03/24/1997 01:40 PM House TRA

 HB 88 - ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY AUTHORITY                                     
                                                                               
 Number 034                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS announced that the committee would take up HOUSE            
 BILL NO. 88, "An Act relating to ferries and ferry terminals,                 
 establishing the Alaska Marine Highway Authority, and relating to             
 maintenance of state marine vessels; and providing for an effective           
 date", which has been before the committee twice.  He stated that             
 the bill is in the process of being amended so that the DOT/PF                
 feels comfortable with the interport differential amendment.   He             
 stated that at the last meeting Amendment 1 was passed, with the              
 intention that the committee would work with the department to see            
 how it could be made better.  He stated that we are still in the              
 process of trying to make the amendment acceptable to everyone.  He           
 stated that he would like to continue the talks with the department           
 until next meeting when the language will be ready and the bill can           
 be moved out.                                                                 
                                                                               
 Number 192                                                                    
                                                                               
 REPRESENTATIVE JOHN COWDERY asked if it was the intention that the            
 board be appointed and confirmed by the legislature.                          
                                                                               
 Number 213                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS replied that amendment was passed last meeting,             
 as well as the interport differential amendment, which the                    
 department needs another day to work on.                                      
                                                                               
 Number 248                                                                    
                                                                               
 GARY HAYDEN, System Director, Alaska Marine Highway System,                   
 Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, stated that he            
 did not have any comments.  He stated that the department is                  
 working with Chairman William's staff but there is still work that            
 needs to be done.                                                             
                                                                               
 Number 279                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS stated that we do want to work with you.                    
                                                                               
 Number 293                                                                    
                                                                               
 REPRESENTATIVE KIM ELTON stated that he was deleterious and forget            
 about the language he was going to submit on the public member not            
 having to have maritime experience and it will be forthcoming.                
                                                                               
 Number 307                                                                    
                                                                               
 CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS stated that he will hold the bill over until next           
 meeting.