Legislature(2009 - 2010)BARNES 124
02/09/2010 08:00 AM House COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Presentation by Deputy Commissioner Curtis Thayer, Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
February 9, 2010
8:07 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bob Herron, Co-Chair
Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz, Co-Chair
Representative John Harris
Representative Wes Keller
Representative Charisse Millett
Representative Sharon Cissna
Representative Berta Gardner
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION BY DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CURTIS THAYER~ DEPARTMENT OF
COMMERCE, COMMUNITY, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
CURTIS THAYER, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a presentation of DCCED.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:07:29 AM
CO-CHAIR BOB HERRON called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:07 a.m.
Representatives Munoz, Herron, Cissna, Keller, and Harris were
present at the call to order. Representatives Millett and
Gardner arrived as the meeting was in progress.
^Presentation by Deputy Commissioner Curtis Thayer, Department
of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
Presentation by Deputy Commissioner Curtis Thayer, Department of
Commerce, Community, & Economic Development
8:07:58 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON announced that the only order of business would
be a presentation by the new deputy commissioner of Department
of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development (DCCED).
8:09:10 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON related to the committee that Curtis Thayer has
been a leader in economic and business development for more than
15 years. Mr. Thayer was born in Anchorage, grew up in Alaska,
and graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He has
extensive experience in energy development, including working
for Enstar. Mr. Thayer has also spent many years in Washington,
D.C., working for the Committee on Resources in the U.S. House
of Representatives for U.S. Congressman Don Young. Co-Chair
Herron reviewed the various organizations of which Mr. Thayer is
a member, including the Resource Development Council and the
Alliance. In conclusion, Co-Chair Herron related that Mr.
Thayer is a Top 40 Under 40 award winner.
CO-CHAIR HERRON then inquired as to why Mr. Thayer is interested
in this job at this particular time.
8:10:28 AM
CURTIS THAYER, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Commerce,
Community, & Economic Development, in response to Co-Chair
Herron, pointed out that it's a unique time in Alaska, which he
characterized as a crossroads. He further offered that he is
interest in this position at this time because the commerce and
economic development piece of DCCED has been missing for several
years. He noted that he had a conversation about that with the
governor's office and then was asked if he would be interested
in taking a role, which seemed to be a good challenge.
MR. THAYER then paraphrased from the following written statement
[original punctuation provided]:
Thank you Representative Herron & Munoz and the
Community & Regional Affairs Committee. It is a
pleasure to be here today to share our vision for
economic development in Alaska.
Governor Parnell and his administration are working to
change the direction of state government and to
position Alaska for economic growth. He believes that
the best thing government can do is foster economic
development, is to know when to lend a hand, and know
when to simply get out of the way.
I share his belief that the best way to accomplish
this is for state government to work toward creating
an environment that is conducive to private-sector
investment and sustainability. The state plays its
most critical role in laying the economic foundations
for such an environment by:
· Enhancing transportation systems
· Improving workforce development and training at
all levels
· Developing Alaska's energy and other resources
· Removing barriers that inhibit opportunity and
growth.
In the Office of Economic Development, we know that
jobs are a fundamental part of the quality of life for
Alaska families. We also know that to be successful
in bringing jobs to Alaskans, the state must create
the conditions that make economic growth possible. We
do this by reaching out to all stakeholders and
letting the private sector do what it does best.
With the assistance of the Legislature, and through
meaningful public-private partnerships, we can work
together toward the common goal of a prosperous future
for ourselves, for our children, and for our
grandchildren.
As deputy commissioner of the Department of Commerce,
Community, & Economic Development, I have been tasked
with, among other duties, overseeing the Office of
Economic Development. With my private-sector
background and understanding of the business world, I
am committed to fostering the kind of robust public-
private partnership that will lead to growing and
diversifying our economy.
Already, we have compiled a list of more than 70
potential projects, large and small that can help
build the foundation for future growth that will bring
sustainable jobs and provide a boost to our economy.
Some of these are smaller scale projects that involve
tweaking an existing program or adding a new element
that will help us toward realizing larger goals.
· Integration and streamlining of
regulatory/permitting processes;
· Formalization of a corporate calling program;
· Bringing all [economic development] ED-related
loan and grant programs under one authority to
help bring attention to them and facilitate their
use;
· Establishment of a small business development
program
· Expansion of tourism marketing credit program;
· Bringing more attention to Alaska Grown/Made in
Alaska programs;
· Hiring a business outreach specialist to
interface with [Alaska Industrial Development and
Export Authority] AIDEA and the private sector
and help government work at the speed of business
whenever possible.
These items are but a few of the ways we're breaking
down silos and looking for interagency synergies and
efficiencies. They will help us aggressively reassert
the state's role in creating a business-friendly
climate conducive to private-sector investment. The
governor has gotten the ball rolling by proposing $100
million per year for the next five years to address
deferred maintenance needs on infrastructure around
the state. In addition to the immediate shot in the
arm to the construction industry, these infrastructure
improvements can pave the way toward responsible,
sustainable development that has the capacity to raise
real income and improve the quality of life for all
Alaskans.
Economic development is neither a destination, nor a
checklist of activities. It is an ongoing process
requiring constant adjustment and quick responses in
an environment that is never static. To help us keep
pace, we are in the process of hiring a manager for
the Office of Economic Development and have several
dynamic candidates willing to take on this position.
The new manager will be tasked with working more
closely with AIDEA to promote, develop and advance
economic growth and diversification, especially with
AIDEA's capacity to provide various means of financing
and investment.
Business and community leaders can expect to see and
hear more from AIDEA - particularly the two new
development officers who are tasked with identifying
opportunities and strategizing on financing and
technical resources within and outside of AIDEA. We
are excited about the synergies here and the
opportunities they will bring.
In a free market economy, the government does not do
the planning. Citizens should be able to create
economic wealth and experience a high quality of life.
But the state can, and should, be an active
participant in the creation of a long-term vision and
economic framework. To that end we are also excited
to be doing what we can to advance the Alaska Forward
project, a comprehensive economic development strategy
for the state being undertaken by the Alaska
Partnership for Economic Development.
This is important as we strive for self-sufficiency
and a significant reduction in imports to Alaska. In
turn, this reduces the leakage of money outside of
Alaska. This is a critical piece of the puzzle, since
the state's current economic model allows more wealth
to leave the state than remains here.
We have great potential in this state. No one doubts
this. But we must plan to maximize our potential. We
must plan to succeed. And we must invest in our own
success. But we must do it with a guiding principle
in mind: When Alaska money is spent, it must create
opportunity for Alaskans.
Alaska had a great and prosperous run for its first 50
years. Despite our current challenges, Gov. Parnell
believes we can make the next 50 years even better.
And with your help, we WILL do better. Because the
challenges we face today breed the opportunity of
tomorrow.
MR. THAYER then noted that the committee should have a chart
relating the organization of the department and another chart
that reviews the various aspects of the Division of Economic
Development.
8:16:38 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON recalled an earlier conversation with Mr. Thayer
in which Mr. Thayer told him that he was approached by the
commissioner and the governor regarding this position. He then
inquired as to Mr. Thayer's personal mission statement for the
position of deputy commissioner of DCCED.
MR. THAYER expressed hope to have better alignment and direction
with the Office of Economic Development (OED) and move it
forward. He related his understanding that OED staff hasn't had
guidance from [the department heads] or the legislature
regarding what to do. Mr. Thayer said that he wants to advance
OED to do something meaningful and something that produces a
strong work product. In further response to Co-Chair Herron,
Mr. Thayer said that OED has good employees. He informed the
committee that OED has a budget of $3.3 million of which a
little over $300,000 is in general funds. The division was
tasked with the film office and has one employee for forestry,
one employee for fisheries, and three employees for tourism to
make economic development in the state work. The aforementioned
is a huge task, particularly when one considers that fishing is
the state's second largest industry and only one employee is
dedicated to it in OED. However, the film office has two
employees. Mr. Thayer pointed out that both of the
aforementioned are legislatively driven. The aforementioned
situation means that OED has to work with other departments to
find synergies to promote economic development. He noted that
[the department] won't ask for more funds or employees because
it wants to determine what it can do with the existing resources
and the best ideas from its employees.
8:20:25 AM
CO-CHAIR MUNOZ inquired as to the top priorities of the 70
projects. She further inquired as to which of the priorities
can be implemented fairly quickly.
MR. THAYER said that projects that were on the shelf were
assembled. He explained that he wanted to share that list with
the administration and the legislature to determine the
priorities. These projects range from billion dollar projects
to small projects. He noted that the department has loan
programs that have been on the books for years without
legislative funding. Therefore, there needs to be review of
those loan programs to determine if those loan programs remain
necessary and if so, to seek funds for those programs. In
further response to Co-Chair Munoz, Mr. Thayer said he intends
to compile a list of projects to share with both the
administration and the legislature in order to determine what
can be accomplished. The OED needs a business/action plan for
the next few years as well as tools measuring whether the
division is succeeding.
8:22:28 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA recalled her travels throughout the state
where she has discovered communities trying to perform economic
development with the available resources. However, these
communities aren't able to obtain the investment and bonding
that's imperative to provide heat, electricity, and obtain fuel
let alone build wealth. She opined that the more important
piece to her is the sustainable aspect [of economic
development], which would provide a decent quality of life for
future generations. She noted that she most recently heard
Representative Austerman discuss the aforementioned, and
therefore she asked if Mr. Thayer had approached Representative
Austerman.
MR. THAYER confirmed that he has spoken with Representative
Austerman. In fact, the earlier mentioned board charts include
a position for a business development specialist, which
Representative Austerman identified as an important position to
have in OED. Mr. Thayer informed the committee that the
governor's office was approached regarding this need and the
position has been filled. There have been other conversations
with the governor's office and the commissioner regarding how to
restructure OED. He noted that much of what was in the report
[provided by Representative Austerman] is being reviewed. He
further noted that the economic development models used in other
states don't exactly fit Alaska, although pieces of those models
can be utilized in Alaska.
8:25:15 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON pointed out Mr. Thayer has direct oversight over
four divisions and OED. He then asked if Mr. Thayer is
performing triage on OED. He further asked if the other four
divisions need attention at the same level as OED.
MR. THAYER responded that OED needs the most work because the
division lacks a manager. The process to fill this manager
position is occurring. With regard to the other four divisions,
Mr. Thayer related his belief that three divisions are operating
very well. However, he is working with the Division of
Corporations, which takes 14-16 weeks to process corporate
licenses and biannual reports. In order to better promote
economic development, the division is working toward achieving a
two-week turn around for processing paperwork. He attributed
the lengthy processing time to an employee shortage as well as
an outdated computer system that will be replaced.
8:27:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS reviewed the history of DCCED, which was
formed by merging the Department of Community & Regional Affairs
and the Department of Commerce. He recalled that when DCCED
came to fruition there was concern that rural Alaska, both its
social and economic interests, would be forgotten. Is that the
case, he asked.
MR. THAYER, drawing from his experience in the short time he has
been with the department, opined that there is a great emphasis
on the community and regional affairs aspect of the department.
The weak link has been OED. The regulatory agencies of the
Division of Banking & Securities, the Division of Insurance, and
the Division of Investments have managed to do very well through
the changes of the department. However, the economic
development aspect of the department has fallen short. He
pointed out that the general fund dedicates $300,000 for
economic development. Therefore, Mr. Thayer opined that the
community and regional affairs mission has been successful.
8:30:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS inquired as to what DCCED is doing to
facilitate relations with rural Alaska.
MR. THAYER answered that he has focused on the economic
development aspect of DCCED because Mike Black, Deputy
Commissioner, DCCED, focuses on the community and regional
affairs aspect of the department.
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS expressed concern that most of the natural
resources in Alaska are located in rural Alaska while most of
the jobs in the state are located in urban Alaska. He opined
that it's easy to take for granted those who have to live around
resource development, such as mining, timber, or oil and gas
exploration. However, those living in these rural areas have
needs and concerns as well. Therefore, Representative Harris
emphasized that he wants to ensure that DCCED doesn't neglect
those needs. He surmised that DCCED will play an important role
in the Pebble Mine, which is the largest display of nonrenewable
resource in the state situated by the state's largest display of
a renewable resource. He asked if Mr. Thayer can ensure that
those living near these resources won't be taken for granted.
MR. THAYER replied yes.
8:33:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA highlighted the out migration from rural
Alaska and the high cost of energy in rural Alaska. She then
pointed out that often the [upheaval] in rural communities can
be seen in health issues, such as suicide and violence. Since
the state obtains its resources from rural Alaska, the state
could learn a great deal from those in rural Alaska who have
been successful in terms of sustainability.
8:35:37 AM
MR. THAYER, in response to Representative Gardner, agreed to
provide a copy of his notes to the committee.
8:36:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT inquired as to the direction Alaska
Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is heading and whether the
legislature can help.
MR. THAYER related that DCCED is in the process of renewing
ATIA's grant application. He noted that he has met with Ron
Peck, President & Chief Operating Officer, ATIA, regarding how
ATIA and DCCED can work together. He then informed the
committee of the recently formed trade association, Alaska Act,
with the cruise ships in which the suggestion was made for
Alaska to participate in Sea Trade, a trade show, in Miami. For
the first time, ASMI, Alaska Act, and ATIA are all participating
in a Sea Trade. The aforementioned is one example of the state
projecting a united voice rather than a segmented voice.
8:38:37 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT recalled that the state had a healthy
marketing program in the past, and expressed hope that DCCED
would continue conversations regarding how the legislature can
help with tourism. She then turned to the film office and the
tax credits that will be utilized in this industry. She
inquired as to how the tax credits will be utilized in Alaska.
MR. THAYER related that the film office has been successful in
getting companies interested in Alaska and prequalifying them.
However, the film office needs to focus on getting people to
actually purchase those credits. There is $15-$16 million in
potential film credits yet there was less than $100,000 out in
the market. Therefore, the film office is working on its
marketing plan for selling film credits in Alaska. The film
office is utilizing the program Reel Scout, which can be
utilized to identify film locations. Mr. Thayer opined that the
film office is looking very good, although some work needs to
continue.
8:41:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT related that when she spoke with
producers at CSG, they didn't know Alaska had tax credits.
Therefore, she inquired as to how the film office is getting the
message out to the industry that Alaska has tax credits.
MR. THAYER reminded the committee that of the $3.3 million
overall budget for economic development, the film office is only
one recipient. Therefore, it's a matter of priorities. The
film office is participating in a meeting in Los Angeles,
California, during which it will have a booth to help market the
tax credits. He suggested that perhaps the [department] could
work with ATIA and ASMI to utilize synergies between the
organizations to market Alaska.
8:43:23 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS asked if Mr. Thayer has convinced the
governor to attend the cruise ship conference in Miami, Florida.
MR. THAYER related that conversations have been held regarding
what the governor and the state can do in promoting tourism in
Alaska.
8:44:15 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS recalled that some legislators visited the
Alaska Aerospace Launch facility in Kodiak. Kodiak, he related,
is concerned about the economic viability of that project due to
the possible loss of military contracts. He asked if DCCED is
working with the aforementioned facility, the federal
government, and others to reinstate those contracts.
MR. THAYER answered yes and no. He informed the committee that
the commissioner has a position on the board, but noted that he,
himself, hadn't yet met with the Alaska Aerospace Development
Corporation.
8:46:18 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON requested that Mr. Thayer discuss the Office of
International Trade.
MR. THAYER related that the Office of International Trade was
brought up by Representative Austerman and is in discussion with
the governor. At one point, the Office of International Trade
was in within the Department of Commerce and later moved to the
Office of the Governor. He noted that he has met with the
Office of International Trade because it has to be brought in on
anything with international aspects. Therefore, there are
ongoing conversations regarding the role of the Office of
International Trade and where it will be located.
8:47:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA recalled that Alaska lost its independent
traveler when the state outsourced its marketing, although the
state gained [more tourists] via cruise ships. She indicated
the need to develop travel within the state over the state's
various modes of transportation in order to capture both cruise
ship tourists and independent tourists.
MR. THAYER pointed out that the aforementioned is part of the
action items for the tourism staff within OED. He suggested
reviewing where and how much the various tourism entities, such
as the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Alaska Marine Highway
System, are spending on marketing in order to review possible
synergies with the state's marketing dollars.
8:49:46 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA mentioned that there are huge
possibilities with regard to eco tourism and historical tourism
in Alaska.
8:50:06 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON surmised that Mr. Thayer will be making
significant suggestions to the governor and the legislature,
which will cause changes in regulations. Therefore, he inquired
as to how he views the department's changes and strategies and
the responsibilities within the regulation review process. He
specifically inquired as to how Mr. Thayer foresaw the things he
wants to do that don't require a statutory change.
MR. THAYER said the aforementioned is part of the review
process. At this point, he stated that he's trying to determine
where the various parts of state government rest and what is
necessary to make changes. Determining what changes require
regulatory or statutory changes is part of the evaluation
process, which, upon completion, will be brought before the
legislature. He noted that although nothing will occur between
now and the end of session, the hope is to have further
discussions this summer and fall regarding how to align things.
CO-CHAIR HERRON expressed concern that with regulation review,
the cart often precedes the horse
8:51:53 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER encouraged Mr. Thayer to view the
regulation review process as a tool. He then returned to the
discussion regarding the Office of International Development and
asked if the department sends a representative to the Pacific
NorthWest Economic (PNWER) meetings. If not, he suggested doing
so because it would be a valuable relationship.
MR. THAYER noted that OED has worked with PNWER, especially
regarding the Olympics and related activities.
8:53:34 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON inquired as to how Mr. Thayer would see DCCED
staff for which he is responsible being deployed in the state.
MR. THAYER informed the committee that the director of the
Division of Banking & Securities is now in Anchorage, although
the position was once based in Juneau. The Division of
Corporations is based in Juneau and of the division's 82
employees 60 employees are based in Juneau. The staff of the
Division of Insurance is split between Juneau & Anchorage. All
but four staff of the Division of Investments is located in
Juneau. The staff of OED is located in the following four areas
of the state: five in Juneau, five in Anchorage, two in
Fairbanks, and a person in Tok. He said that he will continue
to review the deployment patterns of the department and whether
staff is deployed in the best location.
8:55:19 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON inquired as to what the staff level should be
given the challenges the department faces.
MR. THAYER responded that at this point the staffing levels are
adequate, but the analysis will continue to determine whether a
shift in staff levels is necessary. He noted that the [OED]
received approval to hire a business outreach individual for
which it's in the process of reviewing. He then reminded the
committee that OED's manager position is open. Beyond that,
there is normal staff turnover in the other divisions.
8:56:06 AM
CO-CHAIR MUNOZ expressed concern that the $50 head tax has been
devastating to small businesses across the board. Therefore,
she encouraged the administration to continue to work with the
industry to reach a compromise that could be brought forward to
the legislature.
8:57:10 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON asked if Mr. Thayer believes the support the
Alaska Regional Development Organizations (ARDORs) receive is
adequate.
MR. THAYER said that he will be meeting with the ARDORs
tomorrow, after which he will likely have a better answer. At
this point, Mr. Thayer opined that what the ARDORs provide is
very important, but he didn't want to say much more until he has
met with them.
8:58:25 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON mentioned that private sector evaluation of its
employees is helpful. He then inquired as to Mr. Thayer's view
of performance audits in which employees audit their bosses.
MR. THAYER answered that in the private sector he has
participated in performance audits, which he agreed was helpful.
Such performance audits are helpful for the supervisor to learn
where he/she can improve. However, performance audits may
result in a supervisor being held accountable for something that
the supervisor is enforcing per directives from his/her boss.
9:00:02 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON asked if any of the models reviewed from other
states in the December meeting peaked his interest.
MR. THAYER informed the committee that Alaska's financial
disclosure requirements would likely result in those best suited
for the positions [not to apply]. He further informed the
committee that the Alaska Forward Initiative has received
$500,000 from the Denali Commission and the governor has
$100,000 set aside to advance the initiative's work in the next
fiscal year. The Alaska Forward Initiative is seeking to put
together an overall team/counsel to help guide industry cluster
groups. He related his desire for the Alaska Forward Initiative
to move forward on the aforementioned rather that the department
duplicating the efforts of the Alaska Forward Initiative.
9:01:33 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON related his understanding that a draft project
would be delivered to Mr. Thayer at the end of the month.
MR. THAYER specified that he hasn't seen the draft project yet.
9:01:58 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON asked if the AIDEA needs new powers or tools to
support economic development.
MR. THAYER deferred to Ted Leonard, Executive Director, AIDEA,
regarding the review and reorganization process AIDEA has
undertaken.
9:02:49 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON commented that Governor Parnell is running for
re-election and his chances for election are excellent.
Therefore, he questioned how Mr. Thayer saw himself being able
to help the governor in the short-term as well as the long-term.
MR. THAYER said he hasn't had those conversations. He added
that economic development is not a partisan issue and thus it
shouldn't matter who is governor or not governor because the
goal is to move Alaska forward. He said that moving Alaska
forward is his mission.
9:03:21 AM
CO-CHAIR HERRON inquired as to the state's largest challenges in
terms of economic development.
MR. THAYER identified the state's largest challenges as the cost
and availability of energy. At the very least, stable energy
prices are necessary for the state's entire economy, he opined.
9:04:23 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA inquired as to Mr. Thayer's view on the
development of renewable energy sources.
MR. THAYER answered that where renewable energy can be
developed, it should be developed. Kodiak is a good example as
it has moved toward renewable energy. Renewable energy options
as well as a gasline need to be reviewed. He related to the
committee that the second week he was in this position, a third
party came forward to construct gas storage tankage in the new
port in Anchorage that would serve the airport, the military
base, and be a staging base for fuel being sent to rural Alaska.
These opportunities have to be reviewed and fostered until it
reaches a point at which private industry can take it over.
9:05:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA acknowledged that Alaska has reviewed what
others have done in various industries, which can be useful in
industries such as with the oil and gas industry. However, in
areas/industries in which Alaska is in the frontier, such as
renewable energy, looking to others may not make sense. For
renewable energy, Anchorage could become a staging area for oil
and gas to be delivered to rural Alaska to maintain rural
Alaska's dependence on oil and gas. Or, [the state] could help
rural Alaska develop the resources in the area such that the
rural areas could become independent as well as wealthy, which
helps the rest of the state as well. The aforementioned isn't
the direction the state has taken in the past, rather Alaska has
looked to outside entrepreneurs to develop the state's resources
and take them out of the state. Representative Cissna
emphasized the need to consider Alaska first in all the economic
development choices before the state.
MR. THAYER noted that Mr. Haagenson, Alaska Energy Association
(AEA), should have a report forthcoming regarding renewable
energy resources and the transition from traditional fuels to
renewable energy.
9:08:08 AM
CO-CHAIR MUNOZ announced that she and Co-Chair Herron would like
to continue this dialogue with Mr. Thayer. She requested that
Mr. Thayer notify her and Co-Chair Herron regarding
opportunities in which the committee could help with the list of
priorities.
MR. THAYER expressed hope that the list of 70 projects will grow
upon review of the possibilities and priorities. He agreed to
share the list with the committee.
9:09:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER echoed Co-Chair Munoz's sentiments with
regard to encouraging Mr. Thayer to develop a relationship with
all the committee members.
9:09:37 AM
MR. THAYER thanked the committee for its engagement and offered
to share information with it. In conclusion, Mr. Thayer
reminded the committee that economic development is a long
journey not a destination and it requires [the department,
legislature, and governor] working together.
9:11:02 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 9:11 a.m.
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