Legislature(1997 - 1998)
03/18/1998 01:10 PM House TRA
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HJR 63 - ADAK AIRPORT Number 0056 CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS announced the first order of business would be HJR 63, "Relating to support for Mitchell Field Adak airport." Number 0127 REPRESENTATIVE CARL MOSES, sponsor of HJR 63, came before the committee. He explained that he submitted the resolution to try and get some federal money to keep the Adak Airport operational. He pointed that the Navy will be moving out in September, 1998. He informed that there are a number of different federal agencies that have a need for the airport. The different federal agencies don't want to affect their budgets so they're not prepared to commit monies for it, so he believes the resolution is the route to go. Representative Moses stated that it is imperative that the airport is kept open. It is very essential to most of the international flights going to the Orient in case of an emergency. He stated it is his understanding that without the airport, twin engine airplanes can't make that route. The airport is very important for service in Atka, which is about 90 miles from the airport. Representative Moses urged the committee to move the legislation Number 0245 REPRESENTATIVE JOHN COWDERY asked what the length of the runway is. REPRESENTATIVE MOSES responded 7,800 feet. REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY asked if they have fuel facilities there. REPRESENTATIVE MOSES stated he believes there is 20 million gallons of fuel. REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY asked if a lot of foreign fishing fleets are using the facility for fuel and products. Number 0293 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES responded that they are starting to transfer products and they are transferring crews there. He noted it is also in very close proximity to the Russian fishing industry. He referred to Sakhalin and said it is very important internationally in that respect. He stated that it is going to be ideal for a fresh fish market in the Orient. Number 0358 DAVE JENSEN, Vice President, Reeve Aleutian Airways; Vice Chairman Adak Reuse Corporation, came before the committee to testify in support of HJR 63. He noted he has been with Reeve Aleutian Airways for 18 years. Reeve Aleutian Airways has been flying to Adak since World War II. Mr. Jensen informed the committee that he has been involved with the Adak Reuse Corporation for the last two years on the evolution of how to get Adak from a military base to a commercial reuse. He stated that Reeve Aleutian Airways needs the airfield as they fly to Russia once a week. The airfield at Adak will have a commercial reuse. There are lots of jobs at Adak in fisheries. There are fuel and food sales. There are also other types of sales to Russia, particularly, Petro Pavilosk (ph) and Alaska. Mr. Jensen stated the airfield is important from a federal standpoint and there is state interest in the Aleutians. To close that airfield would preclude access to the Aleutians. MR. JENSEN stated that Adak Reuse Corporation's standpoint is that there are a lot of good things on the horizon. He said transient aircrafts use the airport. He said large airplanes can land there in an emergency situation. He pointed out that the airfield needs to be open for search and rescue operations. Mr. Jensen urged that the resolution be passed. REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY questioned who supplies the fuel. MR. JENSEN stated that the fuel that is currently in storage belongs to Defense Fuel Procurement Agency, Department of Defense. He said he hopes it evolves over to a private fueller. Number 0620 VINCE TUTIAKOFF, SR., Manager, Adak Reuse Corporation; Chairman, Aleut Corporation; Member, Adak Community Council, testified via teleconference from Adak. He said it is important that the resolution passes. Mr. Tutiakoff stated that he has participated in rescues at sea in the Adak area. He said there is a critical need for a continued operation of the airport. Mr. Tutiakoff indicated Atka is reliant on Adak as there have been four medical evacuations from Atka to Adak. Number 0907 REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON questioned what the annual estimated costs to the federal government would be for maintenance of the airstrip. MR. TUTIAKOFF stated he would estimate $600,000 to $650,000 a year. There are two runways that are 7,000 feet; one running north to south and one running northeast to southwest. Number 0818 AGAFON KRUKOFF, JR., Chairman, Adak Community Council, testified via teleconference from Adak. He informed the committee that last week he witnessed a lot of activity at the harbor where some factory trawlers came in to do a transshipment and dealt with foreign trappers. It was a nice feeling to watch things begin to happen in Adak. He said that Adak is currently in the process of submitting a petition for incorporation as a second class city which has been signed by at least 60 percent of the local voters. Mr. Krukoff urged the committee to pass the resolution. CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS indicated there were no further witnesses to testify. Number 0739 REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON moved and asked unanimous consent to move HJR 63 out of committee with individual recommendations and with the attached zero fiscal note. There being no objection, HJR 63 moved out of the House Transportation Standing Committee.
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