Legislature(2005 - 2006)SENATE FINANCE 532
04/12/2006 08:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB243 | |
| SB231 | |
| SB235 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 305 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 243 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 231 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| = | SB 235 | ||
9:20:11 AM SENATE BILL NO. 231 "An Act making appropriations, including capital appropriations and appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." This was the first hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. 9:20:27 AM CHERYL FRASCA, Director, Office of Management and Budget, Office of the Governor, gave a presentation utilizing a handout titled, "Governor's Capital Budget Proposals, Senate Finance Committee, Cheryl Frasca, Director, Office of Management and Budget" [copy on file]. 9:21:10 AM Page 2 Capital Budgets by Fund Source FY 98 - FY 07 [Bar graph showing amount in million of dollars of federal funds, general funds and other funds for each of the fiscal years indicated.] Ms. Frasca pointed out the proposed FY 07 capital budget would appropriate approximately $125 million more general funds than the previous year. The graph shows the funding sources in context over time. 9:21:57 AM Page 3 FY 07 Capital Budget by Program Category General Funds & Other Funds [Pie chart demonstrating the following: Transportation 55% Development 6% Natural Resources 2% Education 5% University 15% General Government <1% Health & Human Services 8% Housing/Social Services 5% Public Protection 3% Law & Justice 1%] Ms. Frasca explained this chart does not delineate by department, but rather program category, and includes both general fund and other fund sources. Capital budgets of the 1970s and 1980s were categorized in this manner. She pointed out that Law and Justice activities involve more agencies than the Department of Corrections and the Department of Public Safety. It also encompasses the Office of Public Advocacy, the Public Defenders Agency, the Alaska Court System and other State agencies. Ms. Frasca stated that approximately $350 million was proposed for the Transportation category and $98 million for the University of Alaska. The funding source for the University projects would be proceeds from tobacco securitization bonds. Health and Human Services projects would receive $52 million and Housing and Social Services would receive $32 million. 9:24:11 AM Page 4 FY 07 Capital Budget by Fund Source [Pie chart demonstrating the following: Federal Funds $1,268.8m 66% General Funds 465.2m 24% Tobacco Refinance 89,2m 5% Other Funds 65.9m 3% AHFC Dividend 31.2m 2%] Ms. Frasca overviewed this page. 9:24:46 AM Page 5 Investment of FY 06 Additional Revenue December 15, 2005 Proposal [Pie chart demonstrating the following: Advance Fund K-12 Education $565 million Deferred Maintenance 43 million Save for Gas Pipeline Ownership 400 million Road Projects 86 million] Ms. Frasca informed that Governor Frank Murkowski proposed to invest a portion of the surplus revenue generated in FY 06 into capital projects. This is a notable event, although not much different than the legislator's decision to appropriate excess earnings of FY 05 for FY 06 capital projects. Ms. Frasca listed examples of the intended transportation, including $86 million for repaving the Richardson Highway, $12 million for improvements to the Palmer/Wasilla Highway, and $30 million for projects to alleviate congestion in Anchorage. Ms. Frasca also told of $700 million in identified deferred maintenance needs, of which the University submitted requests for approximately $428 million. The Office of Management and Budget selected projects totaling $43 million to be addressed in FY 07. Almost $9 million of the amended amount would be appropriated for transportation projects, $10 million for the University, and $1.6 million for parks. 9:27:09 AM Page 6 Investment Priority: K-12 Education · Alternatives to help more Alaskans succeed o Galena, Nenana boarding schools o Military Youth Academy expansion o Mt. Edgecumbe maintenance, repairs · School maintenance, construction o 78% FY 06 grants unexpended to date o School debt reimbursement ƒ$134 million (19%) from 2002 approved by voters but unsold ƒ$185 million (97%) from 2005 not yet approved by voters Ms. Frasca acknowledged that increased funding is requested in the FY 07 operating budget for K-12 education; however, capital investments are necessary for some alternative education programs. The Mt. Edgecumbe facility was constructed during the 1940s. Ms. Frasca explained the reason that a significant percentage of grants approved for FY 06 had not yet been expended because the funds became available in July 2006 after the onset of the construction season. Most of these funds would be expended in the upcoming 2007 summer construction season. Ms. Frasca stated that some projects identified for the grants approved by the legislature in 2002 had yet to be presented for voter approval, thus explaining the unexpended balance of that appropriation. 9:30:05 AM Senator Dyson requested affirmation that all the projects outstanding for which grants were approved in 2002 had not yet been subject to voter approval. 9:30:25 AM Ms. Frasca corrected that some of the projects had been placed on the ballot but were rejected by voters. 9:30:37 AM Page 7 Investment Priority: University of Alaska · Maintain existing facilities, equipment o $35 million of $98 million requested · New facilities, other projects o $55 million of $152 million requested ƒFunds first priority: Integrated Science Building Ms. Frasca noted the board of Regents requested $98 million for deferred maintenance projects. The Integrated Science Building is located on the University of Alaska, Anchorage campus. 9:31:27 AM Page 8 Investment Priority: Job Training · Preparing Alaskans for the future's opportunities o Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center o AVTEC ƒDistance training videoconferencing ƒDormitory remodel ƒFacility replacement Ms. Frasca spoke to the job training needs, especially in preparation of a natural gas pipeline. The Governor proposes a $3 million grant to fund the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center. The Committee supported this effort the previous legislative session. Ms. Frasca informed of the intent to provide distance-training programs through the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) to rural areas. Additionally, the dormitories at the campus are 30 years old, pose life safety issues and must be upgraded to comply with safety codes. An appropriation of $2 million is requested to replace a facility on the campus. The current facility was constructed ten years ago with the intent it would be temporary. 9:32:55 AM Page 9 Investment Priority: Resource Development · Oil and gas development o Unified Permitting Process o Frontier Basis Geologic Assessment o Bristol Bay Energy Development o Geologic Data for new North Slope Exploration o Pipeline Corridor Geologic Hazards o Shallow Coring Program Ms. Frasca stated the funding requested for the Unified Permitting Process would be utilized for the third phase of a multi-year project to modernize the system. The Frontier Basis Geologic Assessment would allow for oil and gas development. The Bristol Bay Energy Development project pertains to a new lease and would provide an understanding of resources. The Geological Data project would provide the State with information to obtain maximum investment with private industry. The proposed natural gas pipeline could go through Delta Junction to the Canadian border, so the geologic hazards of that area must be studied. The Shallow Coring Program would generate data on potential resources around the state. 9:34:51 AM Page 10 Investment Priority: Public Safety · Tools to respond effectively o APSIN re-design o Online fire, life safety plan review system o Crime lab design · Emergency preparedness o ALMR, satellite phones o Alert warning system · Correctional system upkeep Ms. Frasca told of the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (ASPIN) that would enable data sharing with all law enforcement agencies operating in the state. The FY 07 proposed capital budget includes $3 million State funds and $1 million federal funds for this project. Ms. Frasca stated that the on-line fire, life safety plan review system would make the processes more efficient. Ms. Frasca requested $4.8 million to design a new crime laboratory. Yesterday a connection was made in the DNA evidence of a murder that occurred in 1991. The existing laboratory is undersized. Ms. Frasca deferred to the Department of Administration and the Department of Natural Resources to detail the Alaska Land Mobile Radio (ALMAR) project. Ms. Frasca informed that funding is necessary to make the Alert Warning System compliant with federal standards. Ms. Frasca described the planned correctional system upkeep projects as typical maintenance and repair items and completion of the installation of a closed circuit monitoring system. 9:37:17 AM Page 11 Investment Priority: Public's Health · Safe water, sewer o VSW and community projects · Immunization, Disease Registry · Safe community housing o Bring the Kids Home o Pioneer Homes code compliance o AHFC programs Ms. Frasca noted the request of approximately $29 million general funds to match $74 million federal funds for the Village Safe Water (VSW) program. Other community projects include one located in Sawmill Cove at Sitka, the landfill at Unalaska, and the water line at Ketchikan. Ms. Frasca told of the requested immunization and disease registry tracking system and database for the Department of Health and Social Services that would provide "real time" information. The current system is not as updated as those in other states and is necessary to address certain events such as Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Frasca stated that planning, design and construction of facilities is necessary to implement the Bring the Kids Home plan. Planned Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) projects include creating housing for teachers and public safety officials. Eighteen communities have applied for grants to fund these projects, which has assisted villages with teacher retention. 9:39:52 AM Page 12 Investment Priority: Transportation · $481 million of overall capital budget · State match of $90 million for $405 million o Aviation $16 million o Highways: $74 million · State harbors, docks, AMHS - $41 million · Community priorities o Pt. Mackenzie Road o Port of Anchorage o Seward Dock o Whittier boat harbor Ms. Frasca informed that transportation projects comprise the largest amount of general fund and other State funding appropriations in the FY 07 proposed capital budget. Eight projects at State-owned harbors have been identified for upgrades and eventual transfer to local government ownership. The Governor is requesting $14 million for the Point Mackenzie Road project. The Port of Anchorage serves statewide purposes and the Seward Dock has been identified as a local priority. The Whittier boat harbor project would expand the existing facilities and allow for additional waterfront development. 9:42:01 AM Page 13 Governor's Transportation Initiative: · Prepare Alaska's infrastructure for tomorrow's opportunities o Alaska Railroad extension o Juneau Access o Roads to Resources o Parks Highway o Dalton Highway Ms. Frasca noted that funding for these projects would be entirely State general funds. Ms. Frasca spoke to the extension of the Alaska Railroad to the Canadian border. A feasibility study was underway in cooperation with the Yukon Territory and British Columbia and Canadian First Nations to determine potential routes and the economic benefit to Alaska. If the study, to be completed in July 2006, finds the plan feasible, the $50 million of this request would be utilized for the next step of the project. If the study determines the plan to not be feasible, the funding would not be expended and would lapse to the general fund available for legislative appropriation the next session. Ms. Frasca noted the $45 million requested for the Juneau Access project would be expended to include the road, terminals and ferries related to the project. Ms. Frasca explained the Roads to Resources program relates to industrial roads and that the funding would be utilized to further projects including access to Point Thompson, a Foothills West road, Lucky Shot line and timber access roads in Southeast. The program is intended to address opportunities as they arise. Ms. Frasca informed that funds were needed to address load capacity on the Parks Highway. Currently load limits must be imposed for approximately six months each year. This results in higher costs, as goods must be transported in smaller loads. Ms. Frasca stressed the importance of maintaining the Dalton Highway, which serves as a link to oil and gas development sites on the North Slope. The requested funding would allow for continued maintenance. Co-Chair Wilken wrote a letter in support of such activities. 9:46:30 AM Page 14 Investment Priority: Economic Development · Tourism destination promotion, development o Morris Thompson Cultural, Visitor Center o Tongass Coast Aquarium o Anchorage Museum o Alaska Native Heritage Center · Maintain parks, campgrounds Ms. Frasca emphasized the need to make Alaska more attractive to tourists. Funding from other sources has been secured for each of the aforementioned projects; the requested general funds would provide the State's contribution. The Alaska Tourism Association provides marketing for businesses located along the road system aimed at independent and international travelers. Ms. Frasca expressed appreciation for the Committee's appropriation for State park operations. Additional capital funds are requested to ensure the parks are well maintained. 9:48:09 AM Senator Stedman pointed out that the proposed Gravina Island bridge project in Ketchikan was not included in the community transportation priorities listed on page 12. 9:48:37 AM Ms. Frasca responded that this listing did not focus on federal projects. The Governor's proposed budget contains an appropriation to provide State matching funds for the project. 9:49:24 AM Senator Stedman, referencing page 2, questioned the comparisons to budgets of previous years. 9:50:10 AM Ms. Frasca explained that the graph is intended to demonstrate a pattern over a period of time. She admitted some appropriations made in one year were not expended until the following year. She would provide detailed information. 9:51:23 AM Senator Stedman asked how receipt authority for funds never actually received is reflected in this presentation. 9:51:42 AM Ms. Frasca acknowledged that "budgeting versus spending" is not delineated. She gave FY 05 as an example as including federal receipt authority for the Gravina Island and Knik Arm Crossing projects, although the funds were not received in that year. 9:52:30 AM Senator Stedman commented that at times, authority is granted but the funds are not received. 9:52:43 AM Co-Chair Wilken appreciated the emphasis on the Dalton Highway. He traveled this road during the 1980s and again last year. The road condition was worse on his second trip and he was surprised at the amount of traffic activity. Some areas were dangerous. Upgrades are needed given the increased natural resource exploration occurring on the North Slope. 9:53:56 AM Co-Chair Wilken understood that discussions had occurred with the Governor's staff regarding funding a science facility at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks campus utilizing tobacco settlement receipts. However, the project is not included in this Governor's proposed budget, although funding for the integrated science facility at the Anchorage campus is included. He requested to be kept better apprised of these discussions and decisions. 9:54:25 AM Senator Olson asked about improvements to the Dalton Highway. 9:54:58 AM Ms. Frasca responded that the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has a five-year proposal for upgrading and improving the Dalton Highway. 9:55:40 AM Senator Dyson asked if the project to extend lighting along the Glenn Highway between Anchorage and the Parks Highway is included in the Governor's request. Ms. Frasca would provide information on this. 9:56:20 AM Senator Dyson understood that a certain percentage of spending be allocated for capital projects. He asked the specifics of this guideline. 9:56:50 AM Ms. Frasca surmised that Senator Dyson was speaking to the constitutional spending limit instituted under the governorship of Jay Hammond, which directed that one-third of spending be allocated for capital improvements. This provision has never been implemented because revenues were inadequate to "support the level of spending" allowed under that limit. Otherwise, she was unaware of no requirements for distribution of appropriations for capital projects. 9:58:12 AM Presentation by Department of Administration on the Alaska Land Mobile Radio Project AT EASE 9:58:18 AM 10:01:18 AM KEVIN BROOKS, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Administration, introduced Mr. Callahan who recently transferred to the Department from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs where he was head of the Alaska Land Mobile Radio Project (ALMR). MIKE CALLAHAN, Director, Enterprise Technology Services, Department of Administration, gave a presentation titled, "Alaska Land Mobile Radio Project, ALMAR, Presented by: The Department of Administration" [copy on file]. 10:01:57 AM Page 2 What is the ALMR project? · The first step in statewide interoperable communications for the State of Alaska o Ability to communicate on demand in real time · First responders first · ALMR was created in 1995 as a broad governmental partnership · Executive Council representatives o Department of Defense o State of Alaska o Alaska Municipal League o Federal (Non-DoD) agencies Mr. Callahan outlined this information. He gave examples of first responders as those who would fight fires and respond to crimes. 10:03:27 AM Page 3 LMR Now A National Issue Compatible radio systems would cost billions By Paul Davidson, USA TODAY As chaos engulfed New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina struck, emergency responders traded urgent information in a way that was hardly a model of 21st century high technology. With the floodwaters surging, they scurried on foot to ferry messages among city police, state troopers and the National Guard. It's not that the agencies' radio systems didn't work. They just didn't work with each other. The breakdown in New Orleans was the latest proof of a troubling quandary: Many of the USA's 50,000 public-safety agencies still can't talk to each other in a crisis. The problem has plagued emergency responders in every big disaster in recent memory - from the Oklahoma City bombing to 9/11 to Katrina. The main culprit? Incompatible radio equipment. "We didn't learn our lesson after the '93 World Trade Center bombing; we didn't learn our lesson after Sept. 11," Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Katrina. "We don't need anymore failures." H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY Mr. Callahan pointed out the issue is not unique to Alaska and would not "go away" unaddressed. In this state, events such as the Millers Reach wildfire, emergency calls to 911 and others raised questions as to why emergency workers were unable to communicate with each other. 10:03:52 AM Page 4 Project objectives: · Replace aging LMR infrastructure · Enhance personnel safety and operational capabilities · Phased implementation o Highway system o Southeast Alaska and Kodiak o Rural areas where cost effective · Cost share infrastructure cost among the federal, state and local governments Mr. Callahan informed that both systems currently in operation have reached the end of their period of usability and that replacement parts could no longer be obtained. Rather than just purchasing new radios, the system would be upgraded and replaced. Mr. Callahan reported that the highway system portion of the project was completed the previous year and includes the road systems from Valdez to Fairbanks to Anchorage and Kenai. System replacement for Southeast Alaska would be undertaken in the upcoming year. Mr. Callahan stated that because this project involves the US Department of Defense, a significant amount of federal funding is appropriated. 10:05:19 AM Page 5 Current Phase Build out [Map depicting Alaska, with the exception of the northern- most area, with multiple sites marked as ALMAR locations.] Mr. Callahan stressed the importance of the site located on St. Paul Island. 10:05:43 AM Page 6 End of 2004 Status [Map depicting and area spanning from the Canadian Border to the east, the Kenai Peninsula to the south, Mount Susitna to the north and Money Knob (north of Fairbanks) to the north. Areas including Valdez, Anchorage, the Alaska Highway between Ester and Delta and an area east of Fairbanks are highlighted.] Mr. Callahan compared the progress of this year to that of the following year. 10:05:51 AM Page 7 [Map depicting and area spanning from the Canadian Border to the east, the Kenai Peninsula to the south, Mount Susitna to the north and Money Knob (north of Fairbanks) to the north. Most areas along the major road systems between Valdez and Fairbanks, Delta and Tok, Ester and Whittier and Seward, and Glennallen and Anchorage are highlighted.] Mr. Callahan spoke to the "immense amount of work" accomplished during this period. Although not officially completed, the system is operational in the highlighted areas. 10:06:17 AM Co-Chair Wilken asked when the sites of Gerstle River, Byers Creek, and Honolulu would be addressed. These areas on the Alaska Highway and the Parks Highway are not highlighted as completed on the aforementioned map. 10:06:31 AM Mr. Callahan replied that these sites are scheduled for completion in the current year. These areas present unique challenges. Permit issues in the Honolulu locations had to be resolved. Other sites require significant expense to deliver power to the facilities. 10:07:26 AM Co-Chair Wilken clarified that power delivery is the reason the three sites were not completed with the majority of the project in this region. 10:07:33 AM Mr. Callahan affirmed, noting that the problem is likely solved for two of those sites. 10:07:43 AM Page 8 How does this benefit Alaska? · 1st responders can now communicate with each other on a single radio platform. · ALMR will serve 87 sites along the highway and railbelt from Anchorage to Fairbanks and down to Kodiak, at the completion of this phase of the buildout. · Sites connected via SOA microwave system (SATS) o Fully meets congressional mandates for a "private, government owned and operated LMR network for first responders" o Enhanced survivability compared to fiber optics · Establishes infrastructure for future mobile data projects and remote data reporting Mr. Callahan defined the "private, government owned and operated LMR network" as being limited to first response use. This would avoid an incident in which a first responder was unable to access the network due to a high volume of other users, such as what occurs in Anchorage during rush hour commutes. 10:08:27 AM Senator Hoffman asked if first responders include health care workers. 10:08:31 AM Mr. Callahan affirmed, adding that security personnel for the TransAlaska Pipeline System would also be connected to the system. Mr. Callahan cited the most significant danger to the existing system would be earthquake damage to fiber optic cables. Mr. Callahan listed future uses of the ALMAR system. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is considering installing cameras at weather stations to provide information on road conditions. Also, "wire connection" could be established for "road workers". 10:10:37 AM Page 9 2005 Key Accomplishments: · Implemented 41 sites, covering the bulk of the road system between Anchorage and Fairbanks · The Users Council is operational · Completed St. Paul Island technology demonstration · Two Transportable Sites o Quickly add coverage o Augment existing coverage [Photograph of a facility titled, "R1 North" including a two-story building, radio towers and satellite disks.] Mr. Callahan noted that as of 1995, the system could not work over satellite. Vendors changed technology and tests of the new systems were successful. The system could be utilized in rural areas. Mr. Callahan explained the advantages of the transportable sites in the event of a large disaster in which the basic system were overloaded. 10:12:28 AM Page 10 Direct Benefits: · December 2005 - for the first time ever, DOT snow removal crews can communicate with each other via 2- way radio in Thompson Pass. · Alaska Shield/Northern Edge '05 Homeland Security Exercise o One of three "national level of interest" exercises for the year o ALMR was the successful technology demonstration project for the exercise Mr. Callahan stressed the importance of communication between snow removal crews, as they routinely plow in white-out conditions. If a vehicle went off the road, assistance could be given immediately thus reducing life-threatening situations. Mr. Callahan reported that the security exercises determined the ALMR technology to be sufficient. 10:13:57 AM Page 11 Financial Status Report [Spreadsheet showing the following: Funded to Date Department of Defense $65,300,000 State of Alaska 17,977,000 Federal Grants 13,827,442 Project Total $97,104,442 Funding to Finish State of Alaska 2,500,000 Federal Grants 7,500,000 *Note: $5 million additional SATS infrastructure money included in FY 07 request.] Mr. Callahan qualified that the Governor's proposed FY 07 budget includes additional funding requests. Half of the requests relate to the ALMR project with the remaining relating to other maintenance requirements. 10:15:15 AM Page 12 How we service these sites: [Three photographs showing sites in remote locations with helicopters flying overhead, towing a large container and landed. Mr. Callahan commented to the difficult accessibility to some locations, noting one site was "blown off the top of the mountain." 10:15:36 AM Page 13 Winter Challenges [Two photographs of the Mt. Bede site in winter conditions with blown snowpack covering the building and tower. A person wearing a survival suit is shown at the site.] Mr. Callahan told the Committee that crews used chainsaws to penetrate the snow pack. 10:15:55 AM Page 14 Pillsbury Mountain Site [Two photographs of a worker at this location showing the small building, transmission tower, a solar panel and other equipment on a clear day with a few inches of snow- covering.] Page 15 Saddle Mountain (Juneau) site [Photograph of building, towers, solar panel and miscellaneous gear on the snow-free mountaintop site next to an alpine lake overlooking Gastineau Channel.] Mr. Callahan noted that some maintenance work is conducted during summer months. 10:16:17 AM Page 16 Frequently Asked Questions Mr. Callahan indicated the following pages address these questions. 10:16:24 AM Page 17 Is the existing ALMR system compatible with the planned Municipality of Anchorage system? · Yes. The Muni system will use 700 MHz frequencies instead of VHF, but the three system controllers will interconnect the users · If Muni assets/subscribers travel outside the Anchorage bowl they will use their deployable VHF radios, with they are buying with the system Mr. Callahan outlined this information. 10:17:11 AM Page 18 Is ALMR Outdated Technology? · No · The ALMR System fully meets congressional mandates for a "private, government owned and operated LMR network for first responders" Mr. Callahan informed that one additional upgrade would be installed in the fall, after which, no mandatory upgrades would be required for 14 years. 10:18:09 AM Page 19 How many Radios are on the system? · Current: 9,894 · Projected by end of CY 2007: 14,900 Mr. Callahan reiterated that the system is operational despite not being officially completed. 10:18:21 AM Page 20 Are all costs included in these budget numbers? · All infrastructure costs are covered. · Subscriber units are the responsibility of the individual agencies. Almost all non-state agencies buy their subscriber units using federal grant funds. Mr. Callahan explained that participating municipalities are applying for federal funds for their portions of this program. 10:18:45 AM Page 21 What is the Cost per unit for radios? [Spreadsheet listing the following: Portable (Handheld) Motorola $4771 EF Johnson 2324 Mobile (Installed in Vehicle) Motorola $5514 EF Johnson 3442] Mr. Callahan noted that some first responder participants would be unable to secure total funding for the purchase of these units and that the State is "trying to help them". He exampled that the Ester Volunteer Fire Department could not hold enough pancake breakfasts necessary to raise enough funding to buy the five radios it needs. 10:19:06 AM Page 22 Projected FY 08 Budget impacts/requirements · Capital funds: Motobridge Interconnect Requirements $2.764M o Originally Department of Defense funded - lost funds o Intent to fund through federal grant/s o Uncertainty due to changes in earmark capabilities · O&M funds: Chargebacks & options o Model not defined and agreed o Proposals range from "you play, you pay - by radio" to State of Alaska and Department of Defense split the cost Mr. Callahan informed that the State "lost" federal funds to competing grants. Mr. Callahan cautioned that "earmark" rule changes could affect the amount of federal funding received. However, he was "highly confident" the State would receive the full amount of these funds because the ALMR project matches the federal government's plan for homeland security. Mr. Callahan stated that information regarding the operation and maintenance funds would be available by August 2006. 10:20:38 AM Senator Olson, referencing the locations of ALMR sites on a map of Alaska, noted the "line of sight" between most locations. He asked why a facility was constructed on St. Paul Island, which does not appear to be in the line of sight of the other locations. 10:21:02 AM Mr. Callahan told of the test project conducted in conjunction with the US Institute of Justice to demonstrate the system could operate over satellite link. Such a link was not technologically supportable until a year ago. 10:21:30 AM Senator Olson asked the plan for distribution of the ALMR to the remainder of the state. 10:21:38 AM Mr. Callahan responded that a plan had yet to be determined. With satellite capacity, more areas could be addressed. Sites in regional hubs would likely be chosen rather locating the system in every village. A more cost effective method would need to be identified. 10:22:16 AM Senator Hoffman asked the cost of the Pribilof site. 10:22:25 AM Mr. Callahan replied the cost was "slightly" over $300,000. Infrastructure was already available on St. Paul Island, including a power supply and radio tower. 10:22:55 AM Senator Hoffman asked if existing infrastructure in other rural sites, such as Dillingham and Bethel, was sufficient to accommodate an ALMR site. 10:23:12 AM Mr. Callahan answered that generally these communities did not have the necessary infrastructure. Although a mixed frequency repeater exists in Bethel, it would require significant upgrades to integrate with the ALMR system. 10:23:40 AM Co-Chair Wilken asked the amount of power required to operate sites such as the Pillsbury Mountain site. 10:23:58 AM Mr. Callahan responded that the amount of power necessary to operate a site varies on the number of channels utilized. Peak power is 18.5 kilowatts. 10:24:26 AM Senator Olson acknowledged this is a significant amount of power. 10:24:31 AM Mr. Callahan stated this explains the problems encountered when a site could not be linked to an existing power grid. 10:24:53 AM KEVIN BROOKS, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Administration, furthered Ms. Frasca comments on proposed capital information technology projects utilizing a spreadsheet titled," Capital IT Projects" [copy on file]. The spreadsheets list over 35 projects totaling $64 million of which approximately $13 million is general funds. These projects involve 11 State departments. Mr. Brooks outlined the process undertaken to identify and review these projects and select only those that are technologically supportable, meet the business needs of the affected department, and would provide a service to the public. 10:26:47 AM Mr. Brooks informed that during the summer of 2003 the state began a process to develop a statewide information technology plan. Before then, State agencies were "working hard doing some really great things with computers" to implement permitting processes and providing public access. However, this was done without an enterprise approach. Instead, each agency addressed only their own business needs and not attention was given to the interaction of State agencies. As a result, some redundancies occurred. Three years ago, department representatives agreed to the need to "work better and smarter". Mr. Brooks stated the plan adopted in 2003 has been updated annually, with the third revision completed in preparation for the FY 07 Capital budget. Mr. Brooks told of the establishment of the five-member Enterprise Investment Board that meets twice a year to ensure the overall policy direction and investment level was appropriate as it relates to the remainder of the budget. The commissioner of the Department of Administration, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, the chief of staff to the governor, a director of a State Division of Administrative Services, and the director of the Enterprise Technology Services, comprise the membership. 10:29:16 AM Mr. Brooks explained the precluding level of review consists of the directors of administrative services divisions of all 15 State departments. This IT workgroup meets regularly to address matters of common concern. 10:29:44 AM Mr. Brooks informed that each department now employs an Information Technology (IT) Manager. Previously, many departments did not have a centralized "voice" to address information technology. Six of these managers serve on a Technology Management Council. This council establishes standards and guidelines to ensure that agencies are working in collaboration. Mr. Brooks noted that the IT managers of the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities each hold a seat on the Council. The Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Natural Resources has one aggregate "voice" on the council to represent natural resources interests. The IT managers of these three departments collaborate on certain functions, such as mapping. Many methods exist to accomplish a function, the council attempts to establish a standard method. 10:31:10 AM Mr. Brooks explained the intent to group collaborators at appropriate levels. Subject matter experts are also included to advise on e-mail, etc. 10:31:43 AM Mr. Brooks reported this system has worked well. Projects agreed upon through this process could then be included in preparation of the budget. 10:32:06 AM Mr. Brooks explained that the agencies submit proposed projects for review by the three aforementioned entities. Proposed projects are reviewed for technical merit, then to ensure they would meet the State's business needs. A policy decision is then made as to whether the State should undertake a project. Those proposed projects that successfully complete this review process are forwarded for possible inclusion in the governor's capital budget request. The spreadsheet contains projects that completed the review process and have been deemed to be the most critical and time sensitive. Some of the projects are necessary to meet deadlines imposed by the federal government. Mr. Brooks told of the more than 80 standards adopted, including types of computers and software to be utilized by the agencies. Certain aspects of the information technology infrastructure should be centralized. However, other functions should be overseen within agencies because they are the experts in identifying their customers and understanding how to deliver their services. Specialized functions would still comply with certain standards. Mr. Brooks remarked that standardization would reduce the need for training State employees who transfer between agencies. 10:35:20 AM Mr. Brooks furthered that working as a single enterprise the State could achieve significant savings on purchases. Under consideration, is a conversion of all systems to a single Microsoft application. Currently five different e-mail systems are utilized and although they interact without difficulty, the State could incur savings through licensing costs, training and maintenance if one system were in place. 10:36:30 AM Senator Stedman directed attention to the Statewide Digital Mapping project on the spreadsheet. The Department of Natural Resources already has a "powerful" system. He asked if the proposed project would enhance the existing system and allow public access to digital mapping. 10:37:19 AM Mr. Brooks deferred to Department of Natural Resources staff. 10:37:42 AM Senator Stedman remarked on the benefits of providing access to detailed mapping information of Alaska. 10:37:54 AM Mr. Brooks reported that efforts had been made so mapping activities of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Game and other agencies would be interactive. 10:38:12 AM Co-Chair Wilken understood that the mapping project would include enhancement of aviation navigation to allow real time navigation of certain mountain passes. 10:38:37 AM NICO BUS, Acting Director, Division of Support Services, Department of Natural Resources, testified to the intent to obtain additional elevation mapping. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Department, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the University of Alaska to ensure all data would be available to the public. The investment must provide the broadest application for the public, private entities and the State. 10:39:49 AM Senator Olson asked if the mapping activities were undertaken by the private sector. 10:40:14 AM Mr. Bus stated this project would be funded with over $8 million in federal funds and $2 million in general funds and would be utilized to purchase information from the private sector. 10:40:52 AM Senator Olson surmised that the affected industries approve of this project. 10:41:00 AM This bill was HELD in Committee.
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