Legislature(2013 - 2014)SENATE FINANCE 532
02/11/2013 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB18 | |
| Department Overview: Department of Fish and Game | |
| Department Overview: Department of Environmental Conservation | |
| Department Overview: Department of Military and Veterans Affairs | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 18 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SENATE BILL NO. 18
"An Act making appropriations, including capital
appropriations and other appropriations; making
appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for
an effective date."
9:04:08 AM
^DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
9:04:40 AM
KEVIN BROOKS, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND
GAME, (DFG) explained the capital projects for DFG. He
stated that the DFG capital requests totaled $16,630,000.
RN 57021
Chinook Salmon Research Initiative
$10,000,000
Mr. Brooks explained that project will implement the
Department of Fish and Game's Chinook salmon research plan,
developed in response to significant declines in Chinook
salmon returns experienced statewide. These declines in
Chinook salmon production have resulted in economic and
social hardships across many communities in rural and urban
areas of Alaska. Results from this project will be used to
better understand and characterize changing productivity
and abundance trends. This will ultimately lead to improved
Chinook salmon stock assessment programs so that Alaskans
will have improved harvest opportunities, even during times
of low productivity.
9:08:50 AM
RN 56969
Aerial Photocensus Capability to Monitor Wildlife
Population Size
$750,000
Mr. Brooks explained that this project will purchase
digital cameras and software to complete aerial photocensus
work on caribou herds and other big game species. The
Division of Wildlife Conservation (Division) requires
photocensus capabilities to monitor the population size of
large migrating species (Western Arctic Caribou Herd -
population estimate of 300,000 to 500,000). This effort has
a significant impact on hunting and subsistence users. The
current film based system for completing the photocensus no
longer has technical support, and film is no longer
available. Furthermore, the software to complete the shoot
is no longer viable.
RN 45358
Fish and Game Licensing Modernization
$775,000
Mr. Brooks announced that needs to replace its current
outdated licensing system. This project will develop an
integrated, web-based licensing system for issuing,
tracking and accounting for all types of hunting and
fishing licenses, permits, tags and other types of
endorsements issued by the Department. It will be designed
to take advantage of modern technologies to improve
customer service, improve the efficiency of the licensing
process, and the accuracy and timeliness of data.
RN 30432
Sport Fish Recreational Boating Access
$3,000,000
Mr. Brooks explained that this annual project authorizes
the Division of Sport Fish to continue to construct and
upgrade recreational power boating and sport fish access
facilities statewide using Sport Fish Restoration
apportionment funds comprised of 75 percent federal
assistance and 25 percent non-federal match. Federal
regulations require that 15 percent of the annual Sport
Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Amendment)
apportionment will be dedicated to projects that benefit
recreational power boaters. Projects include boat launches,
mooring floats, parking lots, restrooms, fish cleaning
facilities, and other services.
RN 42115
Statewide Sport Fishing Surveys
$250,000
Mr. Brooks announced that 1his project will provide funding
to conduct two surveys: (1) Statewide Stocked Waters
Economic Survey and (2) Economic Impacts and Contributions
of Sport Fishing in Alaska Survey for the Division of Sport
Fish (Division). The first survey will be an update to a
previously conducted survey that will be expanded to get a
statewide perspective. The second survey will provide
updated information on the economic impacts of sportfishing
on a statewide, regional, and sub-regional level, which is
not available from any other source at the level of detail
needed by the Division of Sport Fish (Division) and other
users of the information.
9:13:39 AM
RN 43322
Facilities, Vessels and Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and
Upgrades
$500,000
Mr. Brooks stated that this annual project funds repair,
maintenance and renovation of DFG facilities statewide as
well as vessel and aircraft repair and maintenance.
Facilities funding is managed by the Division of
Administrative Services (DAS), vessel funding by the
Division of Commercial Fisheries and aircraft funding by
the divisions of Commercial Fisheries and Wildlife
Conservation.
RN 45482
Deferred Maintenance, Renewal, Repair and Equipment
$1,355,000
Mr. Brooks stated that funding is needed to address
deferred maintenance needs for statewide fish passages,
counting and sampling sites, and weir facilities; statewide
warehouse and workshop facilities; and statewide small
field site and camp facilities.
RN 57188
Reappropriation to the Department of Fish and Game for Fish
and Game Licensing Modernization
$0
Mr. Brooks stated that DFG needs to replace its current
outdated licensing system. This project will develop an
integrated, web-based licensing system for issuing,
tracking and accounting for all types of hunting and
fishing licenses, permits, tags and other types of
endorsements issued by the Department. It will be designed
to take advantage of modern technologies to improve
customer service, improve the efficiency of the licensing
process, and the accuracy and timeliness of data.
9:16:00 AM
Co-Chair Kelly looked at the deferred maintenance request
and wondered if it allowed DFG to decrease the backlog. Mr.
Brooks replied that the request was for the most urgent
deferred maintenance projects.
Co-Chair Kelly remarked that the maintenance backlog in the
state was large. He wondered if he could have the research
conducted by the individual DGF agencies. Mr. Brooks agreed
to provide that information.
Co-Chair Kelly wondered if the research included
information about by-catch and the size of the nets. Mr.
Brooks replied that those aspects would be included in
research that he will provide at a later date.
Senator Dunleavy wondered if the research looked at
potential pike, beaver dams, and water quality within the
actual streams that the fish spawn. Mr. Brooks deferred the
question to Mr. Swanton.
9:20:18 AM
CHARLES SWANTON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SPORT FISH,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH and GAME, replied that there were
elements of the research that related to pike predation in
freshwater. The University was working on examining changes
in water flow temperature.
Senator Dunleavy wondered if the research plan covered all
of the affected watersheds. Mr. Swanton replied there were
over 220 Chinook salmon stocks across the state. Stocks
were chosen regionally, twelve at a time, and represent
various life history approaches; migration pathways; and
prominence within Chinook salmon production across the
state. From those drainages, entrances could be made to
other drainage systems.
9:23:05 AM
Senator Hoffman felt that some of the capital project
dollars should focus on getting more Chinook salmon in the
streams. He shared that he recently visited a local
hatchery that had an operation that produced $15 million of
food stock back into the streams. He remarked that the
small community was able to produce $5 million worth of
Chinook salmon. He pointed out the impressive nature of a
small community working toward reviving the salmon stock.
He stressed that the hatcher technology was proven
effective, so he wondered why the State was not proactive
like the example of the small community success story. Mr.
Brooks replied that enhancement efforts was a focus of DFG,
and furthered that there was a plan to address the
declining fish stocks. He pointed out that there were
complex issues related to mix stocks and release sites. He
agreed that hatchery enhancement efforts should be part of
the solution. He agreed that alternative release sites
should be examined. He felt that the solution involved
partners, contributors, and contracts.
TOM BROOKOVER, OPERATIONS MANAGER, DIVISION OF SPORT FISH,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME (via teleconference), replied
that there was an effort to develop a research plan, and
look at management and short-term enhancement actions. He
stated that DFG was working with non-profit hatchery
organizations to look at hatchery considerations that could
be considered in the near term.
9:31:32 AM
Senator Hoffman reiterated that it would not be very
expensive to incorporate $5 million worth of brood stock
into the system.
Co-Chair Kelly wondered if the hatchery in Fairbanks
produced king salmon. Mr. Swanton replied that the hatchery
produced king salmon for catchable releases.
Co-Chair Kelly asked if the king salmon stock in the Yukon
would be a good facility to produce more king salmon. Mr.
Swanton replied that the Yukon and Anchorage facilities
were currently at capacity. He pointed out that
configuration and operating costs were needed for
additional space, as well as an appropriate project that
would not exacerbate the wild stocks.
Co-Chair Kelly wondered if DFG could provide more
information related to additional space for hatcheries in
FY 14. Mr. Swanton agreed to provide that information.
9:36:11 AM
Senator Dunleavy asked if the hatchery stock and wild stock
would still be separated, if the wild stock became extinct.
Mr. Swanton responded that there were some supplementation
approaches. Fertilized eggs would be reared in a hatchery
environment to maximize survival, and then release the fry-
end into the wild environment.
Vice-Chair Fairclough looked at RN 43322, and queried the
average of the vessels and aircrafts. She remarked that
this deferred maintenance request was the lowest since
2007. Mr. Brooks agreed to provide that information.
Vice-Chair Fairclough felt that there should be an
examination of the prior years' requests for this item.
Senator Bishop stressed that there needed to be a
conclusion to the study that resulted in putting more king
salmon in the river systems across the state. Mr. Brooks
agreed.
Senator Bishop expressed concern regarding the change in
the licensing system. He asked for a list of sites for the
boat launch upgrades.
9:42:05 AM
AT EASE
9:45:52 AM
RECONVENED
^DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION
9:46:29 AM
THOMAS CHERIAN, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, (DEC)
introduced himself and staff. He stated that the total FY
14 for DEC $96,905,837. Of that, $42,250,000 was from
federal funding; $3.8 million from other funding sources;
$15.7 million from the general fund.
RN 41376
Village Safe Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Projects
$51,500,000
Mr. Cherian explained that this project provides financial
and technical assistance to rural communities to plan,
design, and construct water and sewer system improvements.
60 percent of the funding will provide first-time service
to communities while 40 percent will be used for expansion,
upgrade, and replacement of existing service.
RN 49749
Expansion, Upgrade, and Replacement of Existing Service
$20,600,000
Mr. Cherian stated that this project provides grant funding
for expansion, upgrade, and replacement of existing service
to communities to plan, design and construct drinking water
and sanitation facilities.
RN 49748
First Time Service Projects
$30,900,000
Mr. Cherian explained that this project provides funding
for first time service grants to communities to plan,
design, and construct drinking water and sanitation
facilities.
RN 49697
Drinking Water Capitalization Grant - Subsidy Funding
$2,692,800
Mr. Cherian stated that the federal Drinking Water
Capitalization Grant requires states to issue 30 percent of
the funding as subsidies (a loan forgiveness process). This
program functioned strictly as a loan program until FY2011
when this provision was added to the federal budget. In
order to implement this provision, an appropriation is
necessary to properly record the loan forgiveness payment
as an expense in the Alaska Drinking Water Fund.
RN 49698
Clean Water Capitalization Grant - Subsidy Funding
$704,000
Mr. Cherian explained that the federal Clean Water
Capitalization Grant requires states to issue subsidies (a
loan forgiveness process). The subsidy amount required was
identified under the grant terms the Environmental
Protection Agency has identified for Alaska. This program
functioned strictly as a loan program until FY 11 when this
provision was added to the federal budget. In order to
implement this provision, an appropriation is necessary to
properly record the loan forgiveness payment as an expense
in the Alaska Clean Water Fund.
RN 46714
Municipal Water, Sewage, and Solid Waste Facilities Grants
$34,009,037
Mr. Cherian explained that this project provides funding
for grants to communities to plan, design, and construct
drinking water and sanitation facilities and the associated
operating costs of the Facility Construction component
within the Division of Water.
RN 33826
Statewide Contaminated Sites Cleanup
$3,000,000
Mr. Cherian stated that this project funds assessment,
cleanup, and monitoring activities at high-risk
contaminated sites, state-owned sites, and sites where the
responsible party is unknown or has refused to take
appropriate action, also known as state-lead. Work includes
site assessment, cleanup, and monitoring to protect public
health and the environment from discharges of oil and
hazardous substances. This eliminates exposure pathways and
restores contaminated sites for reuse.
9:51:15 AM
BILL GRIFFITH, FACILITY PROGRAMS MANAGER, ALASKA DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, introduced himself.
RN 54473
Village Safe Water Service and Infrastructure Protection
Projects and New Technology Approaches
$5,000,000
Mr. Griffith explained that in response to the steep
decline in funding for rural Alaska sanitation projects and
the steady increase in construction costs, the Department
requests $5 million to research and develop (R&D)
innovative sanitation technologies and to initiate several
longevity-enhancement projects. These initiatives will
stretch limited rural sanitation funds and will assist the
Department in protecting public health.
RN 56730
Reappropriation for Water Quality Enhancement, Water
Supply, Sewage, and Solid Waste Facilities Grants to
Municipalities
$0
Mr. Cherian explained that this project would reappropriate
the remaining Engineering Management and Travel (EMT) funds
from closed Municipal Matching Grant (MMG) projects to
active projects where EMT was not included or was not
sufficient. For MMG projects appropriated before FY 07,
funding for EMT was not included with each project.
Instead, a separate appropriation was established to fund
this work. Beginning in FY 07, EMT costs were included with
each project so that it was clear how much each project
will cost in total. These EMT funds are leftover from
projects that have been completed. Reappropriated funds
will be used to close out projects that lack sufficient EMT
funding to be completed.
Co-Chair Meyer wondered how many "honey buckets" were in
Alaska. Mr. Griffith stated that there were roughly 6,000
homes that lacked running water and sewer capabilities.
Co-Chair Meyer wondered where most of the "honey buckets"
were located. Mr. Griffith replied that the majority of
them were located in the Yukon Kuska Quinn Delta and the
Interior.
Co-Chair Meyer wondered if the federal relief money for the
Japanese tsunami disaster would be enough to clean up the
debris. Mr. Cherian replied that there was an expectation
of $1 million from the federal government, but that money
had not been received. He agreed to provide further
information.
Co-Chair Meyer expressed that the Japanese tsunami debris
clean up issue was important, and he would like to examine
that issue further.
Senator Bishop looked a RN 54473, and felt DEC would look
in state for the technology. Mr. Griffith replied that DEC
would require the involvement and participation of in state
firms.
9:55:31 AM
Senator Dunleavy wondered if the sanitation systems were
designed to be maintainable at an affordable costs by the
individual villages. Mr. Griffith replied that every system
was operated and maintained by local residents. There was
no DEC financial assistance; but DEC provided technical
assistance and training. He stressed that the cost of
operating the systems had increased, so DEC did not
undertake a project to construct a facility unless they it
was feasible and sustainable for that community.
Senator Dunleavy asked if there was a system that had
stopped functioning due to a lack of funds or technical
assistance. Mr. Griffith responded that every system that
has been constructed was continuing to operate. He added
that there were occasions where the systems temporarily
ceased working because of emergencies.
Vice-chair Fairclough wondered who was receiving the loan
forgiveness, and how that was affecting the federal dollars
that the State received. Mr. Griffith replied that until
2010, no expenditure appropriation from the legislature was
necessary for the funds. When loans were issued, 100
percent of the loan was repaid. Beginning in 2010, federal
appropriations law required that the state subsidize a
certain percentage of loans to communities by forgiving
portion of the principle.
Vice-chair Fairclough surmised that the federal government
decided that there would be an additional match based on a
subsidy, or repayment required. Mr. Griffith responded that
the funds that were received from the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) were used to help to replenish the
fund. Most of the money that was provided for loans was
based on repayments and interest on loan funds. The annual
capitalization from EPA was provided as a subsidy.
^DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW: DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS
AFFAIRS
10:00:47 AM
MCHUGH PIERRE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY
AND VETERANS AFFAIRS, (DMVA) introduced himself.
JOLUND LUTHER, DIVISION OPERATIONS MANAGER, BUDGET
DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS,
discussed the DMVA capital budget items.
RN 47882
Interior Alaska Veterans Cemetery
$2,500,000
Mr. Luther explained that this project continues the
acquisition of land for a veteran's cemetery in Interior
Alaska.
RN 42900
Army Guard Facilities Projects
$6,730,000
Mr. Luther stated that the request for an Army Guard
facility projects in Bethel, Delta Junction, Dillingham,
Fairbanks, Fort Greely, Wasilla and on Joint Base Elmendorf
Richardson will support soldiers of the Alaska National
Guard, meet contractual requirements, and protect military
assets.
RN 42898
National Guard Counterdrug Support
$100,000
Mr. Luther explained that this program participates in the
U.S. Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program. This
federal program's primary purpose is to deter crime by
depriving criminals of profits and proceeds from their
illegal activities.
RN 42907
State Homeland Security Grant Programs
$9,500,000
Mr. Luther stated that the State of Alaska receives State
Homeland Security grants from the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security. These grants provide programs across the
state for homeland security planning, equipment, and
emergency training exercises. These funds address issues of
life, safety, and protection of infrastructure, and are
necessary for effective citizen preparedness, local first
response, and statewide emergency preparedness.
RN 57102
Alaska Aerospace Corporation Maintenance
$900,000
Mr. Luther explained that mission critical maintenance
projects are needed at the Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC).
These projects address issues of life safety, systems
recertification, equipment repairs, and corrosion control.
RN 57114
Alaska Aerospace Corporation Kodiak Launch Complex
Modernization
$165,400
Mr. Luther stated that a weather balloon station is needed
that will adequately fit larger balloons and meet storage
requirements. The project will increase AAC's ability to
capture mission critical meteorological data and reduce the
risk of equipment damage and mission failure.
RN 49583
Deferred Maintenance, Renewal, Repair and Equipment
$11,012,500
Mr. Luther explained that DMVA has deferred maintenance,
renewal, and repair needs in facilities across Alaska.
Projects focus on building repair and renovation with an
emphasis on fire, safety, and protection of structures.
Vice-Chair Fairclough wondered if sequestration had
affected DMVA. Mr. Pierre responded that sequestration had
affected DMVA, however he did not know what level.
10:07:00 AM
Senator Bishop requested information regarding the cemetery
in Fairbanks. Mr. Pierre replied that there was land that
was currently being considered for a veteran cemetery. That
land was the only area that qualified under the VA State
Cemetery Program. He stressed that that VA did not build
national cemeteries, rather they build state cemeteries
where the state puts up the land for the VA to build a
cemetery. He stated that land would probably need to be
purchased for the Fairbanks veteran's cemetery, which would
cost around $2.5 million.
Senator Dunleavy wondered if there was a practice of
partnering with other cemetery intiatives. Mr. Pierre
responded that local cemetery operators would be utilized
for the operations of the cemetery. The VA rules and
regulations for veterans cemeteries clearly stated that
existing space could not be partnered with civilians.
Senator Hoffman wondered how the demolishing of the Bethel
armory would be addressed. Mr. Pierre responded that there
was a requirement to build armories in the federally
recognized drilling locations.
Senator Hoffman queried the life expectancy of the new
Bethel armory. Mr. Pierre replied that there was a
significant life expectancy on the new armory, and felt
that it was probably thirty years.
SB 18 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 18 DFG Regional Info Report 2013.pdf |
SFIN 2/11/2013 9:00:00 AM |
SB 18 |
| 02 18 2013 - DEC Response to 2-11-13 SFIN Questions on Capital FINAL.pdf |
SFIN 2/11/2013 9:00:00 AM |
SB 18 |