Legislature(2009 - 2010)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/17/2010 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB230 || SB253 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 230 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 253 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 230
"An Act making and amending appropriations, including
capital appropriations, supplemental appropriations,
and other appropriations; making appropriations to
capitalize funds; and providing for an effective
date."
SENATE BILL NO. 253
"An Act making capital appropriations for deferred
maintenance projects, equipment replacement, and
emergency repairs; and providing for an effective
date."
Department of Natural Resources; Department of
Environmental Conservation; Department of Fish and Game
9:05:00 AM
Department of Natural Resources
LETA SIMONS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES introduced the Department
of Natural Resources' (DNR) final deferred maintenance item
AMD 47794. The funding request is $330 thousand in general
funds. She explained that the project includes maintenance
for the plant material center seed cleaning and seed
storage facility renovation. The plant material center is
located in Palmer. The project includes insulating and
armoring the walls, painting surfaces, replacing lighting
and ventilation system and doors, and restoring the
facility's drive surfaces.
Co-Chair Stedman concluded hearings on the deferred
maintenance budget and began capital budget proceedings for
DNR.
9:06:49 AM AT EASE
9:07:11 AM RECONVENED
Ms. Simons began with capital budget RN 49193 concerning
reservoir studies evaluating oil and gas resources in the
North Slope and Cook Inlet. The budget request is $3.5
million in general funds as a continuation of funding for
an ongoing project. The Division of Oil and Gas identified
a need to hire consultants in order to support
determinations that maximize state revenue. The
determinations include the amount of natural gas used for
oil recovery versus the amount transported by pipeline as
well as the evaluation of gas off-take strategies,
evaluation of gas supply in Cook Inlet, and promotion of
further development in Cook Inlet.
Ms. Simons referred to RN 41415 for $300,000 in general
funds. The project includes gas pipeline corridor geologic
hazards and resources. The funding is necessary to complete
the geologic mapping, hazard assessment and resource
evaluation along the proposed gas pipeline corridor from
Delta Junction to the Canadian border. The final phase in
FY12 will support preparation of final reports to
consolidate and summarize the interpretations of geologic
hazards and resources in the corridor. The funding pays for
contract geologists, laboratory analysis and contracting of
helicopters for field work.
9:10:00 AM
Ms. Simons described RN 49185 with a request of $500
thousand in general funds for the assessment of in-state
gas energy potential Phase 1 of 3. The total cost over
three years will equal $1.2 million. She mentioned numerous
sedimentary basins along existing transportation corridors
near population centers as potential sources of inexpensive
natural gas. The goal of the project is to provide
information that will reduce local energy costs.
Ms. Simons described RN 33595 for wild land fire truck
replacement for the request of $1,150,000 in general funds.
The funding will purchase engines for wild land fire
fighting. The funding will also replace older vehicles or
those not included in the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities' (DOT) replacement credit program.
Ms. Simons addressed RN 49202 for the replacement of state
owned tactical aircraft used in wild land firefighting. The
funding request is $600 thousand in general funds. She
pointed out language in the supplemental bill allowing the
utilization of $2 million from the sale of the two existing
state owned planes. The total cost of the two new airplanes
is $2.6 million. This request supplies the remainder of
funds needed following the expected $2 million gain.
9:12:50 AM
Senator Huggins asked if an aircraft made in the United
States had equivalent performance measures. Ms. Simons
answered that the current planes are Swedish and finding
parts has proven difficult. She understood that domestic
airplanes did exist and the intention is to bid on them.
Senator Olson asked for more specific information regarding
replacement aircraft. Ms. Simons responded that the
department is seeking multi engine, high wing, pressurized
all weather aircraft, but the bidding process will reveal
additional information.
Ms. Simons detailed RN 41410 for the Alaska Land Mobile
Radio (ALMR). She noted that the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) requires emergency response agencies to
upgrade to narrow band operations by January 1, 2013 with
prior capital improvement project (CIP) funds for the
conversion. The Division of Forestry's Area Dispatch
Offices and Fire Engines now operate on the road system are
equipped with the ALMR capable radios. She pointed out that
ALMR does not provide "off road" service making it
necessary to augment with rural communication equipment.
The requested funds will be used to purchase bridges
allowing access to an area's local conventional frequencies
in addition to the ALMR system.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if the state pursued plans to bring
ALMR to off-road sites. Ms. Simons responded that a plan
does not exist at this point.
Senator Thomas noted discussions about the ALMR radio and
potential substitutes. He commented on the high price of
the radios. He expressed concern regarding the long term
efficacy of the radios.
9:16:41 AM
Senator Olson countered that while expensive, the ALMR
system is the best currently available. He spoke in favor
of the system.
Ms. Simons addressed RN 38872 for unified permitting
project, Phase 5 of 7. She noted the request of $800,000 in
general funds. The project is long term and will provide an
interactive permit application system to streamline the
permit process for both applicants and DNR staff. The
system integrates maps and other documents with case
related data and modernizes the entire DNR case management
system. The automated processes include land use permits,
water rights, easements, rights of way, mining claims, ice
roads, mericulture sights, and eventually DNR's entire
permit and leasing processes.
Ms. Simons addressed RN 45272 which is a continuation of
the MatSu hydrogeology assessment. The general fund request
is $295 thousand for FY11. Portions of the MatSu borough
have increasing demands on ground water that cause concerns
for the aquifer's ability to provide sufficient high
quality water. The study's goal is to provide knowledge to
effectively manage those ground water resources.
Ms. Simons detailed RN 42881 and the petroleum systems
integrity office gap analysis Phase 3 of 4. This general
fund request is $125 thousand. In response to the pipeline
corrosion issues that led to shut down of the Prudhoe Bay
Oil Field and halted the flow of oil through the trans
Alaska pipeline, administrative order number 234
established the petroleum system's integrity office within
DNR and required the office to provide a gap analysis. The
gap analysis has thus far identified existing statutory and
regulatory authorities and jurisdictions in the various
state agencies including DNR, the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Department of Public
Safety (DPS), the Department of Commerce, Community and
Economic Development (DCCED), the Department of Fish and
Game (DFG), the Department of Revenue (DOR), the Department
of Administration (DOA), the Department of Law (DOL), and
the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD). A
draft report detailing identified gaps and overlaps is
currently in the process of finalization.
9:20:22 AM
Senator Huggins commented about the creation of a project
without a purpose. Ms. Simons explained that the gap
analysis will provide information regarding the necessary
effort.
Ms. Simons detailed RN 45270 for information technology
infrastructure upgrades. The request equals $215 thousand
in general funds to purchase network storage and backup
equipment to increase storage capabilities and bring data
security and disaster recovery capabilities up to
standards. The ever increasing use of digital images has
pushed the current network storage and backup system in the
Juneau office to its limit. The funds will also be used to
purchase equipment for the provision of wireless
connections in DNR's office buildings.
Ms. Simons detailed RN 49203 for foothills oil and gas
development infrastructure investigations Phase 1 of 3. The
FY11 request is for $370 thousand. The project will provide
critical data for judging the feasibility of state and
federal infrastructure investments to access undeveloped
and undiscovered oil and gas in the central North Slope
foothills. The data will be used to help predict the
resource potential of these sparsely explored areas and to
identify potential geologic hazards and construction
material sites along the proposed routes. This area has the
potential of generating significant oil and gas revenue
over the next thirty years as part of the roads to
resources program related to the highway project to
construct a road from Dalton Highway to Umiat. With this
study, the state can potentially gain a wealth of knowledge
regarding the locations, volumes, reservoir
characteristics, economic strengths and challenges, and
environmental sensitivities associated with the gas and oil
resources in the area.
Co-Chair Stedman recalled recent presentations from DOT
regarding the roads to resources program. He asked why the
item was in the capital budget versus the roads to
resources program. Ms. Simons responded that she was
unaware of the reasons for the placement of the project in
the capital budget.
9:24:15 AM
Ms. Simons detailed RN 37762 and the cooperative water
resource program for a funding request of $370 thousand in
authorization for statutory designated program receipts.
She explained that DNR accepts funds from the private
sector and local governments and passes the funds through
to the federal government as part of a funding agreement
for cooperative water resource programs. The funding pays
for equipment to obtain hydrologic data. Funding is also
passed to (DFG) for the same purpose.
Ms. Simons addressed RN 49201 for statewide timber
inventories. The funding request is for $215 thousand. She
explained that demands on state forest lands are increasing
from timber sale activity, firewood harvest, and potential
alternative energy development. Timber inventories
determine sustainable harvest levels and provide data for
planning and defending timber sales. Funding will primarily
be used for aerial photography, satellite imagery, and
field work helicopter time.
Co-Chair Stedman asked for the history of timber inventory
analysis. Ms. Simons responded that the most recent
inventory is from FY08 in the Valley State Forest, but a
more recent inventory is necessary. Co-Chair Stedman
believed that a timber cruise is long standing.
9:27:19 AM
Ms. Simons noted RN 38886 and the land sales-new
subdivision development. The request is $3.6 million in the
land disposal income fund. She mentioned that ongoing use
of the land disposal income fund is used to propose,
design, develop, survey and build roads for new subdivision
sales of state land typical of similar CIP requests for the
same purpose.
Co-Chair Stedman asked for further detail regarding the
request for $3.6 million. Ms. Simons understood that the
funding will pay for land surveys, road construction,
appraisals, clean up and other development costs along with
the necessary staff.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about the item's place in the
operating budget versus the capital budget. He recognized
the forecast for the project expands to FY16 and beyond.
Ms. Simons understood that the nature of the project is
land development. She pointed out that land development
typically exists in the capital budget.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked how locations are selected.
MARTY PARSONS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF MINING LAND AND
WATER, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (via teleconference)
explained that the selection of land sale subdivision sites
is an ongoing process where staff review land by area plans
deemed suitable for settlement. A list of projects is
maintained to meet the legislative designated requirements.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked about land available in Western
Alaska. Mr. Parsons offered to research the topic. Senator
Olson requested the information as well. Co-Chair Stedman
offered to receive the information for dispersal among
committee members.
9:32:08 AM
Ms. Simons detailed RN 49195 and the land sale web
enhancement. The funding request for $68,000 in general
funds will provide a more interactive public interface to
the state land sale website. The upgrade allows the public
to identify projects in development, use geographic
information system tools to find land available for sale,
search for parcels with a wide range of criteria, and
provide links to parcel survey. The web site is expected to
increase the volume of land sales on the greater than 1500
state parcels currently available.
Ms. Simons addressed RN 34881 and the forest legacy federal
grant program. The funding request is for $1 million in
federal funds. The forest legacy program provides federal
funding for acquisition of high value private forest land
threatened with conversion to non forest use. The program
targets private lands adjacent to or within existing
conservation units such as parks and refuges. The funding
will be used to acquire two forested in-holdings totaling
307 acres within Denali State Park. The purchase will
conserve forested habitats and natural features and ensure
uninterrupted views just below the proposed south Denali
visitor's center.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the parcels have been appraised.
Ms. Simons concurred that the conservation fund ordered an
appraisal done on the parcels.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the funding request would cover
the cost of both purchases. Ms. Simons responded that she
was not aware of other funding sources. Co-Chair Stedman
asked the department to provide the information to the
committee.
9:34:40 AM
Senator Huggins asked about the farm land maintenance
program. He asked about a matching fund. Ms. Simons did not
know about a matching fund for the farm land program.
Ms. Simons addressed RH 37769 for the forest legacy federal
grant program. The request is for $ 1 million in federal
funds and $800 thousand in statutory designated program
receipts. Statewide projects funded though this
consolidated grant include hazardous fuels reduction, fire
wise education, fire prevention, community wildlife
protection planning, identification of invasive insect
species, forest thinning and planting projects on state
forest land. Funds are also used to provide technical
assistance to other forest land owners including native
corporations in support of their planning efforts. This CIP
request represents the portion of the grant that is
competitive and used largely for contractual services for
hazard fuel mitigation.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if the amount is typical for a
project of this nature. He asked how the travel funding
request was spent. Ms. Simons assumed that the funding was
used for staff travel to provide services. Co-Chair Stedman
asked Ms. Simons to return to the committee with further
information.
9:37:36 AM
Ms. Simons explained RN 6865 for the national historic
preservation fund federal grant program. She stated that
the request was for $1 million in federal funds and $200
thousand in general fund match. The objective of the
program is to preserve Alaska's cultural resources and the
funds are used primarily to support the archeologists,
historians and other staff in the state's office of history
and archeology. Funds are also used for pass through grants
for local governments and other organizations.
Ms. Simons detailed RN 6855 for federal funding for
abandoned mine lands reclamation federal program. The
amount of authorization requested is $3,575,000. She noted
that the program provides federal funding for reclamation
of areas mined before enactment of the Federal Surface
Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Work is
performed via contract with contractors employing
approximately 25-35 seasonal workers. Since inception, the
program identified 16 coal sights and 124 non coal sights
requiring reclamation at a cost of $42 million. Another
$37-45 million in work is expected to be identified before
the end of the program.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the reclamation project was
exclusive to coal or was hard rock mining included. Ms.
Simons stated that the project included coal and non coal
sights, but she did not have specifics on the non coal
sights. She offered to provide additional information. Co-
Chair Stedman asked if the Douglas Harbor expansion in
Juneau might qualify to aid in the cost of removal of the
tailings observed in possible harbor expansion.
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that past appropriations have not
yet been spent. Ms. Simons agreed to provide additional
information. She informed that the request is for
authorization to receive funding.
9:40:47 AM
Ms. Simons detailed RN 40082 and the request for the Alaska
Coastal Management federal pass through grants. She noted
that the program request for FY11 is $1.36 million of
federal authorization to receive the funding. The annual
grant from NOAH provides pass through funds to state
agencies, coastal districts and other grant recipients for
the Alaska Coastal Management Program.
Ms. Simons detailed RN 6854 for the national recreation
trails grant federal program. The request is for $2 million
in authorization of federal funds. These funds are passed
through to organizations, agencies and local governments as
grants for recreational trail development and maintenance.
Recent grantees include the North West Arctic Borough,
Homer Soil and Water Conservation District, Kuskokwim Race
Committee, Copper Center Development Association, Hollis
City Council, City of Bethel, Sitka Trail Works, MatSu
Borough Trails Council, Interior Alaska Land Trust, and
Friends of Eagle River Nature Center.
Ms. Simons described RN 39042 for ongoing federal funding
national coastal wetland grant. The funding is specifically
for Campbell Creek Estuary. The request is for $1 million
in federal funds to pass through to the municipality of
Anchorage. The grant was submitted by the municipality of
Anchorage and the Great Land Trust through DNR to the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal
Wetlands program. This acquisition will protect sensitive
coastal wetlands as well as Campbell Creek itself.
Ms. Simons detailed RN 32552 for continuing federal funding
for the land and water conservation fund federal grant
program. The request is for $600 thousand in federal
authorization. The program provides funds for development
of outdoor recreation areas. Most of the funds are passed
through to cities and boroughs and have been used for ball
fields, trails, ski areas, swimming pools, play grounds,
parks, and approximately 400 projects throughout the state
since the mid 1960s. This is a matching program where local
governments provide their share of the match and the state
provides match to the existing CIP grants for deferred
maintenance in state parks.
Ms. Simons described RN 33690 for the snowmobile trail
development and program grants. The request is for $250
thousand in vehicle registration receipts. Seventy percent
of the funds are spent for direct grants to various
organizations and agencies for trail and trailhead
development, seventeen percent for education, and fourteen
percent for grant administration and support of the
statewide snowmobile trails advisory committee.
Ms. Simons described RN 40474 and the mental health trust
land facilities maintenance. The funding request is for
$350 thousand in mental health trust authority funds for
maintenance of their real estate facility.
9:45:00 AM
Ms. Simons noted that the remaining items on the list are
addressed in the deferred maintenance budget.
Senator Thomas asked about RN 33690 and the licensing fees.
He asked to know the amount of revenue from licensing fees
on an annual basis. He asked about the additional revenue
unused for this endeavor.
JAMES KING, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION (via
teleconference) responded that the snowmobile registration
fees are collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles
(DMV). The remainder of the fees is allocated to snow
grooming and trail maintenance.
Senator Thomas asked about the DOT's involvement with DOR
regarding the Roads to Resources program. He hoped that
that the existence of resources is proven prior to the
mapping project. Ms. Simons agreed that the project
required more information prior to further investment in
the area.
Senator Egan asked about DNR's proposal to increase the
snowmobile registration fees from $5 to $20. He asked if
public hearings occurred. Ms. Simons responded that the fee
increase was proposed by the snowmobilers as the program
provides trail improvement.
Senator Egan asked if the funds are dispersed by region.
9:49:32 AM
Director King stated that there is a snow track board
representing the different regions. The advice is to
administer funds to the different regions. The board
insists on fair representation based on registration fees.
The snowmobilers have recognized the incredible difference
with the snow grooming program and the creation of new
trails.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked if citizens in western Alaska are
required to pay the fee. He doubted that a grooming program
exists in western Alaska. Mr. King replied that all snow
machines must be registered at the point of sale. He noted
that grants have been awarded to rural Alaska in trail
marking programs. Co-Chair Hoffman asked how the grants are
distributed.
9:52:12 AM
Senator Olson asked for written documentation that
illustrate that snow machine users are requesting the fee
increase. Mr. King responded that the division has not
requested an increase in the registration fee. The
initiation is a grassroots effort from the Alaska Snow
machine Association and the Snow Track Board. Senator Olson
noted sensitivity to the subject in western Alaska. He
asked for documentation of the request. Mr. King offered to
provide a report.
Senator Olson asked about citation fees and the revenues
generated. Director King offered to return to the committee
with the information. He explained that the revenue is
placed directly into the general fund.
Senator Huggins assumed that most people do not want a fee.
He was supportive of trails but disagreed with the method
of taxation.
Mr. King responded that organized groups are located in the
MatSu valley where modern tracks and grooming are
appreciated. He agreed that other areas in the state are
not influenced by the registration fees.
9:56:30 AM AT EASE
9:57:35 AM RECONVENED
Department of Environmental Conservation
MIKE MAHER, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, introduced himself and the initial
deferred maintenance projects.
KRISTIN RYAN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH,
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (via
teleconference) referred to RN 49339 designated to correct
deficiencies discovered in the environmental health
laboratory in the bio safety level three lab section, which
is intended to handle dangerous contaminants that place
staff at risk. She noted the importance of the ventilation
work and the adequate sealing of the system.
Senator Olson asked if there have been any ill effects from
the deficiency. Ms. Ryan stated that many contaminants
cannot be handled in the lab.
Senator Olson asked if the concern regards pathogens versus
contaminants. Ms. Ryan agreed that the risky agents were
botulism, E. coli, and anthrax.
10:00:10 AM AT EASE
10:00:43 AM RECONVENED
Co-Chair Hoffman requested a brief description of the
Village Safe Water Program.
BILL GRIFFITH, FACILITIES PROGRAM MANAGER, DIVISION OF
WATER, pointed out that federal funds have been declining
while the cost to address the sewer and water in rural
Alaska escalates. He noted that funding from all sources
including national tribal allocations, Alaska specific
appropriations and required state match for rural Alaska
sanitation projects has declined by approximately $50
million over the past seven years. The overall decline is
due to extreme reductions in Alaska's Pacific federal
appropriations and the associated state match which have
plummeted by $57 million over the same seven years.
Although the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
provided some relief in FY10, the FY11 budget represents
the lowest funding levels for rural Alaska water and sewer
projects in over ten years leading to a $41 million
decrease in last year's appropriation. The program
established a multiyear priority list. The list includes
projects that have an approved facility master plan, but
will require multiple years to complete design and
construction. Projects are added to the list when
communities submit applications that received high overall
scores. Scoring is based on critical health related needs
and local capacity to operate and maintain existing
facilities. The purpose of the multiyear list is to
identify funding needs and ensure that new appropriations
will be obligated and expended in a timely manner. This
year's CIP request includes $37.7 million to partially fund
56 projects on a multiyear priority list. This request is
approximately eleven percent of the total estimated cost
needed to complete the projects on the list. The CIP
requested amount is computed using federal funds made
available next fiscal year along with the required state
match. Additional language is included in the budget so
that multiyear projects will receive funding on a first
come first serve basis. He stressed the need for capital
funds. Assistance is needed to upgrade or replace existing
systems that are posing a substantial health threat.
Examples include new water storage tanks to meet the needs
of growing populations, water treatment plant renovations
to address new drinking water regulations, replacement of
thirty year old water and sewer mainlines, and sewage
lagoon renovations including liners to prevent seepage into
ground water. Currently, the sanitation needs in rural
Alaska total over $830 million and of this amount, 43
percent is needed to provide first time service, 44 percent
is needed to address potential health threats and 13
percent is required to address minor health threats. The
department's CIP process dismisses needs to address minor
health threats as secondary. Funding requests are made for
projects that will address substantial health threats or
provide first time service. Future distribution will shift
toward critical health needs.
10:06:48 AM
Senator Thomas asked if the projects are bundled to gain an
economy of scale. He asked if equipment was prescribed
based on the experience of pumps and tanks bid by
contractors. Mr. Griffith stated that the vast majority of
the projects are completed through the use of local force
account labor using a contracted consulting construction
management firm. He explained that the work was completed
one community at a time. He pointed out that pumping
systems have been standardized throughout the state. Use of
pumps and pumping equipment are specific to location.
10:08:59 AM
Senator Huggins asked about the community of Talkeetna and
their problems with water and sewer treatment. Mr. Griffith
responded that Talkeetna is part of the MatSu borough and
therefore ineligible for funding under the Village Safe
Water Statute, but does receive funding from the municipal
matching grant and loan program. Both grants and loans have
been provided through the program for upgrade of the water
and sewer facilities.
Senator Huggins asked for further information about the
grants. Mr. Griffith agreed to provide the information.
Senator Olson asked about the requests about the village of
Kipnuk. The village, whose sewage lagoon was at capacity
and frozen, used a chainsaw to relocate sewage. He asked to
know the plan for a community already fraught with issues
such as hepatitis.
Mr. Griffith shared the concern with regard to the village
of Kipnuk. The Village Safe Water Statute currently
specifies eligible communities. Kipnuk's population
recently exceeded 600 people making them ineligible for the
safe water fund, which is a significant concern. Funding
through the Indian Health Service remains an option.
10:12:39 AM
Senator Olson stressed that a possible epidemic may be the
result. Mr. Griffith responded that an update of the
statute is in order. Several rural communities have
exceeded a population of 600.
Senator Olson asked what the department is doing to help
the community with its growing population.
Mr. Griffith noted that the department provides assistance
to the community's rural and sewer operators through the
remote maintenance worker program. Training assistance to
the operators is provided.
Co-Chair Hoffman noted that the school is adequate in
structure, yet the population of the school has doubled
necessitating an increase in water and sewage facilities.
He asked the department to consider additional revenues.
10:15:37 AM AT EASE
10:17:46 AM RECONVENED
Mr. Griffith discussed RN 46714 and the municipal water
sewage and solid waste facilities matching grant program.
He noted that the appropriation totals $23,189,396 and
consists of 12 separate allocations for individual projects
to be funded with state general funds. The projects are
municipal matching grant projects and a portion of the
costs are paid by grant recipients consisting of larger
cities throughout the state.
10:20:31 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman asked about RN 33826.
LARRY DIETRICK, ALASKA DIVISION ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
(via teleconference) addressed RN 33826 for state wide
contaminated site cleanup. The request funds the assessment
and clean up of the highest priority state owned sites and
sites where the responsible party is unknown or has refused
to take appropriate action. The request involves no new
additional staff.
Mr. Maher introduced RN 37756 for the environmental
monitoring and assessment program.
LYNN KENT, DIRECTOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (via
teleconference), addressed RN 37756. She explained that
under the Federal Clean Water Act, states are required to
assess and report on the health of their water resources.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been
providing 100 percent federal funds for the effort. The
FY11 capital request is for $450 thousand in federal
receipt authority. The national goal is to assess all
waters on a five year rotational cycle, but with Alaska's
vast water resources, the department is in the process of
conducting the first round of water quality monitoring.
This funding will be focused on the arctic coastal plain
region of the state.
Senator Huggins noted that Big Lake in MatSu has
environmental challenges. He asked about Big Lake and its
place in the cycle of evaluation and cleanup. Ms. Kent
responded that water problems are associated with petroleum
in Big Lake according to recent monitoring. She stated that
the monitoring effort will continue. The department is
working with the MatSu borough to reduce the contaminants
entering the lake.
Senator Thomas asked about RN 33826. He requested a brief
explanation of the appropriation. He wondered about a
particular project in the North Star Borough. Mr. Dietrick
offered to scan the list and provide the committee with
information.
Department of Fish and Game
10:26:59 AM
Co-Chair Hoffman continued with deferred maintenance for
the Department of Fish and Game.
TOM LAWSON, DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT
OF FISH AND GAME noted RN 49368 and the $650 thousand
general fund appropriation for the Kodiak warehouse
compound upgrades. The structure of the warehouse is
intact, but the siding and roofing are in need of upgrades.
Mr. Lawson continued with RN 49672 and the Fairbanks
Regional Office repairs/upgrades for $450 thousand in
general funds. He explained that the project will provide
miscellaneous repairs and upgrades of the Fairbanks
Regional Office compound. He explained that the access
roads, parking lots, and sidewalks around the compound
require paving. He added that energy lighting, painting,
and carpet/flooring installation are also required.
Mr. Lawson addressed RN 49669 for the Yakutat compound
electrical repairs and upgrades. He explained that the
appropriation is for $100 thousand in general fund to
upgrade the electrical service for the compound.
Mr. Lawson referenced RN 49670 for the statewide boiler and
heating system upgrades for $275 thousand of general funds.
The project will replace and upgrade existing boilers and
heating system for increased energy efficiency for Nome,
Cordova, Palmer, and Bethel.
Mr. Lawson addressed RN 49667 and the statewide access,
parking and drainage repairs and upgrades. He stated that
the funding request was for $275 thousand in general funds.
This project will repair, improve, and upgrade road access
parking and drainage systems at various field offices and
compounds in King Salmon, Glennallen, Delta Junction,
Haines, Kodiak, Yakutat, Soldotna, and Dillingham.
Mr. Lawson noted RN 49671 and the statewide bunkhouse
repairs upgrades for $250 thousand. These bunkhouses exist
in Bethel, Nome, Cold Bay, King Salmon, Dillingham, Kodiak,
and Cordova.
10:31:46 AM
Mr. Lawson noted that the projects will be contracted and
could occur this field season.
Co-Chair Stedman concluded the deferred maintenance
projects for the Department of Fish and Game. He continued
with the department's capital projects.
Mr. Lawson began with the capital projects and RN 43322 and
the facilities, vessels and aircraft maintenance repair and
upgrades. He noted that the project divides the funding
request of $700,000 among various buildings, fishery vessel
maintenance, and aircraft maintenance. He explained that
the repairs and maintenance are typically accomplished with
seasonal staff.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about ongoing amounts of the
maintenance. Mr. Lawson responded that the estimate is for
$3.9 million worth of future projects, but due to the small
size of the staff, projects are staggered. The goal is to
budget for the potential amount of work done in one year.
If the deferred maintenance projects are funded, the
workload will be higher this year.
Mr. Lawson continued with RN 49047 with a funding request
of $100,000 for crew member fisheries participation
database development. This is a pilot project focused in
Southwest Alaska to gather information on crew members
involved in various commercial fisheries.
Mr. Lawson described RN 42050 for genetic marker screening
for estimating the stock composition of Western Alaska's
Salmon Fisheries. The funding request is $750 thousand in
general funds.
Mr. Lawson reviewed RN 48912 for $200,000 for Yukon River
chum salmon aerial surveys. The project spans four years
and will conduct intensive aerial surveys of summer chum
salmon spawning streams in the middle and lower Yukon River
drainage. He stated that geographic shifts in the lower
river affect the stocks necessitating management changes.
Co-Chair Stedman asked about intensive aerial surveys.
10:37:38 AM
JOHN HILSINGER, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF COMMERCIAL FISH
explained that a low level aerial survey allows trained
observers to fly multiple surveys over streams to acquire
an estimate of the abundance of spawning salmon.
Mr. Lawson referenced RN 41514 for assessment and
feasibility of pilot station sonar. The funding request is
$250 thousand in general funds. The study spans two years
for a pilot station area to assess the sonar program
operations and conduct intensive surveys of the lower Yukon
River.
Mr. Lawson continued with RN 43347 for the Endangered
Species Act listed marine mammal research. The request is
for $600 thousand including $450 thousand of federal
receipt and $150 thousand of general fund match. The
project would leverage federal grant opportunities to
conduct research for expansion of the state's knowledge
base of endangered marine mammals.
Mr. Lawson detailed RN 48947 for state contracted hatchery
facilities inspection with a funding request of $150
thousand in general fund. The project was in the governor's
amended version of the budget. The purpose is to perform an
assessment of the state owned hatcheries to ensure that the
contractors are in compliance with the contractual
maintenance terms and to seek out options to transfer
ownership if acceptable to all parties.
10:40:43 AM
Mr. Lawson referenced RN 33647 for the pacific coastal
salmon recovery fund. The funding request is $15 million of
federal receipt authority. The state receives annual
federal appropriations for the program. The funding arrives
through a memorandum of understanding with the United
States Department of Commerce.
Mr. Lawson addressed RN 48948 for the Pacific Salmon Treaty
Chinook fishery mitigation project for $7.5 million of
federal receipt authority. The federal budget for state
FY11 includes $7.5 million of funding to mitigate the
economic consequences of harvest reductions imposed by the
Pacific Salmon Treaty in Southeast Alaska.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked about RN 33647 and the dialog with
the executive branch regarding the application. Mr. Lawson
agreed to return to the committee with further information.
The decision could be made this week.
Co-Chair Stedman asked the plan for the mitigation funds.
Mr. Lawson responded that a stakeholder's panel will meet
this week to recommend an explanation for the utilization
and allocation of the money. Co-Chair Stedman asked the
proposed format of the explanation. Mr. Lawson understood
that a portion of the funding will be allocated to
commerce. He offered to return to the committee with
further information.
Mr. Lawson described RN 30432 for the sport fish
recreational boating access program. The funding request is
for $3.1 million, $2.3 million of which is federal receipt
authority and $775 from the fish and game fund. The annual
portion from the federal government is used to construct
and upgrade boating and sport fish access sites. Co-Chair
Stedman asked if the list of sites could be presented to
the committee. He also asked for targets of this year's
appropriation.
10:47:30 AM
Mr. Lawson continued with RN 48917 and the economic
contribution of wildlife to Alaska. The funding request was
$500 thousand with $375 thousand of federal receipt
authority and $125 thousand of fish and game funds. The
goal of the project is documentation of the economic
contribution or significance of hunting and wildlife
viewing within the state.
Senator Huggins noted the term "sustained yield" and
"abundance management." He expressed interest in the trend
lines for wildlife population and the efforts regarding the
mentioned terms.
10:48:55 AM
Mr. Lawson described RN 47021 for cooperative resource
program. The funding request is $455 thousand of statutory
designated program receipts. This project allows fish and
game to accept funds from the private sector and local
governments to leverage money from the federal government
and obtain hydrological data.
SB 230 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SB 253 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
10:49:44 AM
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:49 AM.
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