
facility is owned by the State.
Commissioner Rosier clarified in response to a question by
Co-Chair MacLean, that the Department has no plans to
transfer the facility to private ownership. He observed
that the facility contributes to recreational and commercial
use. He noted that the facility receives U.S./Canada salmon
enhancement funding.
Representative Hoffman questioned the need for a doubling of
the allocation. He asked the demand level for the
production of trout. Commissioner Rosier could not give the
percentage of trout to the species utilized commercially.
He emphasized that Sport Fish funding would carry a portion
of the operational costs. General fund dollars would be
used for the conversion of the water system. Representative
Hoffman asked if there is pressure on the trout stocks. He
asked why the Department is concentrating "on tourism
aspects when we could be concentrating our dollars on
commercial aspects for the benefit of people, commercial
fishermen in the State."
Commissioner Rosier stressed that the project will replace
production that had been assigned to other facilities around
the State that are being closed. He observed that demand
exists for steelhead trout and chinook salmon in the
Southeast recreational fishery. He emphasized that Fish and
Game, and Sport Fish Funds will be used to support sport
fish programs. Representative Hoffman asked for information
justifying the doubling of production.
* Waterfowl Conservation and Enhancement Program -
$420.0 thousand dollars
This CIP request would continue the Waterfowl
Conservation Program for 3 years.
Co-Chair MacLean asked for details of the expenditures of
the original $850.0 thousand dollar appropriation. She
asked for a breakdown of administration costs.
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* Kenai River Bank Restoration/Stabilization Project
- $147.0
This CIP request is a two year project to provide
standards and technical guidelines for bank
protection for the Kenai River. The project will
also identify fish habitat criteria that can be
incorporated into project designs.
Commissioner Rosier stressed the importance of protecting
the State's resources. He noted that a major portion of the
State's recreational access is involved. He observed that
residents are concerned about habitat loss along the river
and impacts on the fish and wildlife resources.
* Habitat Improvement and Big Game Population
Enhancement - $2.0 million dollars (Fish and Game
Fund)
This CIP request is a five year program that will
provide for the restoration of wood bison. The
project is designed to enhance big game
populations in accessible areas. Funds will also
be used to conduct prescribed fires and for
predator control.
Commissioner Rosier asserted that this request will protect
populations of high importance to the residents of the State
within the highway system.
Co-Chair MacLean asked for projections of expenditures from
the Fish and Game Fund including all proposed expenditures
for FY 94. She asked for details of the predator control
plan. She asked how much of the $2.0 million dollars will
be used for predator control.
DAVE KELLYHOUSE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
explained that of the $2.0 million, 3 year, CIP request,
$300.0 thousand dollars will be for predator control. An
additional $120.0 thousand dollars will be spent for species
numeration.
Co-Chair MacLean noted that $408.0 thousand dollars is
requested in the Department's operating budget for wolf
management. Mr. Kellyhouse explained that the $408.0
thousand dollars in the operating budget will be used for
wolf studies to aid management plans.
Co-Chair MacLean asked why the Department is giving priority
to the reintroduction of the wood bison. Mr. Kellyhouse
stressed that the wood bison historically appeared in
Alaska. The species is endangered. The only clean herd
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exists in Canada. The Alaskan habitat is considered to be a
prime area for reintroduction.
Co-Chair MacLean noted that the Department's CIP request for
the Division of Wildlife is $12 million dollars. She asked
why the request was not programed within the operating
budget. Mr. Kellyhouse emphasized that the project is a
one-time non-recurring event. He observed that the
Division's primary function is to gather information in
order that the State can manage its resources on a sustained
yield basis.
Mr. Kellyhouse gave examples of habitat projects that have
traditionally been funded through the capital budget. He
clarified, in response to a question from Co-Chair MacLean,
that none of the projects included in the request were
denied by the Governor.
Representative Martin asked if the Department could pay
bounties on hides. Mr. Kellyhouse agreed that the State
has, in the past, paid bounties on hides. He added that the
practice is ineffectual. He stressed that some bounty hides
came from Canada. He added that predator control using
helicopters was recommended by environmentalists on the Wolf
Management Team as the most humane and effective technique.
He further discussed wolf control.
Representative Martin asked if local residents could be
greater utilized for wolf control. Commissioner Rosier
emphasized that there is open access in the wolf season. He
stated that trappers are not interested in wolves.
Mr. Kellyhouse provided members with a breakdown of the
request (Attachment 1). He noted, in response to a question
by Representative Hanley, that when the project request was
reduced to $2.0 million dollars that caribou related
projects were eliminated from the request. He reviewed
Attachment 1. He concluded that the total cost of
associated research is $310.0 thousand dollars.
REPRESENTATIVE NICHOLIA noted that she was not informed of
the project to reintroduce the wood bison into her district.
She asked if public hearings were held. Mr. Kellyhouse
replied that the area biologist spent time in Fort Yukon.
He asserted that the biologist contacted elders in the area.
Public hearings were not held.
Representative Therriault referred to provision within the
request to use fire fighting crews in cooperation with the
Department of Natural Resources on proscribed fires. He
asked if there would be transferred to the Department of
Natural Resources as interagency receipts. Mr. Kellyhouse
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replied that funds would be a RSA to the Division of
Forestry.
Representative Therriault asked if the Department is
coordinating with the Department of Natural Resources to
assure that prescribed fires would not be put out by the
Department of Natural Resources. Mr. Kellyhouse discussed
the Alaska Interagency Fire Management Plan. He assured
Representative Therriault that the Department works closely
with all the land management agencies. He noted that some
areas are zoned as fire monitor only.
Representative Therriault asked if the appropriation request
has been accounted for in the budget of the Department of
Natural Resources. Mr. Kellyhouse answered that the
Department of Natural Resources is aware of the request.
The funding contained in the request has not been included
in the Department of Natural Resources' budget. Mr.
Kellyhouse stressed that the fire season lapses over the
fiscal year.
Representative Hoffman alleged that the project in question
should be included in the Department's operating budget. He
asserted that the Department has included the project as a
CIP request in order to not exceed their operating budget
cap. In addition, the project would be funded for five
years. He requested a breakdown of the project's annual
cost.
Representative Hoffman noted that the Department's backup
states that: "This program will allow full implementation
of policies of the administration and the Board of Game to
enhance big game populations in accessible areas to relieve
current controversies over game allocations between
subsistence and other hunters and to reintroduce wood bison
to historical range in Alaska." He asked how the Department
will reduce the controversies.
Commissioner Rosier answered that the controversy over
allocation of resources becomes a problem as game
populations are reduced.
(Tape Change, HFC 93-38, Side 1)
Commissioner Rosier emphasized the need for intensive
management. Representative Hoffman recommended that the
Legislature not fund the project for five years. He advised
that the Legislature scrutinize how the Department has spent
prior year appropriations before approving additional
funding.
Commissioner Rosier pointed out that there is public support
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for the program. He suggested that a provision for
reporting back to the Legislature can be added.
Representative Hoffman noted that the Legislature does not
generally take back funds that have been appropriated. He
noted that the Legislature, as the appropriative body must,
"keep the strings attached, so that we are satisfied with
what is happening on the administration of the programs that
we fund."
* Toklat Chum Salmon Restoration - $252.0 thousand
dollars
This CIP request would fund the restoration of the
Toklat chum salmon population in the tributary
system of the Tanana drainage. Commercial and
subsistence fisheries would benefit. The project
includes the construction of raceways and
incubator systems at the Clear Hatchery.
Commissioner Rosier stressed that the project will continue
to support enhancement activities throughout the Yukon
drainage. He clarified that although the Department
considers the project as Phase I, there are no plans for
further development. He stressed that the facility can be
used for future support. In response to a question by Co-
Chair MacLean, he noted that the facility is state-owned and
that there are no plans to transfer the project to private-
ownership.
Representative Hoffman stated that he was under the
impression that the Clear Hatchery would be expanded in the
near future. Commissioner Rosier replied that the
Department does not plan to expand the facility. He
emphasized the need to move Fisheries Rehabilitation
Enhancement Development capability to the interior area.
He observed that a Yukon treaty is being negotiated. He
expected that there will be enhancement programs as a result
of the negotiations.
* Public Access Development - $2.0 million dollars
This CIP request would provide funds to the Sport
Fish BRU to construct boating access facilities
and purchase land along waterways. The program is
a 75/25 percent federal/state match.
Co-Chair MacLean observed that the prior appropriations have
not been expended. She asked why the funds have not been
spent.
NOVAL NETSCH, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SPORTFISH, DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND GAME clarified that there is a time delay on
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projects due to negotiations on land purchase and site
selection. He agreed to provide Co-Chair MacLean with
details of the expenditures.
Representative Hoffman asked for a breakdown of anticipated
expenditures. He stressed the importance of supplying the
Legislatures with details of future expenditures.
* Statewide Facility Maintenance and Repair Projects
- $1,825.0 million dollars
Commissioner Rosier stated, in response to a question by Co-
Chair MacLean, that the State provides bunkhouse operations
where other facilities are not available for field staff.
Mr. Jones interjected that in some instances there is only a
curtain to separate sleeping space from public office space.
He added that the Department is also facing OSHA violations.
Co-Chair MacLean asked if the employees reimburse the State
for housing.
EARNEST GREEN, PROCUREMENT OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND
GAME clarified that employees receive housing in lieu of per
diem.
Representative Therriault noted that the category of
Maintenance and Repair also includes a Cordova boat building
extension and parking lot paving. Mr. Jones replied that
projects of this type have traditionally be included in the
CIP request.
* Major Equipment Replacement/Purchase - $141.0
thousand dollars
Representative Hoffman expressed his concern that a request
for sonar equipment is not included in the request. He
stressed the importance of preventing over-escapement in the
Bristol Bay area. He estimated that the fishermen of the
Bristol Bay area lost $6 million dollars in over-escapement.
Commissioner Rosier agreed that over-escapement is a
problem. He stressed the need for individual district river
forecast projects to terminate the conservative management
mode of the Department. Representative Hoffman continue to
emphasize the importance of addressing the loss in revenues
to Bristol Bay fishermen. Commissioner Rosier replied that
the problem is the result of insufficient staff to operate
existing equipment. He noted that staffing is terminated at
the end of the chum salmon run.
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Representative Hoffman indicated his intent to submit a CIP
request for $26.0 thousand dollars for the Togiak and
Nushagak Rivers.
* Obtain Family Housing in Dutch HarboCommissioner
RosierUnalaska - $500.0 thousand dollars
This CIP request would fund the purchase of a four
plex building in Dutch Harbor.
* Fairbanks Office Addition - $2.2 million dollars
This CIP request would fund an addition to office
space. The Department's Fairbanks staff would be
consolidated.
Co-Chair MacLean asked if the request would be an
appropriate use of Fish and Game funds. Commissioner Rosier
replied that the request would be an appropriate use of Fish
and Game funds.
Representative Hoffman noted that the original request was
for general fund dollars. Mr. Jones stated that the
Department was directed by the Office of the Governor to
look for reductions. Representative Hoffman suggested the
Committee obtain the guidelines for spending Fish and Game
Funds.
Representative Hoffman observed that $500.0 thousand dollars
were appropriated in the FY 93 capital budget. This
appropriation was for phase I of a project for improved
application of generic fish stock identification. He asked
why a request for phase II of the project was not included
in the Department's FY 94 CIP request. He noted that the
project was to be accomplished over a three year period. He
stated that the purpose of the project was to resolve the
long term False Pass fishery dispute.
JEFF KOENINGS, DIRECTOR, FISHERIES REHABILITATION
ENHANCEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
clarified that the project is proceeding. He added that the
project has been delayed by a lack of office space to house
the expanded project. He anticipated that the Department
will request continuation of the project in a future CIP
request.
Representative Hoffman asserted that the comfort of
Department of Fish and Game employees has been given
priority over management of the State's resources.
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