Legislature(2009 - 2010)BARNES 124
04/02/2009 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Overview: Alaska Statehood Commission | |
| HB173 | |
| HB171 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HB 171 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | HB 173 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
April 2, 2009
8:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bob Herron, Co-Chair
Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz, Co-Chair
Representative John Harris
Representative Wes Keller
Representative Berta Gardner
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Charisse Millett
Representative Sharon Cissna
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW: ALASKA STATEHOOD COMMISSION
- HEARD
HOUSE BILL NO. 173
"An Act authorizing the conveyance of certain land of the Alaska
Railroad Corporation to the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 171
"An Act authorizing the transfer of two parcels of land from the
Alaska Railroad Corporation to the Municipality of Anchorage;
and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 173
SHORT TITLE: TRANSFER RAILROAD LAND TO DOTPF:FAIRBANKS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KAWASAKI
03/09/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/09/09 (H) CRA, TRA
04/02/09 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
BILL: HB 171
SHORT TITLE: AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) DAHLSTROM
03/09/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/09/09 (H) CRA, TRA
04/02/09 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124
WITNESS REGISTER
CHRISTOPHER CONSTANT, Vice Chair, Alaska Statehood Celebration
Commission
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a presentation from the Alaska
Statehood Commission.
KATHY HILDRE, Chairman
Capital City Celebrations
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Reviewed the activities celebrating
Alaska's statehood in Juneau.
LEO RASMUSSEN
Nome Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of the 50th statehood
celebrations held in Nome.
MICHELLE ROBERTS, Executive Director
Festival Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of the 50th statehood
celebrations held in Fairbanks.
DARYL SHAW (PH), Planner/Coordinator
Anchorage Statehood Celebrations
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of the 50th statehood
celebrations held in Anchorage.
REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT KAWASAKI
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke as the sponsor of HB 173.
DAVID VAN DEN BERG, Executive Director
Downtown Fairbanks Association
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 173.
DONNA GARDINO, Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordinator
Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System (FMATS)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Encouraged the committee's support of HB
173.
DEBBIE HICKOK, President/CEO
Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 173.
REPRESENTATIVE NANCY DAHLSTROM, Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke as the sponsor of HB 171.
LAURA PIERRE, Staff
Representative Nancy Dahlstrom
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 171 on behalf of the sponsor,
Representative Dahlstrom.
WENDY LINDSKOOG, Assistant Vice President
Corporate Affairs
Alaska Railroad Corporation
Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
(DCCED)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: During hearing of HB 171, answered
questions.
BOB FRENCH, Co-Vice President
Government Hill Community Council
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 171.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:04:16 AM
CO-CHAIR BOB HERRON called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:04 a.m.
Representatives Herron, Munoz, Keller, and Gardner were present
at the call to order. Representative Harris arrived as the
meeting was in progress. Representative Neuman was also in
attendance.
^Overview: Alaska Statehood Commission
8:04:58 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON announced that the first order of business would
be a presentation from the Alaska Statehood Commission.
8:05:11 AM
CHRISTOPHER CONSTANT, Vice Chair, Alaska Statehood Celebration
Commission, began by thanking the legislature for founding and
funding the Alaska Statehood Commission ("Commission"); there
have already been some wonderful celebrations. He then noted
that the committee should have a PowerPoint presentation. Mr.
Constant explained that the Alaska Statehood Celebration
Commission was established in 2005 and consists of five public
members and four legislative members. During the planning
phases, the Commission decided that its best effort would be to
inspire communities to organize and hold [local celebrations]
rather than a top down celebration. The Commission, he related,
was charged with planning and administering all official
statewide activities. The main directive of the Commission was
to set policy and [prepare a timetable and budget]. Although
the Commission experienced great success in organizing the
larger communities to participate in statehood celebrations,
there were great challenges in the smaller communities. He
noted that some communities are planning, organizing, and
holding events through the remainder of this calendar year. The
vision of the Commission is to honor the state's history and
celebrate its future and the mission is to inspire the people of
this great state and the world to rejoice in Alaska's past,
present, and future. Mr. Constant then related that the values
of the commission were to honor and celebrate Alaska's Native
heritage, culture, and those instrumental in statehood and
Alaska's Constitution as well as Alaska's achievements and
opportunities and Alaska's children and future. He then noted
that the Commission recently began soliciting project ideas
across the state and the Commission currently has some small
resources available to help make the activities of organized
communities successful. The most notable project, he opined, is
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the logo for the 50 statehood celebration.
8:10:53 AM
MR. CONSTANT, in response to Co-Chair Munoz, specified that Dean
Potter, formerly a Sitka artist who now lives in Anchorage,
designed the logo. Mr. Potter also designed the Alaska
Statehood commemorative license plate that will be available
through the end of this year. He then showed the committee the
bronze Alaska Statehood medallion communities [could use to]
fund activities they were already organizing. The U.S. Postal
Service issued an Alaska stamp, which bent the rules by
including a living human being. Alaska Airlines, he related,
hosted, in partnership with the Department of Education and the
governor's office, a "Paint the Plane" project that solicited
designs from school children throughout the state. The design
of an 11th grade student from Sitka was selected and the plane
should be in service for the next seven years. The plane will
make its first landing in Sitka and then make its way up to
Juneau. Mr. Constant emphasized that the legislators will be
surprised what local Alaskans did with few resources. In
conclusion, he said that those on the Commission worked hard and
the hope is that the legislature decides to organize for the
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100 celebration. Now, he opined, is the time to start planning
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for the 100 statehood celebration. One event that's coming up
is Perseverance Theatre's performance of Eight Stars of Gold,
which is an interpretation of interviews of the founders of the
state.
8:17:31 AM
KATHY HILDRE, Chairman, Capital City Celebrations, explained
that Capital City Celebrations was formed in November 2007 in
order to help plan and host events and projects to commemorate
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the 50 anniversary of statehood in Juneau. Capital City
Celebrations consists of eight members who meet monthly and hold
monthly volunteer meetings to attract volunteers to help with
the events. Ms. Hildre highlighted that all the organization
and work on projects and events has been [performed on a]
strictly volunteer basis. The first event was done in
partnership with the Juneau Symphony, which presented a piece
entitled "The Alaska Symphony," which was written in the 1940s
but had never been performed in the state. This event was held
in June 2008 to celebrate the passage of the Statehood Act by
Congress in 1958. Since that time Capital City Celebrations has
hosted alone or in partnership the following: a desert
competition, wine tasting, First Ladies Alaska tea, and cruise
ship luncheon. The city partnered with the Fourth of July
Committee, Eaglecrest, Perseverance Theatre, and a local women's
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Anniversary Ball on January 3, 2009, that was attended by over
500 people and the next day sponsored, along with BP, a
fireworks show in the Valley. The Fourth of July Capital City
Celebrations will partner with several groups to have its final
celebration weekend, which will include the Juneau-Douglas City
Museum's reenactment of the 1959 flag raising ceremony and a
dance featuring the 1950s rock and roll band "The Diamonds."
During the Fourth of July weekend the original queen and her
court of 50 years ago will be in the parade and some floats will
be reenacted as well. There will also be a community picnic
that weekend. Ms. Hildre opined that Capital City Celebrations
has worked hard to fund the aforementioned events and now is
looking forward to planning a legacy project to remind the
community that the state has achieved 50 years of statehood of
which the Capital City of Juneau has been an integral part. Ms.
Hildre thanked the legislature for its support, but noted that
Capital City Celebrations has done most of its own fundraising.
8:22:37 AM
CO-CHAIR MUNOZ thanked Ms. Hildre for leading the effort.
8:23:32 AM
LEO RASMUSSEN provided the committee with items that were used
to celebrate 50 years of statehood in Nome, such as the trail
mail that traveled across the Iditarod and the celebration pin.
He also provided the committee with a copy of the program of
celebration activities in Nome. Mr. Rasmussen then told the
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committee that on January 3, with bonfires on the ice off of
Nome, residents of Nome recreated eight stars of gold. The Big
Dipper was over 2 miles long and a mile wide. Copies are being
created of the photograph of the bonfire Big Dipper, which will
be available to legislators. Nome wanted to hold activities
that would supplement those activities going on in the rest of
the state. Mr. Rasmussen related that he is proud of Nome as it
was a hotbed upon statehood and provided the first elected U.S.
representative to Congress. Nome also had a torch-light parade
of glow sticks, which was beautiful, he opined. In the process
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of celebrating the 50 year of statehood, Nome wanted to create
something that would set a record. To that end, Nome made the
largest Baked Alaska, which weighed 1,100 pounds, measured 80
square feet, and took 3 days to dispose of it all. Nome held a
49-50 celebration with sparklers and it will be reenacted this
fall. The city also held a birthday celebration at Old St.
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Joe's and invited those with January 3 birthdays to join the
celebration at which Senator Donny Olson gifted the City of Nome
with a framed 49 star flag. Mr. Rasmussen concluded by
presenting the legislature with a first-day cancellation of the
celebration logo as a thank you.
8:32:20 AM
MICHELLE ROBERTS, Executive Director, Festival Fairbanks,
informed the committee that Festival Fairbanks was tasked by the
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Commission to hold the May 28 event, which celebrated the date
the U.S. House of Representatives passed the initial Alaska
Statehood bill. A 1950s style bonfire barbecue event with
pyrotechnics was held. She then related that Festival Fairbanks
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gave all Fairbanks schools packets that contained the 49 star
publication. The teacher's edition was provided to all the
history teachers in grades 6-12 and packets to all the
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elementary schools. During the week of May 28 there was a
week-long series of events that included major performers and a
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kite day. Fireworks were held January 17 due to high winds on
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January 3. She noted that 4x10 banners will grace airport road
for the remainder of this year and the Chena River Walk will be
completed. The capital project for Fairbanks' lasting legacy is
to [construct] a bike path on the north side of the Chena River.
At this point, all of the land holders, except the railroad, are
on board with this bike path. The Chena River Walk represents
$250,000 worth of private investment in the Fairbanks community.
In fact, it has become one of the major entry ways into downtown
Fairbanks. She related that the torch was brought from
Anchorage to Fairbanks, which made nationwide news. The
Fairbanks opera and many of the civic groups are taking hold of
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the 50 statehood anniversary. Ms. Roberts then announced that
Fairbanks is working with a vineyard in Napa Valley to produce a
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50 anniversary wine. The city and borough beautification
efforts in Fairbanks this year are themed in Alaska's state
colors, blue and gold. Ms. Roberts related that Fairbanks is
excited about what has and what will occur in celebration of the
50 years of statehood.
8:39:59 AM
DARYL SHAW (PH), Planner/Coordinator, Anchorage Statehood
Celebrations, related that Anchorage Statehood Celebrations was
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tasked to host the January 3 party. The year was organized
such that the celebrations in Anchorage would basically end
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January 3 while serving as a kick off of sorts for the rest of
the state. About 18 events were held in Anchorage over the
course of 6 months. The state funded some of the projects,
specifically the state underwrote the projects in the amount of
$1 million, and the city raised a matching $1.2 million. Of the
$1.2 million, almost $1 million was earned and the remainder was
contributed. Twice during the year all of the living governors
of Alaska were brought together. Originally, the living
governors were brought together to create a fundraising
opportunity. The sale of a Sydney Lawrence print with all of
the living governors' signatures raised approximately $400,000.
On June 28th the "We're In" weekend was recreated in many ways,
including a festival, an air show in conjunction with Elmendorf
Air Force Base, and recreation of the pinning of the star on the
flag. Historic Fourth Avenue was returned to a replica of its
1950s look. He noted that the city was covered in banners, one
of which is a replica of the 40x40 "We're In" headline.
MR. SHAW related that Anchorage Statehood Celebrations was
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charged with getting the word out around the world about the 50
anniversary of statehood celebration. The Anchorage Statehood
Celebrations worked closely with the U.S. Air Force to bring in
a concert. Winona Judd was brought in and was an enormous
success. The concert was televised live across the entire state
as well as worldwide. The Anchorage Statehood Celebrations
worked with the military and created a special of this concert
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that was shown on July 4 on the Armed Services network. The
organization tried very hard to bring as many people as possible
to Anchorage and Alaska. He noted that the Alaska Travel
Industry Association (ATIA) was very helpful in disseminating
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the word about the 50 statehood celebration. The legacy
project that was decided upon was a bronze plaque history walk
of 16 moments in history. The Anchorage Statehood Celebrations
also [organized] a statewide quilt project, which resulted in
nine large quilts and a book. A showing of all the quilts is
touring the state. In response to Representative Gardner, Mr.
Shaw explained that copies of the book are sent with the quilt
project for free and the communities can sell the books to
underwrite costs of statehood celebrations.
MR. SHAW then noted that the Anchorage Statehood Celebrations
governor's legacy dinner brought together the eight living
governors of the state and representatives of the two families
of the deceased governors. He characterized the dinner as an
amazing evening that is documented in a book. The Anchorage
Chamber of Commerce was given some funds to underwrite the
purchase of energy efficient LED lights for use in the City of
Lights project. The Anchorage Statehood Celebrations also
helped fund the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
parade float that was in the Rose Bowl parade. Between New
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Statehood Celebrations worked with Alaska Airlines to achieve a
special deal for those in Alaska to receive 50 percent off the
ticket price to fly to Anchorage between New Years Eve and
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January 3. The economic impact of the aforementioned was
remarkable as over those five days over 1,000 Alaskans were
working on this project, over 500 room nights were booked in
Anchorage hotels, and 47 representatives from foreign countries
attended. The Gala held was remarkable, he said. Approximately
1,500 people attended the Gala and during the evening 300 people
were on the stage at any given time. The Gala was televised.
He noted that he is particularly proud of the Light of the
North, which was a 9 foot structure sitting on a platform; each
of the panels has backlighting and was designed so that each
panel can be removed and placed in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau,
and hopefully the Alaska exhibit at the Smithsonian. Mr. Shaw
opined that the Anchorage Statehood Celebrations took the
mandate to bring people from the state to Anchorage very
seriously. To that end, representatives from 27 communities
agreed to come to Anchorage. Furthermore, a pledge of unity for
the next 50 years was created. He related that there was a
march down the middle of town with lights to light a main light
that began the day of statehood. That day involved seven venues
with approximately 500 artists performing for free and the day
ended with what he characterized as the largest display of
fireworks in Alaska. He noted that the Conference on Young
Alaskans worked with the 27 delegates to do the torch march.
For 2009, the quilt tour will finish, the four panels will be
placed, the "We're In" weekend will be reenacted, the Anchorage
Museum will be endowed with funds to digitize 140,000 historic
photographs, and a fund has been established to hold all funds
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raised this year for the 75 anniversary of statehood
celebration. Mr. Shaw concluded by thanking Colleen Sullivan
Leonard and the legislature for their contributions.
8:55:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER inquired as to where the quilt will
ultimately be housed.
MR. SHAW said that's currently being debated, and one
possibility is to distribute it throughout the state. The quilt
won't be sold, but rather will be placed and maintained.
8:55:47 AM
CO-CHAIR MUNOZ interjected that she attended the governor's
event, which she characterized as amazing and well done.
8:56:21 AM
MR. CONSTANT, in response to an earlier question, informed the
committee that the remaining living delegates of the
Constitutional Convention are Vic Fischer, Jack Coghill, Seaborn
Buckalew Jr., and Katie Hurley. In conclusion, Mr. Constant
thanked everyone who helped make these celebrations a success.
HB 173-TRANSFER RAILROAD LAND TO DOTPF: FAIRBANKS
8:57:27 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 173, "An Act authorizing the conveyance of
certain land of the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and
providing for an effective date."
8:57:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT KAWASAKI, Alaska State Legislature,
speaking as the sponsor of HB 173, said the story of HB 173
began over 100 years ago when Captain E. T. Barnette attempted
to establish a trading post at the junction of the Tanana River
and the Valdez Eagle trail. Along the way, Captain Barnette
beached his boat and had to find other passage. He found
passage on a vessel that was travelling on the Tanana River from
which he then travelled up the Chena River upon which he
ultimately beached on a high spot on the river bank. Captain
Barnette set up canvas tents, offloaded supplies, and began to
build the trading post which ultimately became Fairbanks. The
first road was likely around the existing Cushman Street and
likely connected Captain Barnette and his men to the outpost.
The second road connected one side of the Chena River with the
other side that is now a steel bridge. Although many bridges
have been constructed in various areas of Fairbanks, the Cushman
Street Bridge remains an important part of commerce and serves
as an arterial passageway in Fairbanks. He related that traffic
jams are common and conditions in the area are difficult. The
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and
the City of Fairbanks have been working on plans to expand and
open the city to commerce. Representative Kawasaki opined that
Fairbanks is finally at the point at which it can proceed on a
project to construct a new Barnette Street Bridge. In fact,
funds have been appropriated. However, the Alaska Railroad Act
requires legislative approval of all land transfers, which is
why the legislation is before the committee today. This
legislation is supported by the Alaska Railroad Corporation
(ARRC), DOT&PF, the City of Fairbanks, and the Fairbanks North
Star Borough, the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, the
Downtown Association, and the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.
Furthermore, thousands of residents on both sides of the river
approve this plan for safety, beautification, and commerce.
9:01:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER inquired as to whether there has been
opposition to HB 173.
REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI related that there have been concerns
from residents when the plan scoping originally discussed a
bridge across Barnette Street. However, he pointed out that
currently the Illinois side of the project contains no
sidewalks, no pedestrian travel lanes. The point is that the
downtown traffic flow would be problematic. He stated that no
organized group is opposed to the proposal.
9:02:35 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS inquired as to why HB 173 is necessary.
REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI answered that the Alaska Railroad Act
requires that any land transfers between the state and the ARRC
be approved by the legislature. He characterized HB 173 as
cleanup legislation.
9:03:45 AM
DAVID VAN DEN BERG, Executive Director, Downtown Fairbanks
Association, related support for HB 173 to facilitate the
Illinois Street project. He noted that DOT&PF and ARRC are
willing parties in this project. The right-of-way process for
the Illinois Street project is the only piece that could cause a
delay in the project. The Downtown Association is very reliant
on that project going forward in order to begin to implement
changes to circulation patterns downtown that will revitalize
downtown and bring more retail, commerce, and economic
development. In closing, Mr. Van den Berg explained that once
the Illinois Street project is going, the way will be clear for
the revitalization program.
9:05:40 AM
DONNA GARDINO, Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordinator,
Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System (FMATS),
informed the committee that FMATS is funding the Illinois Street
reconstruction project out of its transportation improvement
program. This project has been in the program since 1985 and is
in the right-of-way acquisition phase. This legislation will
enable DOT&PF to acquire land from ARRC that's necessary to
reconstruct Illinois Street. Ms. Gardino relayed that this
project is a top priority of FMATS' policy committee. The
initial phase of this project, the Barnette Street Bridge, is
scheduled to be built this winter and the hope is that the
remainder of the project will begin construction in late 2010 or
2011. The critical portion of the schedule is the successful
acquisition of right-of-way to construct the project as planned.
Given that it's necessary for the legislature to approve the
conveyance of lands from the ARRC and ARRC has approved this
land transfer, FMATS encourages the legislature to support HB
173.
9:06:53 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS asked if money was placed in the bond
issue that passed for the Illinois Street project last year.
MS. GARDINO specified that the bond was for University Avenue.
9:07:31 AM
DEBBIE HICKOK, President/CEO, Fairbanks Convention & Visitors
Bureau, related support for HB 173. She related that Illinois
Street is a major used thoroughfare, although it looks and
functions like a tertiary road. Illinois Street is dangerous
for pedestrians and bicyclists, she further related. She opined
that the only bone of contention from Fairbanksans is that the
project hasn't yet been done.
9:08:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS inquired as to how much the roads in
Fairbanks would be impacted if the cruise ship industry has
problems in Southeast Alaska.
MS. HICKOK related that 50 percent of the [tourists] in
Fairbanks are cruise ship passengers that are on land tours,
which is significant. Furthermore, many of the cruise ship
passengers who take land tours come before and after the cruise
and act as independent tourists during those times. The coaches
that shuttle tourists use the Illinois Street corridor.
9:10:55 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI related that HB 173 has been wildly
supported by each of the large stakeholders in the area. The
residents on both sides of the Chena River can look forward to a
safer drive with less traffic, which HB 173 would achieve. In
response to Representative Harris, Representative Kawasaki
specified that the next committee of referral is the House
Transportation Standing Committee.
9:11:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS moved to report HB 173 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
9:11:48 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 9:11 a.m. to 9:12 a.m.
HB 171-AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND
9:12:36 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 171, "An Act authorizing the transfer of two
parcels of land from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the
Municipality of Anchorage; and providing for an effective date."
9:12:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE NANCY DAHLSTROM, Alaska State Legislature,
speaking as sponsor of HB 171, characterized HB 171 as a simple
bill. The proposed land swap would benefit the quality of life
for residents of the Government Hill neighborhood as well as the
Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC).
9:13:22 AM
LAURA PIERRE, Staff, Representative Nancy Dahlstrom, Alaska
State Legislature, speaking on behalf of the sponsor of HB 171,
informed the committee that AS 42.42.085 sets out the guidelines
regarding the ARRC swapping any land and specifies that the
legislature must approve a land swap by ARRC. The proposed land
swap is between the Municipality of Anchorage and ARRC. She
noted that the committee packet should include a map
illustrating the parcels to be swapped. She highlighted that
the entrance into Government Hill Elementary School is curvy and
unsafe for children, and thus would be redeveloped and
redesigned such that there's a safer entrance into the school.
The land ARRC will receive from the municipality is land that
flanks the land already owned by ARRC. Section 1 of HB 171 sets
out the two parcels of land ARRC will transfer to the
municipality. Ms. Pierre related that the Municipality of
Anchorage, Government Hill Community Council, and members of the
community are in support of HB 171.
9:15:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER, referring to the map, inquired as to the
significance of the orange lines.
9:15:38 AM
WENDY LINDSKOOG, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Affairs,
Alaska Railroad Corporation, Department of Commerce, Community,
& Economic Development (DCCED), specified that the orange lines
delineate ARRC property lines. In further response to
Representative Gardner, Ms. Lindskoog pointed out that the
school is located with several little roads coming into it as
well as the entrance to Elmendorf Air Force Base. The access in
the area is difficult, she said.
9:17:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS inquired as to ARRC use of the property
designated in red.
MR. LINDSKOOG stated that it's used for parking and she
predicted that ARRC would continue to use it for parking in the
near future. By ARRC owning the entire parcel, it would be
easier for those interested in leasing the property. She added
that once these properties are in the hands of a third party,
the property goes on the tax rolls for the municipality. In
further response to Representative Harris, Ms. Lindskoog noted
her agreement that the parking provides leasing income for the
property.
9:18:15 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS, returning to the orange lines on the map,
inquired as to whether the residential area is ARRC property.
MR. LINDSKOOG specified that the larger blue block within the
orange line is the residential development. Therefore, the city
owns the land within the orange lines and the municipality [owns
the land outside the orange lines]. She then acknowledged that
the land on the port with the tanks is ARRC property.
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS then asked if the port is ARRC property.
MS. LINDSKOOG clarified that there is a certain area [by the
port] where the port owns part of the land and ARRC owns other
parts of the land.
9:20:28 AM
BOB FRENCH, Co-Vice President, Government Hill Community
Council, informed the committee that community councils in
Anchorage serve as the most basic form of local government.
There are 39 community councils in Anchorage, ranging from
Eklutna to Girdwood. While the community councils have few
powers, the municipality does seek advice and guidance from the
community councils on many local issues. Government Hill, he
related, is proud to be Anchorage's first and oldest
neighborhood. He pointed out that Government Hill is surrounded
by land that's owned by various entities, including ARRC,
Elmendorf Air Force Base, and the Port of Anchorage. Mr. French
expressed support for HB 171 as it will have a very positive
impact on the neighborhood. As noted earlier, Government Hill
is probably one of the only areas in the state where so much
ARRC land is mixed in with privately and municipally owned land.
The proposal by HB 171 tries to simplify the convoluted property
ownership issues. Mr. French highlighted that the Government
Hill Elementary School hosts a Spanish immersion program that
attracts folks from all over the Anchorage Bowl. Furthermore,
since it's a magnet school, it brings in lots of traffic every
morning and afternoon. He then proceeded to review the lack of
safety at the Government Hill Elementary School area, and
pointed out that ARRC's parcel has proven to block a safe and
accessible entrance into the Government Hill Elementary School.
In conclusion, Mr. French related his support for HB 171.
9:24:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM reiterated that this issue impacts many
people as the Government Hill Elementary School is attended and
accessed by folks from all over the Anchorage area. She noted
that even for those who know where they're going, the area is
confusing to travel. Representative Dahlstrom requested the
committee's support for HB 171.
9:24:55 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS moved to report HB 171 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.
9:25:07 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 9:25 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 171 - Gov. Hill CC Support LTR.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 171 |
| HB 171 Sponsor Statement.doc |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 171 |
| HB171 - ASD Letter of Support.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 171 |
| HB171 RR Land Swap Resolution.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 171 |
| HB171 statute re AKRR 42.40.285.doc |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 171 |
| HB173 sponsor statement.doc |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 - 2009-03-13-support HB 173.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 - FMATS Resolution 2009-03.PDF |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 AK RR land swap support 03-16-09.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 173 |
| HB 173 ARRC Resolution.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 173 |
| HB171-CED-ARR-03-30-09.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 171 |
| HB173-DOT-NR-03-30-09.pdf |
HCRA 4/2/2009 8:00:00 AM |
HB 173 |