Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/12/2000 09:07 AM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 283(RES)
"An Act establishing the shore fisheries development
lease program account and the timber receipts account;
relating to the accounting for and appropriation of
revenue from the state land disposal program, the
shore fisheries development lease program, and the
state timber disposal program; and providing for an
effective date."
BOB LOEFFLER, Director, Division of Mining, Land and Water,
Department of Natural Resources testified that the bill
provides for a land disposal income fund for similar shore
fisheries and for timber harvests. He detailed that this
bill provides a separate accounting system for a land sale
program to allow the legislature and the public to
understand the benefits and the physical consequences of
the land sales.
Mr. Loeffler continued that the bill promotes the concept
that state land sale programs should return revenues, not
only for the sake of more land sales, but should also
provide a return to the state. While he did not think these
land sales would close the state's budget gap, he noted
they would provide revenue above the amount needed to fund
a stable land disposal program.
Mr. Loeffler detailed that the bill allows the department
to use the income from past and present sales to fund more
land disposals up to $5 million, with the remaining
revenues going to the general fund.
Mr. Loeffler addressed the fiscal note, which he said
contain the concepts discussed during hearings on SB 6,
another lands disposal legislation. The amount of the
fiscal note, he said is enough to "jump start" the program
and to keep up with new acreage in future years.
Mr. Loeffler spoke to the fisheries program, saying this
bill provides a similar fund in the state treasury for the
shore fisheries program. This program, he explained
currently generates $360,000 for 1,200 shore fisheries
leases and this bill would allow a portion of that revenue
be used to fund the program.
DAN CHALUP, Representative, Katchemak Bay Salmon Producers
Co-op, testified via teleconference from Homer in support
of Section 3 of the legislation. His organization thought
that a portion of the proceeds should go into the program
to protect it from any further budget reductions from the
Department of Natural Resources.
KARL KIRCHER, Kenai Peninsula Fisherman's Association,
testified via teleconference from Kenai in favor of the
bill and referred to written testimony submitted to the
Committee. [Copies not provided.] He also gave details
about the organization; its purpose and the existing shore
lease problems.
SANDY UMLAUT, President, Ugashik Set-netting Association,
testified via teleconference from Kenai about the
organization and to request that members of the Committee
vote in favor of this bill. She stated that this bill would
continue to provide stability for the set-net industry.
PAUL SHADURA, member of a family that set-nets, testified
via teleconference from Kenai telling about the successful
fishing areas. His family supported the bill.
Co-Chair Torgerson asked if new staff would be hired to
implement the legislation.
Mr. Loeffler said approximately eight people would run the
program. He noted that three title-search positions already
existed and would be staffed by employees whose funding was
eliminated in the operating budget. He qualified that two
new positions would be needed for the shore fisheries
portion of the program to offset staff reductions from the
previous year.
Senator Phillips asked how the legislature should explain
to the public that the state is adding new positions to the
government.
Mr. Loeffler said the division would contract out functions
as best as it can, but cautioned that in order to have a
stable lands disposal system, staff are needed.
Senator Phillips contended that would not stop people from
complaining.
Co-Chair Torgerson asked about the increase of 55,000 acres
up from the earlier 50,000.
Mr. Loeffler referred to discussions regarding SB 6 and the
five scenarios provided. He detailed that 55,000 acres was
one of those scenarios, which is made up of 50,000 of re-
offered, previously distributed parcels and 5,000 in remote
sales and subdivisions. He explained how the funds
allocated would be used to implement the lands disposal.
Co-Chair Torgerson commented that he would not hold the
bill, but the warned that the performance measures would be
scrutinized thoroughly. He did not have problem with the
additional funding for positions.
Senator Leman stated that he holds a set-net shore
fisheries lease. He attested that the personal cost to him
would be the same whether or not this bill passes.
Senator Adams offered a motion to move from Committee, CS
SB 283 (RES) with two accompanying fiscal notes from the
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Minerals, Land
and Water. One fiscal note is $1,014,300 for the Land Sales
and Municipal Entitlements component and the other fiscal
note is $200,000 for the Claims, Permits and Leases
component.
Without objection, the bill MOVED from Committee.
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ADJOURNED
Senator Torgerson adjourned the meeting at 7:55 PM.
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