Legislature(2011 - 2012)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/21/2012 05:00 PM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
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| Start | |
| SB160 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 160 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 160
"An Act making and amending appropriations, including
capital appropriations and other appropriations;
making appropriations to capitalize funds; and
providing for an effective date."
5:05:11 PM
PAT BRANSON, MAYOR, CITY OF KODIAK, testified on behalf of
the city of Kodiak's Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
She pointed out that the $2.5 CIP for pier three was
Kodiak's number one priority. She also requested $5 million
for the pedestrian improvement CIP, $1.75 million for
synthetic surfacing and establishing a baseball field in
Baranof Park, and a $400,000 request for a fire engine
truck pump.
5:08:39 PM
JAY SUTHERLAND, MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ALASKA MOOSE
FEDERATION, expressed his support for funding to the Alaska
Moose Federation and discussed the value of the services
that it provided. He stated that record snowfalls this year
had resulted in a significant amount of moose salvage and
pointed out that the diversionary program was resulting in
less vehicular accidents.
5:09:54 PM
DR. JOHN N. DAVIES, SR. RESEARCHER, COLD CLIMATE HOUSING
RESEARCH CENTER(CCHRC), testified in support of the
$750,000 Capital Project Improvement and Information System
(CAPSIS) request for CCHRC and stated that the interior of
Alaska needed more affordable energy solutions; energy
efficiency was part of that solution. CCHRC was achieving
30 to 50 percent energy savings with their retrofitting and
50 to 90 percent energy reduction in new construction
projects.
5:12:14 PM
LARRY DEVILBISS, MAYOR, MAT-SU, urged support for Mat-Su's
rail extension to Port McKenzie and the Knick Arm Bridge
and Toll Authority (KABATA) bridge. He mentioned that the
two transportation projects would be very beneficial to the
state and that he anticipated that the rail extension alone
would be producing $300 million a year in royalties and
revenue for the state.
5:14:11 PM
JUDI ANDRIJANOFF, STATE LIBRARY ADVOCATE, expressed her
support for funding the State Library Archive Museum (SLAM)
project. She noted that over the last two legislative
processes, the state had invested over $30 million in
public libraries; the SLAM project would increase the
number to $50 million. She expressed her thankfulness for
the state's effort.
5:15:42 PM
PEG FOSTER, BOARD MEMBER, FRIENDS OF THE TALKEETNA LIBRARY,
testified in support of funding for a library in Talkeetna
and asked for state matching construction funding for the
Talkeetna, North Pole, Juneau, and Sitka libraries.
5:16:13 PM
CURT LEDFORD, CHAIRMAN, SITKA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION,
testified in support of the library projects in Talkeetna,
Juneau, North Pole, and Sitka. He stated that the libraries
were not fighting amongst themselves, but that the
association wanted funding for all the library projects.
5:16:58 PM
PAUL BROWN, PROJECT DIRECTOR, ALASKA LEADERS SERIES,
expressed his support for funding of the Alaska Leaders
Series and stated that the project participants told the
stories of pioneering Alaskan leaders. He pointed out the
large amount of attention that former Senator Ted Stevens
was receiving and urged that a national film about the
senator would benefit Alaska's image.
5:20:04 PM
ALYSON COOPER, COACH, GIRL SCOUTS ROBOTICS TEAMS, testified
in support of funding for the FIRST Robotics program and
the Juneau Economic Development Council. She explained that
FIRST was an international organization that tried to make
math, science, and engineering as "cool" and as much fun as
sports. She spoke about the merits of the program and how
it taught children valuable life skills. She introduced her
troop as follows: Jordan Cooper, Meg Kurland, Andyn
Mulgrew-Truitt, Jessica Cooper, and Sona Mulgrew-Truitt.
5:23:35 PM
BILL HOWE, MAINTENANCE MANAGER, TANANA VALLEY STATE FAIR,
expressed support for funding the Tanana Valley State Fair
fair's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) funding
request in the capital budget. He pointed out that there
had been an accessibility report by the Wall Busters
Advocacy Group and that the fairgrounds needed funds to
address handicap accessibility issues.
5:25:52 PM
JEFF WELTZIN, SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR, TANANA CHIEFS
CONFERENCE, testified in support for funding for 38 CIPs
that the Tanana Chiefs Conference Region had submitted to
CAPSIS. He stated that the CIPs would target health
clinics, multi-purpose facilities, and other public safety
infrastructure. He pointed out that the projects would
leverage a considerable amount of federal and private
foundation dollars.
5:27:18 PM
LINDA WYNNE, PRESIDENT, ALASKA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION,
expressed the Association's support for full funding of the
SLAM project. She spoke about the importance of the
preserving native historical documents, information, and
regalia. She noted that the new building would provide
improved services to rural, as well as urban areas. She
observed that there was a wealth of information and history
in the state archives, libraries, and museums. She warned
that the important records and history of Alaska could be
lost if the building was not constructed.
5:30:19 PM
KATE TROLL, SELF, testified in support of the $2.7 million
for the University of Alaska Fairbanks' (UAF) research for
ocean acidification. She pointed out that the funds had
originally been in the university's budget, but did not
make it into the capital budget. The funding would be aimed
at teaching the industry to adapt to the changing
conditions brought on by ocean acidification.
5:31:40 PM
JOAN O'KEEFE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST ALASKA
INDEPENDENT LIVING (SAIL), testified in support of
increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for
public transportation from $1 million to $3 million and
discussed the services that SAIL provided. She stated that
public transportation was very important to the 1,500
elders and people with disabilities that SAIL served and
that an additional $2 million in state funds could generate
up to $10 million in federal matching funds.
5:33:58 PM
DELANA JOHNSON, MAYOR, CITY OF PALMER, voiced her support
for funding Palmer's top five CIPs: $2.8 million for
replacement of a steel water main, $780,000 for two fire
station roof repairs and a new fire tanker, and $318,000
for city facilities improvements and the final phase of the
events center expansion.
5:36:26 PM
FERN SPAULDING, TALKEETNA BUILD-A-PLANE, testified in
support of funding for Talkeetna Build-A-Plane. She pointed
out that the program encouraged young kids to be interested
in aviation, science, technology, engineering, and math.
5:38:24 PM
PEGGY BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NETWORK ON DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, spoke in support of the Alaska
Housing Corporations $1.3 million incremental request. She
shared that the funding would be used to establish housing
assistance to approximately 150 domestic violence victims
for one year and shared the importance of safe affordable
housing for victims of domestic violence.
5:39:43 PM
Co-Chair Stedman reminded the LIOs that testimony would be
limited to two minutes per testifier.
MICHAEL HAWFIELD, BOARD MEMBER, ALASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
HOMER (via teleconference), urged his support of funding
the SLAM project. He observed that libraries, archives, and
museums contained precious documents, items, and
photographs. He pointed that the disrepair in facilities
had led to extensive damage to the state's collections.
5:41:59 PM
DAISY LEE BITTER, ALASKA PEONY GROWERS ASSOCIATION, HOMER
(via teleconference), expressed her support of funding for
the association's Peony Cut Flower Industry Development
Initiative. She noted that the federal government had
removed the agricultural research services from Alaska and
stated that Alaska was now the only state that did not have
the services. She pointed out that the peony growing
conditions were unique in Alaska and that peony farming
made good economic sense. She mentioned that a survey by
the association showed that peony growers had expended over
$1 million doing business on the Kenai Peninsula.
5:43:52 PM
SUE PAULSEN, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
testified in support of fully funding the SLAM project. She
applauded the state's efforts in assisting small towns with
50/50 funding and spoke about how the new SLAM building had
been making steady progress towards completion. She warned
that the state's cultural heritage, historical archives,
and museum holdings were in danger due to deteriorating
buildings
5:45:38 PM
BILL FOSTER, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), urged for
full funding of the library construction grants for the
Talkeetna, North Pole, Juneau, and Sitka libraries. He
pointed out that the libraries were the heart and soul of
the community and that the library in Sitka was running out
of space.
Co-Chair Stedman stated that it would be helpful for
testifiers to summarize if they were speaking to capital
projects that had already been addressed by prior speakers.
5:48:28 PM
AT EASE
5:52:55 PM
RECONVENED
5:53:19 PM
BRENDA STANHILL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERIOR ALASKA CENTER
FOR NON-VIOLENT LIVING, testified in support of funding for
the upgraded computer/security system and the housing
program building repairs CIPs for the Interior Alaska
Center for Non-Violent Living. She discussed the services
that the center provided. She also spoke in support of
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's appropriation for
public housing in support of domestic violence and sexual
assault victims.
5:55:44 PM
MICHAEL HORTON, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR, COPPER RIVER
NATIVE ASSOCIATION, expressed support for the $8 million
request for a combined health facility for the Copper River
Native Association and pointed out that the current
facility was very old and was no longer adequate. He
mentioned that the Association was putting in $11 million,
which brought the total up to $19 million.
5:57:30 PM
PAULA VRANA, CEO, COPPER RIVER NATIVE ASSOCIATION,
testified in support of the $8 million increment for the
Copper River Native Association and clarified that it was
already in the governor's request. She stated that the
project would provide up to 36 new positions in the
Glennallen area and would boost the economy in the region.
She spoke about the services that the Association provided
and its importance to the region.
5:59:00 PM
MARIE DARLIN, SELF, expressed support for increased funding
for the SLAM project and thanked the committee for the
support that the project had received so far. She related
that construction costs were currently low and thought that
getting the project farther along during the current year
would save money in the long run.
6:00:44 PM
DOUG BRIDGES, BOARD MEMBER, ALASKA MOBILITY COALITION,
testified in support of increasing the governor's proposed
matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to
$3 million. He stated that the additional $2 million would
allow communities across the state to access up to $10
million more in federal funding.
6:02:43 PM
JONAS LAMB, SELF, JUNEAU, urged support for full funding of
the Library Construction and Major Matching Expansion Grant
Program this cycle and stated that the program had done
great things. He spoke about the importance of libraries to
Alaskan communities and pointed out that a facility at
Diamond Park would increase the property values and the
quality of life for residents of the Mendenhall Valley
area.
6:04:16 PM
MICHAEL SLONE, SELF, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in
support for restoring the $2.7 million for ocean
acidification research at UAF and shared the negative
effects that ocean acidification had on marine life.
6:05:14 PM
ALAN ROCKWOOD, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding the Black Sands Beach trail
and stated that the trail was very well used, but was only
accessible by boat. He observed that the estimated cost for
the trail was around $600,000.
6:06:23 PM
RICK HAUVER, STATE PARKS ADVISORY BOARD, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the Black Sands Beach
trail and added that the trail would meet ADA standards
because it would be accessible by motorized scooters and
wheelchairs.
6:07:41 PM
RUTH DULIN, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), urged
support of increasing the governor's proposed matching
funds for public transportation from $1 million to $3
million. She stated that the services were limited and did
not extend very far out of Ketchikan.
6:08:46 PM
KEVIN GADSEY, INDEPENDENT LIVING ADVOCATE, SOUTHEAST ALASKA
INDEPENDENT LIVING, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference),
testified in support of increasing the governor's proposed
matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to
$3 million. He felt that $3 million was needed to kick-
start transportation opportunities and that it would help
the state access additional federal funding.
6:10:27 PM
BESS CLARK, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS, KETCHIKAN (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Community Connections building for services and operations.
She remarked that significant funding for the project had
already been secured.
6:11:20 PM
JIM SAMPSON, FAIRBANKS PIPELINE TRAINING CENTER, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding for
the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center. He stated that the
center would provide training and employment opportunities
for Alaskans.
6:12:10 PM
MIKE SEXTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS OF
FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support
of additional funding for the Fairbanks Pipeline Training
Center. He pointed out that the Mechanical Contractor of
Fairbanks currently had members working on pipeline jobs on
the North Slope. He concluded that the center would provide
training and employment opportunities throughout the state.
6:13:06 PM
MARIE SCHMIDT, DIRECTOR, FAIRBANKS TENNIS ASSOCIATION,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed support for
funding the association's request for new tennis courts.
She mentioned that the six outdoor courts that were
currently in Fairbanks were not adequate.
6:14:42 PM
MARIANN HOFFMAN, FAIRBANKS TENNIS ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), testified in support of funding for
new tennis courts in Fairbanks and added that the
association's programming for youth tennis would be in
jeopardy without the construction of new courts.
6:15:21 PM
GLENN JUDAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding the Boreal Alaska Learning,
Adaptation, and Production project. The project was
designed to help communities use forests to improve the
quality of life. He stated that demand for biomass energy
had exploded and that the project would establish
sustainable practices to meet the need.
6:17:09 PM
Co-Chair Stedman handed the gavel over to Senator Thomas.
6:17:18 PM
TOM GRANT, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in
support for the Boreal Alaska Learning, Adaptation, and
Production project and stated that it would use existing
research and education projects to update the state's
understanding of biomass and how to implement it on a
larger scale.
6:17:59 PM
JAN DAWE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the education and outreach
portion of the Boreal Alaska Learning, Adaptation, and
Production project. She spoke about the One Tree program,
which would provide the model for education and outreach in
the CAPSIS proposal. The project taught students about
sustainable forest management to bring economic empowerment
to rural communities.
6:19:51 PM
SEAN LEE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAF and the University of Alaska
Anchorage (UAA). He pointed out that engineering enrollment
had increased over the past five years and observed that it
had become harder for Alaska to retain engineers; the
facilities would help Alaska produce and retain qualified
engineers.
6:21:14 PM
TRAVIS ECKHOFF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the University of Alaska
Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and
UAA.
6:22:25 PM
DONALD PITTS, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ENGINEERING FACILITY,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion
Initiative to provide funding for engineering facilities at
UAF and UAA. He pointed out during his seven years as a
student at UAF, student enrollment in the engineering
facility had nearly doubled; the facilities were no longer
big enough to meet the needs of the university
6:23:33 PM
MARVIN HASSEBROCK, OLNES POND, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding the Olnes
Pond and Whitefish campgrounds and pointed out that 900
residents had signed a petition to keep the areas open. He
mentioned that budget cuts had been detrimental to the
amount of users and the safety of those that visited the
two campgrounds.
6:25:51 PM
DR. ALEX HILLS, PROFESSOR OF ENGINEERING, CARNEGIE MELLON
UNIVERSITY, PALMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. He had observed that
the engineering teaching facilities at UAA were less than
adequate.
6:27:38 PM
DIANNE CHRISTIANSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DANCE THEATRE
FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in
support of the $500,000 funding request for Dance Theatre
Fairbanks and shared that the funds would be used to hire
contractors with equipment and expertise for energy
efficiency construction. She concluded that a more
efficient building would help the theatre achieve long-term
sustainability.
6:30:45 PM
DAVID LEVY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA MOBILITY COALITION
(via teleconference), spoke in support of increasing the
governor's proposed matching funds for public
transportation from $1 million to $3 million. He stated
that the $1 million that was added last year had a huge
impact on the state.
6:31:45 PM
MARK LUTTRELL, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Cooper Landing Walkable Communities
Project and shared that the community of Cooper Landing had
initiated the program to address safety concerns. He
furthered that the amount of money needed for the project
was small and would directly benefit the safety of the
community.
6:34:14 PM
ANN GHICCUDUS, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Cooper Landing Walkable Communities Project
and related how heavily trafficked Cooper Landing was year
round; the project would enhance the enjoyment and safety
of the area.
6:35:14 PM
JUDY BRAKEL, SELF, GUSTAVUS (via teleconference), testified
in support of the $2.7 million for oceanic acidification
research that was originally in the University of Alaska's
budget. She pointed out that the National Science
Foundation had included only $21 million for all of the
U.S. and that Alaska would get a very small percentage. She
observed that determining the effects of ocean
acidification on fisheries and other economic sectors
required an area by area assessment and related that the
requested funding would be used for ocean buoys and
chartering fishing vessels.
6:38:09 PM
SUE KENT, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in
support of the Alaska Peony Growers Association's Peony Cut
Flower Industry Development project.
6:39:08 PM
DANIEL O'HARA, MAYOR, BRISTOL BAY BOROUGH, NAKNEK (via
teleconference), testified in support of the $10 million in
the governor's budget request for the second phase of the
Bristol Bay Borough dock and stated that the borough had $6
million of the $16 million needed to complete the phase. He
furthered that the engineering part of the project was
close to being completed. He observed that the harbor
serviced 30 communities during the salmon runs and that the
dock was around 30 years-old.
6:40:48 PM
VERNON BOYLES, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced
support of the $5 million CIP request for the Heavy Oil
Solutions program and stated that new solutions technology
would help transition heavy oil into the Trans-Alaska
Pipeline System (TAPS). The funding would be used for the
design and construction of a pilot plant that would be used
to make heavy oil more transportable in TAPS. He referenced
the need for more oil in TAPS and related that there were
an estimated 33 billion barrels of heavy crude oil on the
North Slope. He concluded that new technology in heavy oil
would benefit the oil industry and Alaskans.
6:43:05 PM
DAVID KASSER, VISIT ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of the $1.5 million
in funding for the Anchorage centennial celebration. He
mentioned that the increment included funding for the
Alaska Railroad Amphitheatre and a documentary film. He
noted that all Alaskans would benefit from the event and
concluded that the funding would enable Visit Alaska to
attract tourism and economic opportunities to the state.
6:45:08 PM
EUGENE PAUL, TRIBAL CHIEF, HOLY CROSS TRIBAL COUNCIL, HOLY
CROSS (via teleconference), testified in support of the
$300,000 in CIPs for the City of Holy Cross for its multi-
purpose building. He pointed out that the new building
would be used for social, wellness, and safety programs;
the building would also serve as a community center and
would raise money on its own to pay for heating costs.
Co-Chair Stedman asked testifiers to identify themselves
for the record and address the subject matter as succinctly
as possible.
6:47:54 PM
JOY HUNTINGTON, TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE, TANANA (via
teleconference), expressed support for the Tanana Chiefs
Conference regional community projects and mentioned that
the conference had worked closely with residents to
establish a priority list of projects. She stated that the
requested projects were critical for the health, energy,
and infrastructure of the area and that energy costs were a
particular concern for the 41 villages in the region.
6:49:24 PM
CARL LARE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIVE VILLAGE OF FORT
YUKON, FORT YUKON (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the multi-purpose community building
and an elder assisted-living facility in Fort Yukon. He
pointed out that the new multi-purpose building would be
used by the tribe, the school district, and possibly the
village corporation.
6:50:58 PM
ELANA RATH, VOLUNTEER, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY NETWORK,
KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), expressed support of
increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for
public transportation from $1 million to $3 million and
noted that the funding would help sustain transportation
operations throughout Alaska. She observed that the prior
year Ketchikan had utilized about $86,000 of required match
for vehicles and thought that $3 million would go a long
way.
6:51:58 PM
RON ELLINGWORTH, PRESIDENT, ALASKA PEONY GROWERS
ASSOCIATION, NORTH POLE (via teleconference), testified in
support of full funding for the Peony Cut Flower Industry
Development project. He shared that peony farming in the
state made economic sense because Alaska was the only
region in the world where peonies were commercially
harvested during July, August, and September. He stated
that the peony industry in Alaska employed dozens of
workers, had no competition, and had unlimited potential.
He pointed out that the funding would be used for three
years of peony crop improvement research, an economic study
for determining the best practices for a distribution
system, and developing a national marketing strategy.
6:54:18 PM
SHERYL CHARLY, MINTO VILLAGE COUNCIL, MINTO (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Elder
Independent Living Housing project in Minto and stated that
there was need for senior housing in Minto and Fairbanks.
She explained that the $200,000 request would be used as a
match to secure federal funding.
6:55:24 PM
PATRICIA PARTNOW, ANTHROPOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), urged for an increase in funding for
the SLAM building and related that the $20 million that was
currently in the budget would not be enough to complete the
$94.5 million project. She related that the state's
libraries, archives, and museums contained irreplaceable
collections that were well used.
6:56:21 PM
BLYTHE MARSTON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $1.5 million in funding for the
Anchorage centennial celebration. She pointed out that
although the request came late in the legislative session,
the process for vetting the project was thorough. She
stated that the funding would go towards launching the four
legacy projects in time for the centennial and that failing
to fund the projects now would restrict opportunities to
increase tourism and economic growth.
6:57:58 PM
MEGAN BUNCH, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $5 million request for the
Heavy Oil Solutions project and said that the funding would
be used for the construction of a pilot plant to utilize
heavy oil on the North Slope. She stated that heavy oil
would provide opportunities for employment and would allow
her generation to reside, work, and raise families in
Alaska.
Co-Chair Stedman reminded the testifiers to introduce
themselves for the record and to be succinct in their
testimony. He reiterated that testifiers need not explain
projects that had already been thoroughly addressed by
prior testifiers.
6:59:30 PM
CHRISTOPHER BUNCH, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
spoke in support of the $1.5 million in funding for the
Heavy Oil Solutions project.
6:59:47 PM
COLIN UNDERWOOD, COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBER, HEALTH
INFORMATION SYSTEMS SOCIETY (via teleconference), voiced
support of $3.8 million in funding for the Health
Information Exchange (HIE) in Alaska. He stated that it was
a good information exchange and furthered that it would
allow access to medical information while traveling outside
Alaska; he explained that this function would help insure
that a potentially fatal treatment was not administered in
the event of a medical emergency. He concluded that an HIE
was good for overall public health and would hopefully lead
to lower health care costs.
7:01:07 PM
Co-Chair Stedman handed the gavel over to Senator Ellis.
7:01:22 PM
DOUG JOHNSON, DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, OCEAN
RENEWABLE POWER COMPANY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the University of Alaska
Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and
UAA, the UAF CIP request, and the East Foreland Tidal
Energy project. He shared that good engineering facilities
were needed to graduate quality engineers and related that
the UAF CIP request would address river debris mitigation.
He stated that river debris mitigation was vital to the
development of the hydro-kinetic industry in Alaska and
could be applied to other river systems worldwide. He
pointed out that the East Foreland Tidal Energy project
would provide jobs for graduating engineers and increase
the university's applied research capacity. He observed
that Cook Inlet tidal energy would be available long after
the oil and gas were depleted.
7:03:26 PM
RICHARD DOWLING, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, GCI ALASKA (via
teleconference), testified in support of the University of
Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and
UAA. He related that GCI had hired many University of
Alaska engineering graduates and that they had been among
GCI's best engineers. He further explained that Alaskan
engineering graduates possessed the skills necessary for
the growth and success of Alaska-based technology
companies. He noted that the university had doubled its
enrollment over the last 10 years, but had not
significantly increased its engineering facilities.
7:04:46 PM
AVES THOMPSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA TRUCKING
ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of the $350,000 million request for the Port of
Anchorage Expansion project and funding for the Alaska
Moose Federation projects. He stated that trucks made an
estimated 240,000 trips through the Port of Anchorage each
year. He related that it was important for port facilities
to be equipped to handle traffic efficiently and be
prepared for the next generation of larger ships. He said
that moose collisions with trucks were wasteful and
expensive and that he supported the Alaska Moose
Federation's efforts for highway deterrence and salvage.
7:05:45 PM
BRUCE PARHAM, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COOK INLET HISTORICAL
SOCIETY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged support of
funding the SLAM building project. He requested an
additional $74.5 million on top of the governor's proposed
$20 million in order to fully fund the building
construction and related concerns that building costs were
going up. He furthered that acting now could save millions
of dollars in building costs and operations budgets. He
shared that SLAM would protect Alaska's irreplaceable
records, historical heritage, and artifacts and that the
request was supported by the Alaska Historical Society, the
Alaska Library Association, and Museums Alaska.
7:07:08 PM
ORSON SMITH, ENGINEER, SEWARD (via teleconference),
expressed support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. He shared that
Alaska needed engineers and that funding the construction
of new engineering education facilities would help
accomplish that.
7:08:01 PM
DAVID PATTERSON, STATE-AFFILIATE PARTNER, FIRST ROBOTICS
PROGRAMS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support for the First Robotics statewide capital budget
request and shared that the request would support the
state's infrastructure for all four First Robotics programs
for students in K-12 education. He pointed out that Alaska
led the nation in per capita participation for FIRST Lego
League and First Tech Challenge and shared that the
programs motivated students to improve their skills in
science, engineering, math, communication, team work, and
problem solving. He noted that six teams would represent
Alaska at the World Championships in St. Louis.
7:09:41 PM
TERRI DRAEGER, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support for the
University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion
Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering
facilities at UAF and UAA and the University of Alaska as a
whole. She stated that the engineering department needed
updated facilities to maintain high standards.
7:10:03 PM
CATHERINE CALL, MEMBER, ADVISORY BOARD, UAA SCHOOL OF
ENGINEERING, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), voiced her
support for the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. She shared that
graduates of the university's engineering programs would
contribute to the growth and development of the economy,
had a will to stay in the state, and had an understanding
of local climate issues that impacted development in
Alaska.
7:10:59 PM
JOHN CREWS, CHAIRMAN, ALASKA VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL
CENTER STATEWIDE INDUSTRIAL ADVISORY BOARD (via
teleconference), expressed his support of funding for the
Alaska Institute of Technology's (AVTEC) campus. He related
that a new applied technology shop and student dormitory
were included in the request and that AVTEC's current
dormitory was noisy, cold, and had high heating and
maintenance costs. He mentioned that the current applied
technology shop was a temporary structure that had been
erected 40 years prior and that AVTEC needed a newer, more
modern shop. He concluded that AVTEC graduated skilled
technicians who were building Alaska's future.
7:12:43 PM
ARVIND PHUKAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support for University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAA. He shared that he had 14
years of experience teaching engineering at UAA and six 6
years at UAF. He supporting the initiative for the three
following reasons: congestion and lack of space per
student, inadequate teaching facilities, and the University
of Alaska needed more modern, state of the art programs and
facilities.
7:14:40 PM
RYAN BUCHHOLDT, PRESIDENT, STUDENT BODY, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support
for University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering
Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering
facilities at UAA and UAF. He mentioned that the space was
especially limited for UAA engineering students and that
better facilities were needed.
7:15:12 PM
LOIS EPSTEIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in opposition of funding the road to Umiat. She
shared that Alaska spent millions of dollars on roads and
bridges without plans to complete the projects and that the
state had spent $133 million of mostly federal dollars on
five projects, one of which was the Umiat road. She stated
that the KABATA and Gravina bridges' planning efforts were
funded around 90 percent by the federal government; In
contrast, $35 million in state dollars would have been
spent on the Umiat road, should the $10 million for the
road remain in the governor's budget. She concluded that
the funding could be used for increasing road safety,
education, and municipal revenue sharing and that private
industry had not contributed anything to project.
7:17:17 PM
HEATHER ARNETT, STATEWIDE ADMINISTRATOR, ASSOCIATION OF
ALASKA HOUSING AUTHORITIES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
expressed support of fully funding the $100 million for the
Weatherization and Energy Rebate Programs and urged to
fully fund the $13.064 million for the Alaska Housing
Finance Corporation's Supplemental Housing Development
Grant Program. She pointed out that regional housing
authorities had weatherized 872 homes throughout Alaska in
2010 and that the weatherized homes were seeing cost
savings of 30 to 40 percent. She cited that the Aleutian
Housing Authority had reported an average yearly savings of
$3,000 per household. She mentioned that the governor had
requested $7 million for the Housing Development Grant
Program and stated that full funding would result in the
construction of 222 new homes and 223 rehabilitated homes
in communities throughout Alaska.
7:20:03 PM
ARLISS STURGELEWSKI, SHELDON JACKSON BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), expressed her support for continued
funding to the SLAM project. She referenced the closing of
Sheldon Jackson College and shared that the state
libraries, archives, and museums were working very closely
with the Sheldon Jackson Board to provide a safe place to
store 130 years of records for the Sheldon Jackson College.
She stated that Alaska's libraries, archives, and museums
were in disrepair and strongly urged for continued funding
to that area.
7:21:50 PM
LINDSEY WHITT, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS, PORT OF
ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in
support of funding for the Port of Anchorage Dock Expansion
project and the Anchorage centennial celebration. She
remarked that in the interest of time, additional letters
of support for the Port of Anchorage would be submitted.
7:22:29 PM
WES VANDERMARTIN, VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER,
ALASKA BASIC INDUSTRIES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
expressed support of funding for the Port of Anchorage Dock
Expansion project. He explained that Alaska Basic
Industries was a major supplier of cement throughout the
state and that the company's cement was transported through
the Port of Anchorage. He stated that Alaska Basic
Industries had been in collaboration with the Port of
Anchorage regarding construction of new storage facilities
for cement. The storage facilities would allow for the
entry of larger ships that required a deeper draft; the new
dock would be deep enough to accommodate the larger ships.
7:24:33 PM
MILLIE JOHNSON, CHAIRMAN, VOYAGE TO EXCELLENCE (via
teleconference), testified in support of full funding for
the Voyage to Excellence program. She pointed out that
Voyage to Excellence had received 597 letters of support
statewide. She shared that the program was a statewide
junior and high school program that served 250 students
annually. She concluded that the funding would be used to
expand facilities.
7:25:09 PM
PETE STOKES, CONSULTING PETROLEUM ENGINEER, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), expressed support for the University of
Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and
UAF and related that the university's enrollment had grown
by 50 percent in the last 4 years. He pointed out that
while enrollment had increased, there had been no
meaningful expansion of facilities.
7:26:37 PM
LINDSAY HAJDUK, SIERRA CLUB, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified against the Port McKenzie Rail
extension and the Roads to Resources program. She stated
that rail extension represented $110 million in the budget
and Roads to Resources reflected $28.5 million. She pointed
out that the programs did not have solid business plans,
put local communities at risk, and should not be
prioritized in the budget. She concluded that the Sierra
Club supported maintaining the infrastructure the state
currently had.
7:29:33 PM
SEAN RUDDY, PRESIDENT, KACHEMAK SHELLFISH MARICULTURE
ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), expressed strong support
of funding for ocean acidification research at UAF and the
Seed Security Initiative requested by the Alaska Shellfish
Growers Association. He remarked that the Kachemak
Shellfish Mariculture Association had expected a "seed" of
3 million oysters last year, but that they only produced a
seed of 1 million. He stated the low seed number was a
direct result of ocean acidification's impact during the
larval state of the oysters.
7:30:50 PM
JACK COLONELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the University of Alaska
Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and
UAF. He stated that the engineering facilities at UAA and
UAF were in serious need of upgrades to meet the increasing
demand for Alaskan engineers. He concluded that young
engineers were an essential component of the state's future
and that new facilities were needed to produce quality
graduates.
7:31:55 PM
SANDRA MORRIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
expressed support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAA and UAF.
7:32:18 PM
Senator Ellis handed the gavel over to Senator Thomas.
7:32:32 PM
DEE LONGENBOUGH, SELF, JUNEAU, expressed strong support for
the SLAM project.
7:33:31 PM
BECKY HASSENBROEK, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
expressed her support for funding the Lower Chatanika State
Recreation Area and shared that the state parks department
issued a directive to remove the existing improvements in
the Olnes Pond and Whitefish campgrounds. She also
mentioned that vehicular access would be restricted and
pointed out that the public was not properly made aware of
the directive. In addition to 900 petitioners, resolutions
of support for the two campgrounds were issued from the
Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Northern Area
Alaska State Parks Citizens Advisory Board, the North Star
Borough mayor, the Haystack Community, the Farthest North
Girl Scout Council, Alaska state garden clubs, and many
other organizations. She concluded that the campgrounds
provided a positive outdoor experience and that shameful
neglect had led to disrepair to the improvements in the
campgrounds.
7:35:14 PM
GRACE AMUNDSEN, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), spoke in support of the University of
Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and
UAF. She stated that UAA was growing quickly and needed
some investment.
7:35:36 PM
ROWLAND POWERS, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the
University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion
Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering
facilities at UAA and UAF and pointed out that an upgrade
would be well utilized.
7:36:01 PM
JOSEPH STRIBRNY, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed support of the
University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion
Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering
facilities at UAA and UAF and shared that the program would
help maintain the high standards that engineering students
at the university strived for.
7:36:28 PM
TY WARDDELL, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the
University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion
Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering
facilities at UAA and UAF. He shared that the program would
provide more room for storage and would greatly increase
accessibility to equipment.
7:37:08 PM
GLENN VILLENEUVE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
expressed his opposition to building new roads in northern
Alaska. He shared a personal story about subsistence life
in the Brooks Range and related that the balance between
humans and other life forms had been lost. He noted that
cultures based on subsistence hunting were devastated when
new roads were built through the area and urged that the
state needed to live with more respect for nature.
7:38:50 PM
RON IWOUYE, FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA MUSEUM,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed his support for
full funding for the SLAM project. He reminded those
listening that the state archives had flooded on August 17,
2009 and shared concern that the state's heritage was being
neglected. He stated that the Friends of the University of
Alaska Museum had passed a resolution supporting SLAM. He
mentioned that representatives of the Alaska Historical
Society and the Tanana Yukon Historical Society were also
in full support of SLAM, but had left before they were able
to testify.
7:39:52 PM
JENNIFER JOLIS, PRESIDENT, BREADLINE INC., FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), expressed her support of $150,000 in
funding for a building project for Breadline Inc. She
related that Breadline Inc. had been serving hot meals for
27 years and stated that the funding would be used to
renovate a building to serve as a headquarters. She
concluded that the project was expected to cost around
$400,000, but the request was for $150,000 as almost
$100,000 of the total had already been pledged as
donations.
7:41:22 PM
MITCHELL HALVERSON, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed his
support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and shared that the
space provided at university facilities was inadequate.
7:41:47 PM
SAMUEL DYE, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced his support of the
University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion
Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering
facilities at UAA and UAF and stated that there was not
enough space in the machine shop. He felt a new engineering
building would increase space and safety in the machine
shop.
7:42:36 PM
PATRICIA JINX WHITAKER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the $2.54 million
for the Raven Landing Community Center and stated that the
construction of the center would be an economic boost to
Fairbanks.
7:43:58 PM
JOHN LYSEN, CHAIRMAN, ALASKA STATE PARK NORTHERN REGION
CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD (via teleconference), expressed
support of funding for Olnes Pond and Alaska state parks
CIPs in general. He said that Olnes Pond was a great
campground that had fallen into disrepair and that funding
was needed to make the park safe for all user groups again.
He concluded that there was a public health and safety
concern at Olnes Pond that needed to be addressed.
7:44:53 PM
MICHAEL GOLUB, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS
(via teleconference), expressed his support for the
University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion
Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering
facilities at UAA and UAF. He related that there was very
little lab space available at UAF and that the funding was
needed this year.
7:45:49 PM
LISSA HUGHES, NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in opposition to
the $28.5 million in funding for the Roads to Resources
program and pointed out that none of roads had been
justified based on economic returns. She felt that the
state should not gamble with its general funds and that
Roads to Resources took focus and capital away from other
statewide priorities.
7:46:53 PM
MARY NORDALE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
expressed support of the retirement community facility in
Raven Landing and pointed out that it would be available to
residents of Fairbanks as well. She stated that the
facility would provide food services, meeting places, and
would fit a "niche" in the community that would serve a
multi-purpose function.
7:48:49 PM
KAREN LANE, GENERAL MANAGER, 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES HOST
SOCIETY (via teleconference), testified in support of an
amendment that increased the governor's appropriation for
the Arctic Winter Games from $500,000 to $1 million. She
stated that the arctic winter games provided life changing
experiences for youth living in in Northern Alaska through
competition and cultural exchange. She pointed out that the
games would have an estimated $13 million in economic
impact and would be volunteer driven event.
7:49:37 PM
SUSAN KESSLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA CENTER FOR
CHILDREN AND ADULTS, FAIRBANKS (ACCA) (via teleconference),
expressed support of the ACCA Facility Expansion and
Upgrade project. He shared that the ACCA provided
disability services in Fairbanks, the North Slope, Delta
Junction, and Copper River regions of the state. She noted
that the funding would enable the ACCA to continue
providing services outside of the Fairbanks region. She
stated that ACCA was a local facility provider and partner
for statewide organizations that needed to expand outreach
into more remote areas of the state and that it was looking
at expanding facilities to provide support to parent
organizations.
7:51:21 PM
JOMO STEWART, PROJECT MANAGER, FAIRBANKS ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a $32.9 million request to continue work on the
development of gas distribution infrastructure for the
Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) and stated that the
request was supported by the three FNSB mayors, the local
chamber of commerce board, and the borough assembly.
7:52:01 PM
MIKE SHUTETZ, FACILITIES PROJECT MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in support of full funding for the University of Alaska
Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and
UAF and related that the new buildings were needed.
7:52:57 PM
GARY LAURSEN, DIRECTOR, HONORS PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified
in support of the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the
Honors Program. He stated that the University of Alaska had
sent 361 letters of support for the Honors Program and
urged the continued funding of the program.
7:54:01 PM
MIKE POWERS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL
HOSPITAL AND DENALI CENTER (via teleconference), testified
in support of the $2.54 million in funding for the Raven
Landing project. He stated that the facility would minimize
state Medicare dollars and would lead to healthier lives
among the senior community.
7:55:02 PM
JOHN RINGSTAD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the $2.53 million in funding for
the Raven Landing project. He shared that the project had
the support of local governments and that $500,000 in local
contributions had been raised so far.
7:55:49 PM
STEVE MITCHELL, VICE PRESIDENT, FAIRBANKS DRAMA ASSOCIATION
AND CHILDREN'S THEATRE (via teleconference), testified in
support of the $25,000 funding request for a heating system
upgrade to the Fairbanks Drama Association. He related that
the association had worked to refurbish a converted
warehouse into the Riverfront Theatre and that it was
fundraising at all times.
7:56:54 PM
PEGGY FURGESON, FAIRBANKS DRAMA ASSOCIATION AND CHILDREN'S
THEATRE (via teleconference), expressed support of the
$25,000 funding request for a heating system upgrade for
the Fairbanks Drama Association. She stated the association
was able to heat the theatre house, stage, and lobby, but
were unable to adequately heat the scene building area and
administrative offices. She mentioned that there were 500
volunteers who worked at the Riverfront Theatre annually.
7:58:03 PM
JEFF JACOBSON, CHIEF OF STAFF, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH
(via teleconference), spoke in support of increasing the
governor's appropriation from $500,000 to $1 million for
the Arctic Winter Games Host Society. He also requested $2
million for the Voluntary Woodstove Change-out Program in
order to meet federal mandates. He voiced support of
$750,000 for Pioneer Park deferred maintenance. He
supported funding for the Fairbanks road service areas and
spoke in support of funding the Carlson Center cold storage
facility. He requested $1.6 million for Birch Hill
improvements and supported the Noel Wien Regional State
Library major maintenance projects. He asked for an
additional $3.6 million to match the $3 million in local
funds that was being used to address major maintenance and
energy improvements. He asked for the funding of two
artificial turfs to extend the playing seasons for interior
Alaska.
8:00:27 PM
JACK WILLARD, FIRE CHIEF, CHENA GOLDSTREAM FIRE AND RESCUE
(via teleconference), testified in support of the $100,000
in funding for the maintenance project and remodel of Chena
Goldstream's station 4. He related that the facility was
used by many different local interests and also served as
an emergency command post and briefing area in the event of
a natural disaster. He mentioned that the funding would be
used for a roof replacement and meeting ADA accessibility
standards. She pointed out that volunteers to the project
had put in over $10,000 in volunteer labor, but that
contractor work was needed.
8:02:18 PM
KENT KARNS, NORTH SKI CLUB OF FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding the Birch
Hill Cross Country Ski Center improvements and stated that
the improvements were a great way to keep people involved
in outdoor activities. He pointed out that the funding
would go towards a maintenance facility, new technology,
and parking upgrades.
8:03:05 PM
EMILY ANNIS, FAIRBANKS RESOURCES AGENCY, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of the Fairbanks
Resource Agency's two funding requests to assist in
developing and maintaining affordable and accessible
housing for individuals with disabilities. She stated that
the Fairbanks Resources Agency currently had 72 units and
would begin construction of another 8 unit housing complex;
$200,000 had been requested for the completion of the
project. The second request for $47,934 would be used for
window replacements and adding heat recovery ventilation
units to the existing assisted living homes. She observed
that the assisted living facility was unable to build up
adequate reserves for deferred maintenance because the rent
was so affordable.
8:05:57 PM
GREGORY NEWBY, DIRECTOR, ARCTIC REGION SUPERCOMPUTING
CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of High Performance
Computing for Alaskan Research that was in the University
of Alaska's budget. He related the expanding roles that the
Arctic Region Supercomputing Center (ARSC) and other
university partners were engaged in. He stated that ARSC
would be providing data and forecasting capabilities to
schools, businesses, decision makers, and the general
public. He discussed a central website where the outputs of
university research, observations, and forecasts would be
available. He stated that the funding request was for more
than computing and would be used to broaden the utility of
Alaska's intellectual outputs.
8:06:57 PM
GERALD MEYERS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
on behalf of funding for the Heavy Oil Solutions request
and stated the need to put new oil into TAPS. He pointed
out that North Dakota was an example of what new technology
could do for a state and concluded that heavy oil solutions
new technology could be a "game changer" for Alaska.
8:07:46 PM
STEWART FERGUSON, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, ALASKA NATIVE
TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
expressed his support for funding the $3.8 million request
to complete the statewide Health Information Exchange
(HIE). He mentioned that there were many stand-alone health
records in the state and observed that the Alaska Native
Medical Center had recently invested over $20 million to
establish an electronic health exchange. He pointed out
that the HIE was the only viable option to connect the
multitude of databases and to leverage them to their full
potential. He stated that the Alaska Native Tribal Health
Consortium would be unable to meet their commitments to
quality healthcare without the addition of an HIE and
concluded that it would solve the problem of inaccurate or
incomplete medical records.
8:09:50 PM
JIM BARNETT, PRESIDENT, COOK INLET HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified on behalf of the
$1.5 million in funding for the Anchorage centennial
celebration and supported full funding of the SLAM project.
He stated that the Cook Inlet Historical Society was one of
the largest and oldest historical organizations in the
state and that during the past six months it had helped
plan the Anchorage centennial. He stated that the $1.5
million in funding would be matched "many times over" by
federal and private funds. He concluded that the effort
would be a three-year event that all Alaskan's could take
great pride in.
8:11:04 PM
JIM BOLTZ, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MINES ADVISORY AND
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA OF ALASKA
FAIRBANKS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed
support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAA and UAF.
8:11:30 PM
BOB HENRY, CHAIRMAN, ALASKA MOOSE FEDERATION (via
teleconference), expressed his support of funding for the
Alaska Moose Federation.
8:11:49 PM
GLORIA CHYTHLOOK, SELF, GIRDWOOD (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for the Girdwood Health
Clinic and related that it was the only provider of medical
care and urgent care services in the Turnagain Arm area.
She stated that an investment by the state would provide
for long-term financial sustainability and that the funds
would be used to qualify for enhanced Medicaid
reimbursement, federal funding, and obtaining a community
health clinic designation. She pointed out that the area
had been certified by the federal government as a "health
shortage service area" and stated that the request was
about basic medical care for the 2,500 residents in the
area.
8:13:50 PM
SUE LINFORD, CHAIR, COMMISSION FOR THE PORT OF ANCHORAGE,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed her support for
$350 million in funding for the Port of Anchorage's
expansion. She referenced an Alaska World Affairs Council
report that concluded that the focus of Alaska should be on
ports and education. She shared the need to keep the
Anchorage Port usable and vibrant.
8:15:34 PM
GARY OLSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified
in support of continued funding for the Alaska Moose
Federation and stated that record snow falls in the Mat-Su
had resulted in over 450 moose collisions this winter. He
pointed out that the salvage program had harvested 24 moose
in its first week of operation and that 17 moose had been
salvaged in one day on February 2.
8:16:23 PM
KIMBERLY WOODY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANGELUS MEMORIAL PARK
CEMETERY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged for
continued funding of the $500,000 request for the Angelus
Memorial Park Cemetery. She pointed out that the generous
funding would enable the memorial park to sustain a non-
profit status and serve the community.
8:17:45 PM
MARCH RUNNER, GALENA BIOMASS COMMITTEE, GALENA (via
teleconference), testified in support of Galena's Biomass
Heating project and stated that Galena had lost 60 percent
of its utility revenue when the air force had left the
area. She pointed out that Bio fuel was the most efficient
way to eliminate Galena's heating fuel issue and related
that the committee had been working with Alaska Energy
Authority. She observed that the committee was dedicated to
a responsible and renewable use of the forest and that the
project consisted of three portions. Equipment had been
purchased to begin processing wood. She concluded that the
project would result in lower utilities, increased jobs,
and would make the community more sustainable.
8:20:17 PM
ROBERT BALDWIN, ALASKA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ANCHORAGE,
ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of
full funding for the University of Alaska Undergraduate
Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for
engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and urged support for
the Cooper Landing Walkable Community project. He stated
that there was a strong public safety justification for the
Walkable Community project.
8:21:18 PM
CONNIE SNIPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR COMMUNITY,
SITKA (via teleconference), expressed support of increasing
the governor's budget request of $1 million in state match
for public transportation to $3 million. She stated that
federal operating grants required 43 percent match for
every dollar and that state match was needed. She shared
that public transit in Sitka had experience a 25 percent
increase in use over the last year.
8:22:36 PM
DREW MORRIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of full funding for the University of
Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to
appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and
UAF and related how the engineering department at UAA had
added civil and mechanical engineering to course offerings.
He shared that there was need for new engineering
facilities and that local engineers were important for
Alaska.
8:23:47 PM
LEXI FISH, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), expressed her
support for full funding to the University of Alaska's
original request for $2.7 million for ocean acidification
research and monitoring. She stated that the future of
fishing economies would rely on sound scientific research
and that cuts to research of ocean acidification were
irresponsible.
8:25:11 PM
LOUANNE STONE, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
testified against the $10 million in funding for the road
to Umiat and stated that the residents of the Anaktuvuk
Pass region would be directly affected by the road. She
stated that the road was being built on assumptions.
8:26:04 PM
ESTHER HUGO, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
urged against the $10 million in funding for the road to
Umiat and stated that that it would alter the fall
migration routes of the caribou in the area. She spoke
about the importance of protecting subsistence lifestyles
and expressed concern that native peoples were not
consulted when projects like these were planned.
LEE KARASIEWICZ, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
strongly opposed the $10 million in funding for the road to
Umiat.
CHELSEA MORRY, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the
road to Umiat and stated concerns that the road would
impact caribou migration. She also voiced concerns about
the change that road would bring to the way of life,
culture, and heritage of the village of Anaktuvuk Pass. He
observed that the funding could be used for other areas in
the state.
AUDREY SHELDON, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
urged her opposition to the $10 million in funding for the
road to Umiat and shared concerns that the road would
negatively impact caribou migration.
JAMES NAGEAK, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
testified in support for new administrative buildings at
Anatoovik Pass and funding for Ilisagvik College. He also
urged for financial assistance to rural villages. He
observed that Ilisagvik College was the state's only tribal
college and related the high costs of fuel, transportation,
and general costs of living in rural Alaskan villages.
DR. LISA KORONKIEWIEZ, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via
teleconference), urged opposition to the $10 million in
funding for the road to Umiat.
DEVLIN MEKIANA, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the
road to Umiat. He explained that the road would negatively
impact caribou migrations and the way of life at Anaktuvuk
Pass.
JALEN SHELDON, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to the $10 million in funding for
the road to Umiat and related that he did not want to see a
lifestyle change in the area.
FREIDA RULLIND, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the
road to Umiat and pointed out concern that the road would
negatively impact caribou migration.
JUST JENSEN, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to the $10 million in funding for
the road to Umiat.
COLBY ROOT, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the
road to Umiat.
JOSIE MEKIANA, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference),
testified in opposition to the $10 million in funding for
the road to Umiat.
DR. TOM NICEWONDER, Self, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
expressed his support for funding the statewide Health
Information Exchange and stated that it was "impossible" to
see patients safely without the right information.
8:48:40 PM
JANETTE CADIEUX, WALKABLE COMMUNITY PROJECT COMMITTEE,
COOPER LANDING (via teleconference), testified in support
of the $600,000 for the Raven Landing Walkable Community
Project. She stated that the section of road was very
congested and that the project would benefit the entire
area.
8:50:25 PM
LINDA BEHNKEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA LONGLINE
FISHERMAN'S ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), expressed
support of full funding for ocean acidification research at
UAF and stated that there were local vessels in Sitka that
were eager to engage as platforms of opportunity for
collecting data. She concluded that the research would help
ensure the future productivity of Alaska's fisheries.
8:50:15 PM
DORENE DEATON, SELF, BEAVER (via teleconference), spoke in
support of the Tanana Chiefs Conference Region's CIPs and
shared that the projects included energy efficiency
improvements, building new clinics, or assisting elders in
returning to their home communities.
8:51:05 PM
BEN MCLUCKIE, SELF, HOONAH (via teleconference), testified
in support of funding for the First Robotics CIPs and the
Juneau Economic Development Council. He related that the
FIRST program gave science and engineering as much prestige
as sports. He shared that that the program had no regard
for gender, ethnicity, or socio-economics, and that the
number of students in the program was growing fast.
8:52:49 PM
ANGEL BOND, COOPER LANDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, COOPER
LANDING (via teleconference), testified in support of the
Cooper Landing Walkable Community project and stated that
it would give visitors and the community safe, year-round
trails. She related that there were approximately 10,000
people a day that trafficked through Cooper Landing and
that the resulting conditions were unsafe.
8:53:41 PM
RHONDA HUBBARD, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke
against the $5 million in funding for the Destiny Home in
Seward. She stated that costs associated with the project
were uncertain and that she wanted the funding pulled until
the project was defined and vetted better.
8:55:28 PM
JUSTIN FLOWERS, AVTEC STUDENT, SEWARD (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for constructing
dormitories on the AVTEC campus and funding for AVTEC's
Applied Technology Department budget. He stated that the
current dormitories were old, in poor condition, had
unusable showers, and contained asbestos. He shared that
the applied technology's pipe welding shop had leaks in the
roof, poor ventilation, and no heating.
8:57:08 PM
JOSEPH PRIMO, AVTEC STUDENT, SEWARD (via teleconference),
testified in support of funding for constructing
dormitories on the AVTEC campus and stated that the
facilities on campus were in shambles and inadequate. He
urged that the funds were necessary for the success of
Alaska's domestic workforce and pointed out that many AVTEC
graduates worked in jobs that benefitted the state.
8:58:07 PM
DAVID STORY, SELF, COOPER LANDING (via teleconference),
expressed support for the Cooper Landing Walkable Community
project and stated that the project would improve
conditions for non-motorized traffic, protect the Kenai
watershed, relieve vehicle congestion, and would improve
the flow and safety for traffic on the Sterling Highway
8:59:25 PM
STEVE HICKS, ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS,
MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in support of $1.5
million in funding for the Alaska Association of
Conservation Districts and stated that the districts
provided the Department of Natural Resources technical
assistance through soil surveys and wetland determinations.
He pointed out that the association also provided
mitigation to the mining industry in the areas of
conservation planning, invasive plant surveys, and land
reclamation. He observed that an erosion survey was being
completed on the Kuskoquim River and that the conservation
districts had been instrumental in conducting invasive
plant surveys and providing assessments to land users. He
concluded that the Alaska Association of Conservation
Districts could facilitate the conservation and orderly
development of Alaska's land and water resources through
local self-government.
9:01:50 PM
DICK ZOBEL, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), expressed
his support for the $1.5 million in funding for the Alaska
Association of Conservation Districts and reiterated
previous caller's testimony.
9:02:40 PM
CHARLES PARKER, ALASKA VILLAGE INITIATIVES, MAT-SU (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for the
Alaska Moose Federation and urged for increased funding to
include proactive safety measures in conjunction with the
Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Public
Safety, and the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities.
9:03:40 PM
PETE WEDIN, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in
support of the $2.7 million for ocean acidification
research at UAF.
9:04:10 PM
DARIUS KASPRZAK, OWNER AND OPERATOR, F/V MARONA, KODIAK
(via teleconference), expressed support of the $2.7 million
for ocean acidification research at UAF. He thought that
ocean acidification was the gravest threat to the future of
the state's commercial, subsistence, and sports fisheries
and pointed out that the research was strongly needed.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 160 Letter Packet 1.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2012 5:00:00 PM |
SB 160 |
| SB 160 Letter Packet 2.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2012 5:00:00 PM |
SB 160 |
| SB 160 Letter Packet 3.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2012 5:00:00 PM |
SB 160 |
| SB 160 Letter Packet 4.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2012 5:00:00 PM |
SB 160 |
| SB 160 Letter Packet 5.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2012 5:00:00 PM |
SB 160 |
| SB 160 Letter Packet 7.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2012 5:00:00 PM |
SB 160 |
| SB 160 Letter Packet 6.PDF |
SFIN 3/21/2012 5:00:00 PM |
SB 160 |