Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/22/1999 01:05 PM House TRA
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HCR 5-EXTEND DALTON HWY TO ARCTIC OCEAN Number 0468 VICE-CHAIR HALCRO called an at-ease at 1:11 p.m. He called the meeting back to order at 1:12 p.m. He announced the next order of business was House Concurrent Resolution No. 5, Relating to extension of the James Dalton Highway to the Arctic Ocean. REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY made a motion to adopt the committee substitute for HCR 5. There being no objection, CS HCR 5 (TRA) was adopted. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES, sponsor, Alaska State Legislature, came forward to point out the changes made in the committee substitute. She stated that on page 2, line 21 of CS HCR 5 (TRA) the language was changed to indicate the only public access to the Arctic Ocean is through a $20 payment to an "oil-company sanctioned tour operator." She referred to discussion from the previous meeting in which it was said East Dock "could be the place". On page 2, line 28, of the committee substitute it is stated, "The East Dock, which is mostly vacant, provides a reasonable and suitable site for a visitor wayside." She commented this is not making any statement, only an assumption. Representative James noted a change from "can resolve concerns" to "can work to resolve concerns" reflected on page 3, lines 8 and 9, of CS HCR 5 (TRA). She believes this is a "softer statement." She indicated there is another change yet to be made on page 3, line 7, to include the Department of Natural Resources. This change was not reflected in the drafted committee substitute. There is a change on page 3, line 12, from "unrestricted public access" to "increased public access." She stated the final "FURTHER RESOLVED" now reads as follows: Further Resolved that the Alaska State Legislature respectfully requests Governor Tony Knowles to direct the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Department of Natural Resources to work with North Slope operators, the tourism industry, the North Slope Borough, and the public to resolve issues associated with providing improved and increased public access to the Arctic Ocean and to move expeditiously to provide public access to one of America's most incomparable destinations, the shores of the Arctic Ocean, for the 1999 tourist season. REPRESENTATIVE HALCRO noted that Don Lowell was available on-line from Fairbanks. He asked Mr. Lowell if he wanted to provide testimony or if he was available to answer questions. DON LOWELL, Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, stated he was available to answer any questions. He said three people from Fairbanks would like to testify. Number 0782 TIM BECK testified via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of HCR 5. He feels the issue of accessing a public body of water is of the utmost importance. It is a small issue with respect to the rights of the people to utilize their resources. He believes the East Dock is probably the most appropriate place to access the Arctic Ocean because it was the initial staging area for the development of the Prudhoe Bay fields, and it has historical significance within the state of Alaska's economic development. It is his intent to introduce a resolution to be endorsed by the Fairbanks Northstar Borough. Mr. Beck feels economic development is important in Alaska. TERENCE REESE testified next via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of HCR 5. DAVID LAMBERT testified next via teleconference from Fairbanks in support of HCR 5. He stated he has spent extensive time working along the Dalton Highway. He indicated that there were many people he encountered during his time along the highway who expressed disappointment about not being able to reach the Arctic Ocean. Number 0938 REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON commented that the committee needed to make a motion to officially adopt the amendment on page 3, line 7, to include the Department of Natural Resources. He made the motion to adopt the amendment. There being no objection, the amendment was adopted. Representative Hudson wanted to state for the record, "On page 3, line 17, my read of asking for DOT/PF and the Governor to direct DOT/PF to resolve issues, certainly involves the protection and security of the pipeline and all the resources, in the process of resolving those issues. I'm sure that they'll do that." REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH stated he had some concerns during the last meeting regarding the East Dock being directed for use as access to the Arctic Ocean. He is comfortable with the language which says it may be considered as access. He feels that, as long as the companies are still using the East Dock for business, it would obviously prohibit use for Arctic Ocean access. He appreciates the change in the BE IT RESOLVED section on page 3, line 12, from "unrestricted access" to "increased access". He is more comfortable with this change. He also appreciates the inclusion of the North Slope Borough to be able to have some input on this issue. Representative Kookesh stated he is willing to support HCR 5 based on the changes made. Number 1170 REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY made a motion to move CS HCR 5(TRA) as amended from the committee with a zero fiscal note and individual recommendation. He asked unanimous consent. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|