Legislature(2009 - 2010)HOUSE FINANCE 519
02/02/2009 01:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB77 | |
| HB81 || HB83 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 77 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 81 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 83 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HOUSE BILL NO. 81
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
loan program expenses of state government, for certain
programs, and to capitalize funds; making supplemental
appropriations; and making appropriations under art.
IX, sec. 17(c), Constitution of the State of Alaska;
and providing for an effective date."
HOUSE BILL NO. 83
"An Act making appropriations for the operating and
capital expenses of the state's integrated
comprehensive mental health program; and providing for
an effective date."
Co-Chair Hawker assumed the gavel and began the discussion
of budget overviews.
1:43:15 PM
LARRY HARTIG, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION, provided a brief overview of the Department.
He listed the goals of the Department, emphasizing the
assistance provided to small communities around the state.
He outlined the five divisions within the Department.
Commissioner Hartig reported that there were about 541
FTE's. The main offices are in Anchorage, Juneau, and
Fairbanks. There are 10 small offices scattered around the
state.
1:45:43 PM
Commissioner Hartig related that the operating budget is
around $73 million for FY09. A large portion of that is
from federal and other funds. The federal funds come with
strings attached. He noted that the primary portion of the
capital budget goes toward funding the Village Safe Water
(VSW) Program and the Municipal Matching Grants Program. He
discussed a 37 percent decline in federal revenues for VSW
over the last four years. In the FY10 budget there is a $25
million request to help supplant those declining federal
revenues. The problem in rural Alaska with less federal
funding is meeting sanitation needs.
1:48:00 PM
Vice-Chair Thomas asked if the $25 million was general fund
dollars and what the role of the legislature would be.
Commissioner Hartig explained that there were two different
grant programs: VSW, which is primarily federal funds, and
the Municipal Matching Grant, which is for larger
communities. The $25 million request is for the VSW
program. A large number of projects have been identified in
rural Alaska. The target is to provide primary service of
running water and adequate sanitation. About 87 percent of
households in rural Alaska now have running water and good
sanitation. He spoke of difficulties accomplishing the goal
of serving all households. The sites that do not have those
services are priorities.
Co-Chair Stoltze wondered what would happen to the funding
mechanism if a waste system was out of compliance.
Commissioner Hartig explained that municipal projects are
prioritized and that example would have to be examined as to
how far down the list it was. Anchorage is different from
other municipalities because it has more capacity for
bonding. Co-Chair Stoltze thought that was a scary
proposition and thought his example would qualify for
emergency funding.
1:52:19 PM
Representative Fairclough asked if different communities
have differing water quality standards. Commissioner Hartig
clarified that the standards are the same statewide. The
standards are broken into marine water and fresh water
categories. There are site-specific criteria for some sites
outside the normal process.
Representative Fairclough referred to the Ocean Ranger
program and wondered if the output requirements are the same
for a cruise ship as for drinking water. Commissioner
Hartig explained that the criteria for marine and fresh
water standards are different. He said that for the cruise
ships, under DEC's interpretation of the Citizens
Initiative, DEC is precluded from authorizing a mixing zone.
He detailed how a mixing zone works. Representative
Fairclough wondered if the standards for salt water
discharge for cruise ships are stricter than drinking water
standards in Anchorage. Commissioner Hartig said that the
mixing zone standard holds cruise ships to a higher
treatment standard.
1:56:33 PM
Representative Kelly asked if a change in the law is
required and if the Commissioner's hands are tied.
Commissioner Hartig said that was correct. The Department
of Law and DEC interpret the Initiative to state that it
precludes DEC from authorizing mixing zones from discharges
from cruise ships.
Commissioner Hartig related that DEC must find $390,000 in
cost savings this year and is working to identify those
areas. They will most likely be found in vacancies and in
travel and not in program cuts. Co-Chair Hawker asked if
the cost savings would be from general funds. Commissioner
Hartig said yes and thought those costs could be found by
March. Co-Chair Hawker spoke of a February 3 deadline of
the supplemental budget. Commissioner Hartig said the
$390,000 would appear in the supplemental as a decrement.
1:59:28 PM
Commissioner Hartig spoke of a net zero supplemental request
to the FY09 budget.
Commissioner Hartig detailed the FY10 budget which will be
for $74,135,000 and have a slight increase in the operating
budget due to one additional PFT for a mining engineer.
There is an on-going effort, following up on the Governor's
directive, to establish a climate change subcabinet chaired
by DEC's Commissioner. In order to build a strategy as to
how Alaska will fit into national regulations on climate
change, $184,000 in the Commissioner's budget will be
shifted to the Air Quality budget. There are also standard
increases from the bargaining units for negotiations.
Co-Chair Hawker noted an additional request for $247,000 in
general funds, with $78,300 going to replace lost federal
funding. In the 10-year plan there is a significant
increase in general funds due to the decline in federal
funds. Commissioner Hartig agreed with Co-Chair Hawker's
analysis. He explained that most of the loss of funds will
be from the VSW fund. There was a 37 percent decline in
federal funding over the last four years. The projection is
for a continuing drop of about $10 million a year, zeroing
out in about 2016.
2:03:24 PM
Representative Austerman asked about the 4 cent surcharge in
the Revenue to Prevention account of the Response Fund. He
wondered if within the 10-year plan there is evidence of
planning for declining oil revenue. Commissioner Hartig
made an assumption that within the 10-year plan something
not yet identified would fill that gap. Representative
Austerman opined that it is an issue that should be
addressed today. Commissioner Hartig spoke of projections
about the effect of the rate of decline in production on the
surcharge.
Representative Austerman requested information about cost
recovery as it relates to the Response Fund account.
Commissioner Hartig described the two pieces of the response
fund; $50 million in the Response Account, and cost recovery
to replenish those funds, as well as preventive measures.
Co-Chair Hawker spoke of LB&A's auditing efforts and the
Department's response. Commissioner Hartig offered to
provide more information on that subject.
2:07:22 PM
Representative Gara recalled requests for projections from
DEC last year. He wondered if there was a shortfall in the
Response Fund. Commissioner Hartig projected that there
will be a shortfall. He referred to a handout entitled "DEC
Response Fund" (copy on file) that demonstrates a projected
shortfall. Representative Gara asked if DEC has a proposal
yet to adjust the 4 cent surcharge. Commissioner Hartig
replied that DEC does not have a plan at this time, but will
imminently. Representative Gara related the history of the
surcharge as it related to ACES legislation. Co-Chair
Hawker added that the management of those funds should be
part of the discussion. Commissioner Hartig reported that
the response fund monies are based on crude oil. There is
concern among industry that the monies are being used for
all prevention and all response.
2:09:45 PM
Representative Kelly referred to the Baseline Budget Growth
on page 4 of the "Overview of 10 Year Plan" (copy on file).
He questioned the drastic increase in general funds from
FY10 to FY11 and in other state funds from FY09 to FY10, as
well as the continuing loss of federal funds. He wondered
what will happen if oil stays at a low price. Commissioner
Hartig reiterated that the main reason for an increase in
general funds and decrease in federal funds is due to
changes in funding for the VSW program. Solutions are being
examined. DEC needs to look how those services can be more
effectively delivered or how a lower level of service could
be provided. Systems that are easier to maintain will need
to be provided and communities may need provide more
maintenance. Additional legislation may be required.
Representative Kelly suggested having no backfill of federal
funding. He wondered if a comparison had been done between
the minimum federal requirements and state responsibilities.
Commissioner Hartig could not think of an example where a
state standard was higher than a federal standard.
Representative Kelly said his question pertains to law as
well as to regulation.
2:15:26 PM
Representative Joule asked about increased costs to install
sanitation systems and whether communities can afford them.
He wondered if alternative systems would be cheaper.
Commissioner Hartig said that the capacity of a community to
pay for the system is considered. If the community can't
pay for it, another method is considered. He noted that in
the past, systems were installed that were not affordable.
Commissioner Hartig reported on lower cost alternative
systems.
Representative Joule requested a climate change report.
Commissioner Hartig spoke of a good relationship with the
legislative committee on the Climate Impact Assessment
Report.
2:19:32 PM
Representative Austerman said a plan to deal with the loss
of federal funding should be made.
Representative Kelly shared a story about a DEC inspection
that did not make sense. He requested data on inspections.
Commissioner Hartig estimated a $2 million increase in
inspection funding. He restated the Department's mission to
protect the public's health. At this time, the Department
is not fulfilling a statutory duty regarding restaurant
inspections. He explained the process of inspection.
Co-Chair Hawker favored the merits of revisiting the
regulations.
2:26:08 PM
Representative Gara shared a story of inspection excesses.
Commissioner Hartig thought there was a way to approach the
issue and at the same time protect the public.
Representative Gara wondered if new utility services in some
villages cost over $100 a month and if some people were
declining those services due to the expense. Commissioner
Hartig agreed that there were people who were opting not to
make use of utilities due to high costs. Different
approaches need to be looked at to solve that problem.
Representative Gara asked for a grid on utility costs.
Commissioner Hartig said it was possible that there are $100
utility bills per household in some areas. He related that
some communities are over optimistic and find out actual
costs when they try to provide utilities themselves. He
offered to provide a utility expense grid.
2:29:29 PM
Representative Joule wondered how the development of the
Outer Continental Shelf intersects with the Department.
Commissioner Hartig explained that development within 3
miles falls under state water discharge regulations.
Activity outside of 3 miles falls under the EPA
jurisdiction.
Vice-Chair Thomas asked for information about sanitation
standards at fish cleaning stations. He was concerned about
the disposal of carcasses.
2:32:07 PM
TOM IRWIN, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES,
referred to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
organization chart (copy on file). He stated the
Department's mission to "develop, conserve, and maximize the
use of Alaska's natural resources consistent with the public
interest". He considered DNR the state's business
department, accountable to the public. He listed the areas
the Department supports and its main functions. DNR
currently employs over 900 people with offices in Anchorage,
Juneau, and Fairbanks.
Commissioner Irwin reported that the FY09 operating budget
is at $142 million, which includes funding for the AGIA
increments. He highlighted the Divisions of Oil and Gas,
Mining, Land, & Water, and Geological & Geophysical Surveys.
2:37:39 PM
Commissioner Irwin described the responsibilities of the
Divisions of Forestry, Coastal Management, Parks & Outdoor
Recreation, State Pipeline Coordinator's Office, Project
Management & Permitting, and the Mental Health Trust Land
Office.
Commissioner Irwin reported that in 2008 there was $3.37
billion in state revenue from oil and gas royalties and non-
petroleum sources. He highlighted the progress in several
areas. There were 1700 oil and gas leases. He indicated
that DNR is pro-development and 97 percent of the leases are
proceeding according to the lease conditions. Current
issues being addressed are in Cook Inlet and Point Thomson.
There were 5.5 million acres under lease in 2008. A recent
hire to the Department was Dr. Mark Myers.
Commissioner Irwin referred to an interim decision on two
leases regarding Point Thomson, which are currently in
default. He talked about oil and gas development on the
North Slope and royalty issues.
2:42:24 PM
Commissioner Irwin referred to expansions by Conoco and BP
which will be great for the state. BP will begin drilling
development wells with the Liberty Unit, and Chevron is
exploring in White Hills. He listed new oil and gas
exploration by Anadarko, Chandler, and ConocoPhillips. He
highlighted new activity in the Cook Inlet area. He was
happy to announce the first geothermal lease sale since the
80's. He highlighted drilling projects in the Nenana Basin.
He noted that DNR continues to hold area-wide lease sales.
2:44:58 PM
Commissioner Irwin talked about the Division of Oil and
Gas's (DOG) ongoing commercial activities. He shared that
there were 209 approvals issued by DOG in 2008. He expected
those to continue even with the economic downturn. He
shared statistics regarding new explorations, exploration
wells and seismic programs, and new development approvals.
Petroleum Systems Integrity Office (PSIO) held Alaska's
first quality management symposium.
Commissioner Irwin spoke of preliminary field work by
TransCanada Alaska's on the AGIA pipeline. DOG is on track
to complete the AGIA royalty inducement regulations for gas
valuation and royalty-in-kind/royalty-in-value (RIK/RIV)
switching. PSIO continues to move forward on the gap
analysis.
2:46:38 PM
Commissioner Irwin spoke about the future of Flint Hills'
facility operations, which he considered critical. The
amount of fuel hauled on the railroad from Fairbanks to
Anchorage is the backbone of the railroad. This fuel is
competitive in the world of keeping the Anchorage Airport
with supplies for the 747 traffic. It is important for the
backhaul work which affects tourism, supplies to the
interior, and fuel for military bases. He said the bottom
line is that it is important to keep the facility running,
and yet respect other in-state competition.
2:48:52 PM
Commissioner Irwin pointed out that DNR is working hard with
Flint Hills on the economics of the facility. The railroad
is participating. The contentious issue was purchasing the
facility, which DNR has not recommended, but has only looked
at as an option.
Co-Chair Hawker voiced appreciation for hearing that the
private sector has been involved and respected. He thought
there was a lot at risk in bankrupting an Alaska Native
owned investment for the sake of the state's railroad.
Commissioner Irwin agreed.
2:52:05 PM
Co-Chair Stoltze requested that any proposal be brought
before the legislature. Commissioner Irwin said that DNR
must go through a royalty board and then through the
legislature. He was comfortable with Co-Chair Stoltze's
statement. Co-Chair Stoltze said he would pursue a
commitment from the administration.
Co-Chair Hawker said he was troubled with Alaska Railroad's
proposal that the state buy Flint Hills. Commissioner Irwin
said that was out of his control. Co-Chair Stoltze said it
is all based on trust.
2:55:15 PM
MARTY RUTHERFORD, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL
RESOURCES, explained about the need for oversight by the
legislature.
Commissioner Irwin offered to provide updates. Co-Chair
Hawker commented on the appropriateness of that offer.
Representative Austerman asked for a time frame on the Flint
Hills issue. Commissioner Irwin thought that at one point
Flint Hills was at foreclosure. He opined that now, with
the low oil prices, DNR has probably "bought six months" to
study this issue. Co-Chair Hawker requested a public
dialogue in front of the Committee.
2:59:32 PM
Representative Crawford said it was hard to understand how
Flint Hills could be losing money at today's prices. He
requested more information about their financial status.
Representative Gara suggested that as a part of the state's
review, an investigation of Flint Hill's high gas prices
should be done. Commissioner Irwin explained that DNR is
focused on the economic issues of the plant. He said that
plants like Flint Hills have been shut down in the Lower 48
due to lack of flexibility. He speculated the direction
that Flint Hills is going. He pointed out that there are
two other entities, Petro Star and Tesoro. He explained how
companies invest in Alaska. He emphasized that it is a free
market and there are two sides to the issue.
Representative Gara thought a private enterprise might do a
better job with fuel pricing. Commissioner Irwin said the
object is to balance the interests. Co-Chair Hawker
clarified that Flint Hills deals predominantly with jet fuel
and heating fuel, not gasoline.
3:06:57 PM
Representative Joule wanted more information about the
Department's capital budget, specifically, the Coastal
Impact Assessment Program.
Representative Kelly said Flint Hills is in his district.
DNR is looking at Flint Hills in order to examine the
premium on the royalty and a Regulatory Commission of Alaska
decision regarding distance sensitive mileage for the
tariff, which expires in 2010. He explained that the
question Flint Hills had was whether it could get relief
from the high royalty payment. Commissioner Irwin agreed
that DNR was approached by Flint Hills to renegotiate the
contract and then DNR requested more data. Representative
Kelly pointed out that the price of oil in the high $30's
has provided some relief, but the topic still needs
examination. He maintained that a natural gas pipeline into
Fairbanks would solve the problem. He opined that the issue
would not be dealt with during this session. Commissioner
Irwin agreed.
3:11:18 PM
Representative Fairclough asked who is involved with the
land transfer from the federal government to the state under
the Statehood Act. Commissioner Irvin said that DNR is.
Representative Fairclough asked how many acres remain to be
transferred. Commissioner Irvin read the numbers: for
state entitlements, all state land grants, including
territorial grants from the Statehood Act - 105 million
acres. Conveyed, tentative approval, and patented - 95.8
million acres. Remaining entitlement - 9.9 million acres.
That entitlement includes statehood, mental health,
university, and school grants. Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act entitlements, as of December 2007 - 46
million acres. Interim, conveyed, and patented - almost 39
million. There is a remaining entitlement of almost 7
million. BLM management and DNR staff were able to keep
pace with the statehood entitlement conveyances. He thought
that the loss of federal funds will be a problem for the
state.
3:13:32 PM
Representative Fairclough asked if the 95.8 million acres
had already been surveyed. She requested the "real number"
of untransferred properties to Alaska, as well as the plan
that this administration is continuing to push forward or
modify so that land can be utilized. Commissioner Irwin
replied that most of the land has not been surveyed. He
explained how it was made available to the public.
Ms. Rutherford offered to provide data on what lands have
been surveyed and which had been tentatively approved. The
federal government is responsible for the surveying. The
surveying has been stalled because of a need for resolution
to over selections by Native Corporations. She termed it an
incremental process. Representative Fairclough asked if the
properties had to be surveyed to become public. Ms.
Rutherford said that after the land has been tentatively
approved, there could be a third party interest that would
allow the state and Native Corporations to use the land
until the survey is complete.
3:16:55 PM
Representative Fairclough wondered what pressure could be
put on the federal government to make that land available to
the state, in light of the current economy. She stressed
the importance of the state having all of it "allotment
available". Ms. Rutherford agreed that it was time to focus
on the survey. Senator Stevens put a lot of pressure on the
BLM for conveyance. Now is the time for the surveying to
speed up.
Co-Chair Hawker referred to the 10-Year Plan and wondered if
the Park Division's plan had been incorporated.
Commissioner Irwin discussed the problem of the cost of
parks maintenance - a $64-$65 million backlog.
3:20:19 PM
LETA SIMONS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, explained that the Park's
strategic plan was considered in the 10-year plan. Co-Chair
Hawker asked how much of it was adopted. Ms. Simons said
the 10-Year Plan was looked at in conjunction with the
capital improvement request. Co-Chair Hawker commented that
it is a challenge.
Representative Salmon asked for an update on the natural gas
pipeline. Ms. Rutherford reported that TransCanada did have
a field season. They did not sign the AGIA license until
the first week in December. The fall field season will not
be reimbursable. This winter a 126 borehole program is
being started. Alaska contractors are in place. Dr. Mark
Myers was hired to work as the AGIA coordinator and will
probably work with the Denali group. TransCanada was
required to relinquish their federal and state Alaska
Natural Gas Transportation System (ANGTS) authorities and
permits, including some of their wetlands work. They will
be restarting all of their right of way work.
3:24:43 PM
Representative Fairclough spoke of issues regarding drainage
in the Eagle River Valley. James King had advocated for
more money for parks maintenance. She asked why there was
no state parks foundation to help with that request. She
thought it would be a perfect opportunity to allow
businesses to provide matching money to move parks forward.
She requested a follow up on that topic. Commissioner Irwin
agreed to do so.
3:26:05 PM
DENBY LLOYD, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME,
referred to a handout labeled "Overview of the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game" (copy on file). He commented
about the goals, mandates, and missions of the Department of
Fish and Game. He highlighted the phrase "utilization,
development, and conservation of natural resources"
undertaking for the maximum benefit of Alaskans and
maintained on the "sustained yield principle". He quoted
the mission of the Department. He highlighted Department
goals.
Commissioner Lloyd highlighted the core services provided by
the Department: harvest management, stock assessment,
customer service, public involvement, state sovereignty,
habitat conservation, and workforce development.
3:31:34 PM
Commissioner Lloyd shared the activities the Department
conducts in support of core services.
Representative Gara mentioned that the Alaska Energy
Authority (AEA) was reviewing applications for renewable
energy projects throughout the state, many of which have
potential fisheries impacts. He wondered how Fish and Game
was involved in the review of those applications and how
they would affect the Department's work load.
Commissioner Lloyd said that there would be substantial
increases in the Habitat Division in order to provide timely
and effective permitting process. He did not see it as a
large burden on the staffing level. He emphasized that the
permitting demands were a priority. He hoped they would
have sufficient staff to keep up.
3:34:51 PM
Representative Gara said he came upon the problem of a
fishery impact by accident. He mentioned three projects on
the Kenai Peninsula.
Commissioner Lloyd said he is familiar with a number of such
projects. He did not currently have an indication that more
staff would be needed for permitting review of fishery
impacts.
Co-Chair Hawker asked if Fish and Game had been contacted by
AEA prior to fund recommendations. Commissioner Lloyd said
he would provide those the numbers.
Commissioner Lloyd described "Structure and Budget" on page
three of the handout. He reviewed the six divisions, the
boards and commissions, and management of the Department.
Commissioner Lloyd reported that the FY09 operating budget
is $180 million, from sixteen funding sources, including $55
million in federal funds, $58.1 in state general funds, and
$26.1 million in fish and game funds.
3:37:25 PM
Commissioner Lloyd said the Department has 910 permanent
full-time positions, 767 permanent part-time positions, and
62 non-permanent positions, totaling 1,739 positions.
Commissioner Lloyd described the FY10 budget request as
totaling $180 million. There will be a slight reduction of
personnel within the Department.
3:39:17 PM
Commissioner Lloyd turned to the "Other Designated
Responsibilities for the Commissioner". Most of the
Department's responsibilities occur in waters from zero to
three miles and in inland waters. The federal counterparts
are the National Marine Fisheries Service and the North
Pacific Marine Fishery Management Council. He described the
Department's role on management boards.
Co-Chair Hawker opened the meeting up to questions.
Representative Austerman wondered if Commissioner Lloyd had
asked for enough money to get the job done. He referred to
a problem with stock assessment. Commissioner Lloyd said
that there is enough money to "do the job we're doing", but
there is always room for improvement. He thought stock
assessment could be improved. Alaska's resources are
currently being managed on the sustained yield principle.
More benefit could be extracted if more resources were
available. He maintained that the FY10 budget request was
reasonable.
3:42:57 PM
Representative Austerman followed up asking about flat
federal funding for the next year. He remembered that last
year the Department had lost federal money. In light of
that fact he was curious why the sum being asked for wasn't
larger.
3:43:55 PM
Commissioner Lloyd reported that while the overall budget
remains at $180 million, there are some internal shifts.
Last year the Department lost about $7 million in federal
funds. He pointed out that many of the services were moved
to state funds. Two large projects for $1 million each,
Marine Mammal Research and Bering Sea Crab Research, were
funded for only one year, and the FY10 budget contains those
requests again. He reported that there is not an
expectation of drastic cuts in federal funds this year or in
future years, so that has not been planned for in future
budgets.
Representative Austerman said that made him nervous. Co-
Chair Hawker agreed.
3:45:40 PM
Commissioner Lloyd offered to revisit the numbers. Co-Chair
Hawker reminded the Commissioner that the 10-Year Plan is
just a planning tool.
Representative Salmon voiced concern about the management of
fish in the Yukon River. He wanted to know what kinds of
protections are in place to preserve fish populations there.
Commissioner Lloyd said he wasn't sure why the numbers of
fish were so low. He said the specific problems
Representative Salmon mentioned were being looked at within
various programs.
3:48:26 PM
Representative Salmon asked if a hatchery system could be
established in the Yukon River. Commissioner Lloyd said he
did not have specific answers to that concern.
Co-Chair Stoltze thought that there was a common interest in
fish management among various user groups. He asked about
planned increases in hunting licenses and game tag fees.
Commissioner Lloyd said the Department is discussing that
issue at this time.
3:51:09 PM
Co-Chair Stoltze questioned the economic impact of genetic
stock studies on sport fisheries. He wondered if those
studies had influenced the Department's allocation
recommendations for the Cook Inlet region. Commissioner
Lloyd said that the Department would not be making any
allocation recommendations to the Board of Fish. The
genetic information will be completed soon. He mentioned
studies involving Susitna River Sockeye, which he hoped
would be completed soon. He said the stock assessments over
the next few years would be intensive.
Co-Chair Stoltze asked where the money came from to hire a
new assistant commissioner. Commissioner Lloyd reported
that the money came from the intensive management increment
in the operating budget. Co-Chair Stoltze thought that was
capital budget money. Commissioner Lloyd stated that it was
an operating budget component. Co-Chair Stoltze asked if
any capital budget money was used. Commissioner Lloyd said
no.
3:54:09 PM
Representative Gara asked if there was an adequate program
to measure out migration of smolt on the Yukon River.
Commissioner Lloyd said there was not a program on the Yukon
River for that purpose. He said he was referring to adult
escapement counts. Representative Gara asked why it was not
feasible to do. Commissioner Lloyd said he wasn't sure the
technology was available for such a study.
Representative Gara said it was the state's largest river
system and he felt it was important to find out what was
going on with the fish populations there. Commissioner
Lloyd offered to discuss that issue further.
Representative Austerman brought up the issue of disease in
fish populations. Commissioner Lloyd recalled that there
was an unresolved problem with freshwater occurring fungus
in the Yukon. He said he was not an expert and could not
provide much more information.
3:57:52 PM
Representative Kelly asked if headway was being made
concerning the declining fish population in the Yukon.
Commissioner Lloyd believed the return was cyclical. He
said the Department was developing a better understanding of
the Yukon fisheries.
Representative Kelly spoke of the net sizes and how they
impact different-sized fish. He wondered if that was an
issue.
4:01:00 PM
Commissioner Lloyd replied that net size selectivity is the
subject of several studies. He said information on the
topic would be available in the spring of 2010.
Co-Chair Hawker asked about the "great bison controversy".
Commissioner Lloyd answered that the Department has an
opportunity to reintroduce the wood bison. He felt that the
provisions that allow for reintroduction of animals into
experimental population were already in place.
Co-Chair Hawker specifically mentioned the Nenana Basin
natural gas development. Commissioner Lloyd summarized the
advantages of areas being considered as choice habitat for
the wood bison.
4:04:14 PM
Commissioner Lloyd said conversations about the Nenana area
were occurring. He hoped to respond to the concern about
reintroducing the animals and to keep the dialogue alive
with the federal government.
4:06:13 PM
Representative Crawford shared an experience in Kodiak
involving bison, and said he did not understand what the
problem was. Commissioner Lloyd voiced appreciation for
Representative Crawford's comment.
Co-Chair Hawker noted a concern with the ability of
environmental groups to intervene. Representative Kelly
agreed that the issue needs to be clearly solved.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| CS for SB 77 Sponsor Statement.doc |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
SB 77 |
| ADF&G Oveview.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| FISH&GAME_10 year plan.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| NATURALRESOURCES_Plan 2009.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| DNR Org Chart Feb09.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| DEC 10 Year Plan.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| DEC PERP AnnualReport_FY08.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| DEC Response Fund 1.26.09.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| DEC Rural Alaska Sanitation 1 26 09.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| Water and Sewer Service Rates 2.9.09.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |
| Rep Hawker response 2 17 09.pdf |
HFIN 2/2/2009 1:30:00 PM |
HB 81 |