Legislature(1999 - 2000)
01/13/2000 01:40 PM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
GENERAL SUBJECT(S): Review Departments Accomplishments
Department of Fish and Game
Department of Environmental Conservation
Military and Veterans Affairs
The following overview was taken in log note format. Tapes and
handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the
21st Legislative Session, contact 465-2156. After the 21st Legislative
Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-
3808.
Time Meeting Convened: 1:40 p.m.
Tape(s): HFC 00 - 5, Side 1
HFC 00 - 5, Side 2
HFC 00 - 6, Side 1
HFC 00 - 6, Side 2
PRESENT:
Representative G. Davis
Co-Chair Therriault
Representative Foster
Co-Chair Mulder
Representative Grussendorf
Vice Chair Bunde
Representative Moses
Representative Austerman
Representative Phillips
Representative J. Davies
Representative Williams
ALSO PRESENT: Frank Rue, Commissioner, Department of Fish and Game;
Michelle Brown, Commissioner, Department of Environmental
Conservation; Barbara Frank, Director, Division of Administrative
Services, Department of Environmental Conservation; Kevin Brooks,
Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Fish
and Game; Adjutant General BG Phil Oates, Commissioner, Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs; Carol Carroll, Director, Division
of Support Services, Department of Natural Resources; Kurt
Fredriksson, Acting Deputy Director, Department of Environmental
Conservation.
LOG
SPEAKER
DISCUSSION
TAPE HFC 00-5, SIDE 1
000
Co-Chair Mulder
Convened the House Finance Committee
meeting at 1:40 p.m.
133
FRANK RUE,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF FISH
AND GAME
Discussed the department's mission to
protect and maintain the state's
resources as contained in the statutes.
Maintained that the sustained yield
principle remains a good mission.
Department staff could not improve on the
mission.
Commissioner Rue
Looked at the question: Who are the
customers? The people of the state that
wish to use fish and wildlife resources
are the customers. They include: sport
fisherman, commercial fisherman, tourism,
flying services, barge lines and others.
394
Commissioner Rue
Maintained that departmental programs
reflect the department's mission of
achieving sustained yield. The department
has four primary functions: protect
habitat, provide good science and
information; maintain a good management
program (managers with authority to make
decisions in the field based on good
information), and have a fair and open
public process (boards, public access)
and good communication.)
606
Vice Chair Bunde
How do you resolve conflicting management
decisions and when does the public
becomes involved?
668
Commissioner Rue
There is an internal process to resolve
disputes in data interpretation. The
resource coordinator gets the experts
together and listens to all sides. The
public is informed through board meetings
and advisory councils. Efforts are also
used to communicate through newspapers
and letters.
841
Vice Chair Bunde
Maintained that there is a lot of
politics at the Department of Fish and
Game.
864
Commissioner Rue
Stressed that the goal is to keep
politics separate.
879
Commissioner Rue
The department is divided into divisions.
The divisions pursue the four goals. The
Division of Habitat protects the habitat.
The Division of Commercial Fisheries
manages the resource, etc.
984
Commissioner Rue
How do you measure success in the four
areas? Noted that the department has an
obligation to give an opportunity to
harvest the available surplus. Harvesting
of the available surplus is a measure of
the department's success.
1065
Co-Chair Mulder
Referred to the mission of the Division
of Commercial Fisheries as contained in
SB 169, page 12, line 19. Asked if the
department succeeded.
1121
Commissioner Rue
Did not have the statistics at the
meeting.
1155
KEVIN BROOKS,
DIRECTOR, DIVISION
OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT
OF FISH AND GAME
Questioned if the 10-year average is the
best assumption to use.
1227
Vice Chair Bunde
Observed that the run size is not a
measure of the department's success.
1275
Commissioner Rue
Referred to Bristol Bay noted that the
available harvest was still well managed
even though the size of the catch was
smaller. Observed that the department
needs to assure that escapement is also
sufficient. Productivity of resource is
another measure of success.
1397
Commissioner Rue
Was habitat protected? Concluded that the
habitat was well protected and pointed to
the number of permits as a measure of
success.
1467
Commissioner Rue
In response to a question by, Vice Chair
Bunde, Commissioner Rue emphasized that
the department looks at the opportunity
to harvest resources. A decline in the
number of sport licenses would be an
indicator of problems.
1559
Mr. Brooks
The number of licenses has gradually
increased from a flat growth.
1626
Discussion continued regarding measures
of success in regards to licenses.
1648
Commissioner Rue
Did the public have an opportunity at the
public process?
1669
Vice Chair Bunde
How is the public's satisfaction
measured?
1690
Representative
Foster
Active and energized advisory committees
are an indicator of success.
1717
Commissioner Rue
There are dialog forums around the state.
Questionnaires could be sent out to
users.
1790
Commissioner Rue
How did the department do? Great in some
areas and not so great in others. Where
all of the pieces are in place the
department did well. In areas (Kodiak)
where there is insufficient data the
availability to the resource is not as
good.
1842
Commissioner Rue
Discussed what the department intends to
do differently. The department must deal
differently with the federal involvement
in the fisheries. Try to maintain the
success.
1883
Commissioner Rue
The department continues to look for
opportunities for new fisheries.
1904
Representative
Austerman
Setting policy for development of new
fisheries.
1918
Commissioner Rue
The department needs to look for ways to
fund stock assessment of new fisheries.
1967
Vice Chair Bunde
Noted that the public is concerned with
getting the best value for the dollar.
Pointed out that the department needs to
translate the department's work into
information for the public.
2016
Vice Chair Bunde
How is the department's Division of
Subsistence mission changed with Federal
takeover?
2035
Commissioner Rue
Their mission won't change. They will
still collect data for management of the
resource. The department is encouraging
the federal government to use the
department's data and capabilities.
Important not to have dueling data.
2088
Vice Chair Bunde
Will the federal government pay for use
of the state's data?
2093
Commissioner Rue
Expect that the federal government will
pay for some of the data.
2103
Representative G.
Davis
Noted that the federal government already
pays for 50%. How much control does the
department have? Noted that the Board of
Fish makes decisions that the department
must support.
2145
Commissioner Rue
The department responds to and welcomes
the direction of the Board.
2206
Representative G.
Davis
The Board has the opportunity to
establish an escapement goal that is not
consistent with sustained yield.
2224
Commissioner Rue
The department would tell the Board that
their goals are not realistic. The
department and the Board work together.
2258
Commissioner Rue
Agreed that it is our investment. Doesn't
believe there is duplication between
departments. Doesn't see other options.
Maintained that the department has a good
system. Pointed out that the Salmon
Treaty talks adopted the state of
Alaska's concept of availability of the
resource.
2330
Vice Chair Bunde
Referred to SB 146. Asked how it impacted
commercial fisheries.
2352
Mr. Brooks
Noted that the legislation only took
effect 12 days ago.
TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00-
5, SIDE 2
43
Representative
Austerman
Subcommittee should look at ways that the
department can help small independent
users.
170
Vice Chair Bunde
Suggested the use of Alaska Science and
Technology Foundation grants for seed
money.
201
Representative
Austerman
Looking more at what it would take the
department to do to develop resources.
229
Representative J.
Davies
Discussed issues pertaining to fisheries
in Fairbanks.
269
Commissioner Rue
Noted that there is not as much data on
the interior. Agreed on the need to look
at what is needed to keep the fish in the
area.
341
Representative
Foster
Noted that there are no fish around Nome.
Asked what could be done to aid the Nome
fisheries.
410
Commissioner Rue
Felt that the Board has done a good job
in its restrictions to allow escapement.
Need to understand what has happened. The
department is working on the issue.
492
Representative
Foster
Noted that employees in the Division of
Subsistence live in urban areas.
536
Commissioner Rue
Pointed out that the Division of
Subsistence can't be blamed for the lack
of fish. The Division ensures that
information about other subsistence needs
in the region is available. There is
subsistence fishing in Norton Sound.
There are administrative advantages to
being located in a Central area.
649
Representative
Austerman
Habitat is a primary issue. Asked if the
department is in a position to provide
the Committee with accountability of the
measures.
734
Mr. Brooks
Stated that some of the measures can be
accounted for.
755
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
772
MICHELLE BROWN,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION
Read from prepared remarks: The mission
of the Department of environmental
Conservation as approved by the
legislature last year in SB 169 is:
"Develop, coordinate, and administer
polices, programs and planning related to
public health and the environment of the
state."
Expanded mission statements are also
found in Alaska Statutes Title 46 and 44.
811
Commissioner Brown
"With the funds appropriated by the
legislature, DEC promotes and protects
healthy people and a healthy environment.
All of the people in our department, in
some capacity, work for clean air, clean
water, clean land, safe food, safe
handling of oil and chemicals, safe
public facilities and businesses, and
pollution prevention.
This mission has been fairly constant
over the years. However, the tools we
use to promote the mission of public
health and a healthy environment have
changed in recent years. Our staff are
dedicated to a partnership with the
people and industries of Alaska. In the
not too distant past, feedback from the
public was not good. There was too much
emphasis on investigation, legislation,
regulation and litigation. Today, we
don't rule out those tools, but we try
first to anticipate, collaborate,
negotiate, educate and communicate.
Enforcement of clean air and water rules
will always be necessary, because some
people refuse to follow those rules. But
at DEC, we begin with the assumption that
the people and industries that operate in
our state have both the corporate
conscience and the technical ability to
work with us on constructive solutions to
basic environmental management issues."
889
Commissioner Brown
"In general, I look at DEC's work as
fitting into two basic categories: Doing
it Right and Healthy Safe Communities.
For doing it right, we strive to deliver
services that strengthen the overall
economy and create and maintain good jobs
for Alaskans by prudent and sustainable
management of our air, water and natural
resources. I have several examples of
the return on the investment in Doing it
Right at DEC. I offer these examples as
representative cases because in each area
these results were replicated many fold."
932
Commissioner Brown
"The first is to get contaminated
property cleaned up and available for
economic re-use.
An excellent example of a good return on
the state's investment in DEC is our
actions on the site of the former Sitka
Pulp Mill. In April of last year we took
the "closed" sign out of the window and
gave the City and Borough of Sitka the
opportunity to put a new industry in its
place.
EPA wanted to list this site on the
superfund list. City officials feared
that stigma would daunt any future
development. We stepped in and assumed
leadership over the cleanup. We finished
it in half the time and at substantially
less cost than it would have taken if EPA
had supervised it."
970
Commissioner Brown
"We also worked with Sitka and the Alaska
Pulp Corporation to create an innovative
agreement that enabled the community to
take possession of the property without
fear of liability, and clearly spelled
out in advance monitoring and maintenance
protections for the site so that new
users would be able to plan well for the
site's re-use."
991
Commissioner Brown
"A second investment example is issuing
state air permits that make sense for
Alaska, despite federal opposition.
DEC issues permits to control air
pollution from diesel generators, which
supply basically all of rural utility and
rural industrial energy in Alaska.
Mineral reserves at the Red Dog Mine
outside Kotzebue have increased in recent
years and it needed a power supply
increase to support a higher rate of ore
processing. DEC granted Cominco a permit
to install a new diesel generator to fill
that need and required a pollution
control technology that would
substantially reduce emissions, but still
be affordable.
For EPA, that wasn't enough. EPA
preferred another, far more expensive
control technology, even though it would
result in no measurable difference in air
pollution at the Cominco property line.
Over EPA's objections, and in fact,
contrary to an EPA order directing us not
to issue the permit, DEC issued the
permit.
A similar battle was fought over Nome's
utility where EPA tried to impose this
same pet technology that would have
increased Nome's utility rates 25%."
1032
Commissioner Brown
"The third example is to tailor or seek a
waiver of federal requirements that don't
make sense in Alaska.
It is a good investment to help Alaska's
communities succeed where federal laws
and regulations set some Alaska villages
and cities up for failure. It is simply
impossible - financially and sometimes
literally - for Alaska's numerous small
remote landfills to meet federal landfill
standards. It was extremely expensive
for municipal landfills to satisfy
federal requirements.
DEC fought for and then completed a
waiver on federal requirements for small
landfills and put in place reasonable
requirements for municipal landfills that
save municipalities millions of dollars
previously spent in unnecessary one size
fits all federal requirements. DEC's
alternative plan to provide protections
through more flexible means was finally
approved by EPA."
1097
Commissioner Brown
"The fourth example is to make the permit
process less labor intensive.
The quicker people get permits, the more
productive they'll be. DEC developed a
permit questionnaire on our web site
which allows many business owners to go
through a series of questions and find
out what, if any, permits are necessary
for a job or a new operation.
By answering questions on the possible
effects on the environment and public
health, like air emissions, wastewater
needs, and food processing, the business
can get a list of any permits, approvals,
and licenses it may need from DEC, and
who to contact to get them."
1135
Commissioner Brown
"Cruise ships plying our waters don't
fall right now within the state or
federal permit system. Yet, they are
discharging wastewater at a rate that
exceeds many of our small towns and those
towns are subject to permit rules. DEC
convened over thirty cruise ship
operators who operate in Alaska waters,
as well as the EPA, the Coast Guard and
the Southeast Conference to get to the
bottom line on cruise ship waste dumping
and air emissions in Southeast Alaska.
Our goal is to develop a plan to assure
Alaskans that the cruise ship industry
will keep Alaska clean. We made it clear
to industry that we expect them to
respect Alaska's values for doing it
right."
1191
Commissioner Brown
"Already, the industry has committed that
it will not dump in doughnut holes, and
it will get prepared to respond to an oil
spill.
Work groups are being set up to assess
the discharges, to monitor the industry,
and to see that Alaska's resources are
protected."
1220
Representative J.
Davies
If the ships are not going to dump in the
doughnut holes, where are they going to
dump? There is a variety of things that
are discharged. Asked if the department
has a process to measure what is in each
discharge?
1253
Commissioner Brown
Stated that the department does not know
what is in the discharge. The work groups
are designed to determine what is in the
discharge, how much is being discharged
and where is it going.
1274
Representative J.
Davies
Referred to gray waters. He asked if
cruise ships discharge gray water in
state waters and if they are required to
have a permit.
1295
Commissioner Brown
Stated that they do discharge gray water
in state waters and are not required to
have a permit. The state may have the
statutory authority to require a permit,
but it never has.
1301
Co-Chair Mulder
Asked if there are problems.
1309
Commissioner Brown
Responded that there is an air emission
problem in Juneau. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) tracked emission
concerns in Juneau over the past summer.
The department does not know if there is
a wastewater problem. The federal
criminal action against the Royal
Caribbean for massive illegal dumping
brought the issue forward.
1347
Representative
Phillips
Referred to the air emission issue and
asked if there was a problem in any other
cities besides Juneau.
1372
Commissioner Brown
Stated that Juneau is the site that
receives the most complaints and is the
only town that has measured the problem.
1380
Co-Chair Mulder
Asked if cruise ships are under federal
jurisdiction.
1394
Commissioner Brown
The Coast Guard and EPA have some
jurisdiction. There are holes in the
supervisory network. Standards are old
and were developed when vessels were
small. Ships are now the size of floating
cities and there are as many as five a
day. The question is; Are the standards
sufficient? The Coast Guard monitors the
treatment levels of technology on board.
The Royal Caribbean violated many points.
1450
Co-Chair Mulder
Asked if that was sufficient. He asked
if this was a political concern. He
pointed out that the Coast Guard believed
that oversight was sufficient.
1493
Commissioner Brown
Argued that the public is concerned, as
is the Coast Guard. She agreed that it is
important to come to an agreement with
industry to identify emission levels.
The department will make a report
addressing those concerns. This is a
systematic way to address the problem and
assess the need.
1546
Representative
Phillips
Asked if the intent is to create
provisions that are already in place.
1577
Commissioner Brown
Stated that all states were caught off
guard by the strength of the criminal
case. Florida has an aggressive plan in
place. The assumption was that it was
being handled by the federal govt.
1611
Commissioner Brown
Continued from written remarks:
"The next general area of accomplishments
I'd like to address is the state's
investment in DEC for public health
issues such as safe food, pure drinking
water, and better sanitation. Elsewhere
in the country, many of these services
are provided by local government, but in
Alaska, the state retains most of the
duties for assuring the basics we take
for granted in modern life. We believe
that part of our mission is to keep
Alaska a model for public health and an
inviting vacation destination for
visitors. Some examples are:
First, providing clean water and
sanitation facilities for all Alaskans.
As of the end of the 1999 construction
season, two thirds of rural Alaska
households have access to a basic, but
safe, level of drinking water and sewage
service. That means from either a haul
or piped water and sewer system. When
all the projects started today are
completed, the number of rural households
with access to basic drinking water and
sewer systems will be 85 percent."
1703
Commissioner Brown
"The state's investment in community
infrastructures is protected and
maintained through the Village Safe Water
Remote Maintenance Worker program which
provides training and on-site technical
assistance to 71 communities. Since 1989
when the Remote Maintenance program was
put in place, there have been no
catastrophic system failures.
Sanitation projects will pump almost 90
million dollars into the Alaska economy
this fiscal year. It generated
approximately 900 rural jobs this past
construction season.
Urban Alaska's economy also benefits
greatly from these projects. On average,
70 cents on the rural sanitation dollar
stays in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau
for materials and services. In other
words, of the $62 million appropriated
through Village Safe Water this year,
approximately $43 million flows into our
urban economies.
A second example was DEC's response, with
the Municipality of Anchorage, to a major
food poisoning outbreak. The day after a
luncheon at ARCO headquarters in
Anchorage more than 300 ARCO employees
called in sick with similar symptoms.
These employees were suffering from food
poisoning.
Through prompt investigation, we found
the sickness came from one of the
employees working for the caterer of the
luncheon and was transmitted to the ARCO
employees through potato salad. The
caterer did not have a catering license.
The potato salad left over from the
luncheon was going to be used by a
restaurant until we got to the
establishment and pulled the potato
salad. Quick action kept this outbreak
from getting worse.
Following this outbreak, DEC and
Anchorage officials developed and
promoted a joint web site page that
listed all the licensed caterers in the
state. The site also included a list of
questions consumers should ask a caterer
to ensure safe food handling."
1724
Commissioner Brown
"The third example is in minimizing the
impacts of spills. DEC has signed over
20 spill response agreements with local
governments and municipalities to
establish oil and hazardous substance
spill response partnerships at the local
level. Under the terms of the
agreements, DEC trains local responders,
can activate local emergency response
resources as needed to supplement the
department's own response capability, and
can reimburse costs incurred by the local
government in actual response to spills.
The combined response resources of local
governments substantially enhance the
state's overall spill response
capability."
1768
Representative
Williams
Referred to fees for programs in the
Division of Environmental Health. Asked
how are customers reacting to fee
increases. Noted that fees have doubled.
Referred to reductions in FY00
1787
Commissioner Brown
Noted that the increment for Hydaburg was
denied. The food inspection program was
made fee supported. Customers are not
happy about the increase. Meat
inspections were also turned over to the
federal government due to budget
reductions. Facilities were also rated by
risk. Lower risk facilities were reduced.
The fee is not an inspection fee. It goes
to run the whole program, which includes
other functions.
1955
Representative
Williams
What is the department going to do
differently? Will the department
prioritize? He questioned budget
decisions by the department.
2036
Commissioner Brown
Responded that the department identified
public health programs and water and air
permitting as areas to reduce. Noted that
EPA would takeover air and water
permitting. If air permitting is turned
back to the federal government the state
could lose highway funds. The water
program would be the first choice for
elimination because the federal
government would takeover the permitting.
2116
Representative
Williams
Noted that legislation was passed to
allow a study of water primacy.
2136
Commissioner Brown
Industry has decided that the state would
not support water primacy and did not
fund the study.
2149
Commissioner Brown
The FY00 reduction of $339 thousand
dollars resulted in the loss of the state
water program. The state did not have
primacy. It would take $2 million dollars
to gain state primacy
2175
Co-Chair Mulder
What did we lose?
2187
Commissioner Brown
The state lost the ability to certify
federal permits, that provide flexibility
that industry relies on. The reduction
was the straw that broke the camel's
back.
2241
Co-Chair Mulder
Are there other sources of funding to
maintain services?
2252
Commissioner Brown
Fees were the only other alternative. The
department feels that the public
information officers (PIO) are important.
One PIO is eliminated from FY00, but the
funds cannot be transferred.
2294
Commissioner Brown
Explained that the federal government
funds technical positions and information
officers, but that the funding cannot be
transferred.
2350
Commissioner Brown
In response to a question by Co-Chair
Mulder, clarified that there are two PIO
positions in the current budget and one
in FY00.
TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00
-6, SIDE 1
35
Representative
Williams
Questioned if travel was reduced.
64
Commissioner Brown
Stated that there was an unallocated
reduction.
99
Representative
Williams
Noted that a Dutch Harbor inspector was
eliminated.
109
Commissioner Brown
Noted that Dutch Harbor was eliminated
when the priority was transferred away
from low risk facilities. There is not
enough facilities left in Dutch Harbor
for a full time position.
214
Co-Chair Mulder
Noted that inspections by EPA and DEC
differ in the time that they take.
255
Commissioner Brown
Stated that the inspections do not
usually duplicate efforts and stressed
that inspection times differ due to
different emphasis.
280
Representative G.
Davis
Noted that departments were given the
ability to institute fees and emphasized
that fees are being increased for people
that are not receiving services.
363
Representative J.
Davies
Pointed out that the departments cannot
do everything that they are doing and
reduce their funding. Policy can be made
by the legislature or by the departments.
If the legislature leaves it to the
departments to make the decision the
legislature cannot come back and
complain.
479
Representative
Williams
If the department cannot do the service
sufficiently it should be turned back to
the cities.
543
Co-Chair Mulder
Acknowledged that budget reductions will
result in fewer services, but argued that
it is appropriate to questioned the
decision process for reductions taken by
the department from unallocated
reductions.
612
Representative J.
Davies
The budget process drives how decisions
are made. The cost to maintain the
inspections is a fraction of the cost to
be fee based. The problem is that the
general fund cap would not allow for it.
705
Co-Chair Mulder
Noted that fees would be doubled.
728
Representative J.
Davies
Argued that the service would be better.
795
Commissioner Brown
The department does not have discretion
to charge fees to make up shortfalls. The
department does not want to raise fees,
but the funding source was switched from
general fund to statutory designated
program receipts. Anchorage does a food
inspection program. Their fees are
similar to the department's. The only
places cut in service were low risk
facilities and meat and poultry packaging
facilities, where federal inspectors are
providing the service.
890
Commissioner Brown
Continued with written remarks: "These
are performance measures and results for
the calendar year 1999 through October,
so it is only partial year information.
For safe water, we can report on two
measures.
First, the measure was a decrease in the
number of Boil Water Notices issued, the
population affected and the duration.
Tracking that measure indicated a result
of a decrease from 1998: 29 notices
affecting 3,439 people were issued in
1999 and 39 notices affecting 9,908
people were issued in 1998."
916
Commissioner Brown
"The second measure is the percentage
increase of Class A & B public water
systems in compliance with health-based
standards. The result showed 94% are in
compliance, exceeding our goal of 91%."
942
Commissioner Brown
"For safe food, we can report on four
measures.
The first was the percent decrease in
violations that affect food safety and
wholesomeness. The result indicated a
decrease in violations at inspected food
service facilities from 49% in 1997, to
46% in 1998, to 32% in 1999."
999
Representative G.
Davis
Questioned how the department handles
complaints.
1015
Commissioner Brown
Stated that the department has a routine
inspection program and responds to
complaints.
1023
Commissioner Brown
Continued talking about measures of
success. Identified the number of pounds
of food products detained or destroyed
before reaching the consumer because of
contamination or incorrect processing as
a measure of success. "The result
showed, in 1999, 60,034 pounds were
detained and 28,814 pounds were
destroyed. In 1998, 680,006 pounds were
detained and 234,442 were destroyed."
1045
Commissioner Brown
Another measure is the number of approved
harvesting areas closed because of PSP
levels. The result showed none were
closed in 1999 and one was restricted in
1998.
1080
Commissioner Brown
Observed that there were no reported
deaths or illnesses associated with
inspected food products in 1999 or 1998.
1129
Commissioner Brown
Continued from written remarks: "For safe
public facilities, we report on three
measures.
First, the percent decrease of critical
violations in inspected public facilities
that affect the health or safety of the
public. The result was a steady decrease
from 77% in 1997 to 59% in 1998 to 24% in
1999.
Second, the increase in percentage of
landfills with permit or an alternative
to a permit. The result was an increase
of 6% from 1998.
Third, the percent increase of landfills
with an inspection score of 80 or higher.
The result was 55% had a score of 80 or
higher, a 1% increase from 1998."
1152
Commissioner Brown
"In the FY 2001 budget, we have proposed
several measures for discussion with our
subcommittees. Those measures address
public health through measuring progress
in sanitation, controlling air emissions
and food safety."
1174
Commissioner Brown
Measure: Provide basic water and
sewerage service to an average of 500
households in rural communities each
year.
Current Status: The average number of
households provided with new water and
sewerage service for the last two years
is 240."
1201
Commissioner Brown
Measure: Reduce carbon monoxide pollution
in Anchorage to meet health standards by
end of 2003.
Current Status: Anchorage - 1997 and 1998
met health standard; 1999 one day above
standard as of Oct 31.
1226
Commissioner Brown
Measure: Percentage decrease in critical
violations at inspected food
establishments.
Current Status: Food service facilities
(inspected through October, 1999) had 14%
fewer critical violations than in 1998.
1296
Commissioner Brown
Spoke in support of performance measures.
Dilemma is that there is no monitoring
system in some cases.
1368
Representative
Foster
What were the department's belt
tightening measures in FY00?
1385
Commissioner Brown
Some short term reductions to FY00.
1413
Representative
Foster
How much do fines and penalties add up
to?
KURT FREDRIKSSON,
ACTING DEPUTY
DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT
OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION
Estimated fines and penalties at $200 -
$300 thousand dollars.
1440
Representative
Phillips
Asked on a scale of 1 - 10 how would the
public rate the department? The business
of state government is to provide
services.
1467
Commissioner Brown
Emphasized that people value clean water,
safe food and clean air. The department
would rate itself at a 7 - 8. Point is
who is going to pay. People want the
programs but they don't want to pay for
them. People who work with the Department
of Environmental Conservation rate the
department higher than those that do not.
Those that don't are afraid of them.
1538
Ms. Frank
Different work groups are helping to
bring recommendations to the department.
1560
Representative
Grussendorf
Customers deal directly with the
department and the general public should
be included.
1604
Commissioner Brown
Most requests are to regulate things that
the department does not do.
1625
Representative
Foster
Asked if there is an overlap of functions
with the federal government
1669
Commissioner Brown
There is a mix. Important to certify
water quality, but EPA could do them.
Other area where local entities will not
take over services due to an economy of
scale.
1735
Representative
Grussendorf
Have customers ever said they would
prefer to work with EPA? Is the move to
federal takeover a disservice to
Alaskans?
1759
Commissioner Brown
Only the environmental groups have
indicated that they would like to see
control by EPA.
MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
1863
ADJUTANT GENERAL BG
PHIL OATES,
COMMISSIONER,
DEPARTMENT OF
MILITARY AND
VETERANS AFFAIRS
Noted that there are more opportunities
for the department and National Guard
then ever in the past without the
addition of more general funds.
1893
Commissioner Oates
Discussed the department's mission:
Provide strategically positioned,
relevant, and ready inilitaiy forces
capable of homeland defense, rapid
deployment, joint operations, and mission
accomplishment in the state or throughout
the world; and provide organizations
capable of performing emergency services,
training at-risk juveniles, coordinating
veterans programs and assisting other
state and federal agencies in suppressing
the use of illegal drugs.
1913
Commissioner Oates
The majority of the 4,200 jobs are
generated through federal programs. Noted
programs are located in 76 communities
across the state. Recounted programs that
contribute to the mission: Commissioner's
Office and Military Headquarters; Army
Guard Facilities Maintenance; Air Guard
Facility Maintenance; Disaster Planning &
Control; Alaska Military Youth Academy;
State Active Duty Guard Benefits:
Educational and Retirement and Veterans
Services
1983
Commissioner Oates
Customers are every citizen of the state.
There is also a national mission.
2022
Commissioner Oates
Discussed measures of effectiveness.
2063
Commissioner Oates
Discussed Alaska Military Youth Academy.
There is a backlog of cadet's. There is a
federal goal of 200 graduates a year.
Answered the question: Are we maximizing
outside source of funding? Yes. The
department is receiving $200 thousand
dollars in federal funds for the school
lunch program. Noted that the department
is also receiving funding of between $216
thousand dollars and $400 thousand
dollars through the school foundation
formula and $25 thousand dollars through
drug and alcohol grants.
2190
Co-Chair Mulder
With additional funding how many more
enrolled in the Alaska Military Youth
Academy?
2199
Commissioner Oates
Noted that the goal is for 200 graduates
per year. Important benchmark is how to
increase services without an additional
cost to the state. Federal funds will be
sought for federal missions.
2248
Commissioner Oates
Other measures of effectiveness: $93
million dollars of drugs were taken off
the street, have increased federal
dollars, and brought the state to a
greater level of disaster and emergency
readiness. Y2K helped to increase
emergency readiness with less funding
than other states.
2335
Commissioner Oates
Noted that a measure of the quality of
the National Guard recruits is their
level of education.
TAPE CHANGE, HFC 00
- 6, SIDE 2
000
Commissioner Oates
Discussed efforts of the Department to
follow its mission. The Department is
attempting to provide strategically
positioned, relevant, and ready military
forces capable of homeland defense, rapid
deployment, joint operations, and mission
accomplishment in the state or throughout
the world; and provide organizations
capable of providing emergency services.
225
Co-Chair Mulder
Requested the list of deferred
maintenance needs throughout the State.
251
Commissioner Oates
Replied that he would provide that and
would address all facilities throughout
the State including the rural
communities.
300
Commissioner Oates
Spoke to about the Alaska Military Youth
Academy (formerly the Youth Corps.) The
Department would like to do better
tracking of that resource, but does not
have adequate funding to make that
possible. This program trains at-risk
juveniles. Benchmarking takes resources.
389
Representative
Phillips
Asked if the tracking could be
accomplished through an auxiliary group.
413
Commissioner Oates
Commented that the University could take
it over as a graduate level program. An
additional effective measure was that
every mission was accomplished and there
were no loss of lives of the employees of
that department. The department saved the
lives of 150 Alaskans this past year.
The department will continue to develop
these measures to accomplish the
missions.
526
Commissioner Oates
Listed the accomplishments of the
Department. He encouraged members to be
proud of the National Guard and all that
they have done throughout the State. He
stated that there is a lot of money
invested that has increased the benefits
to vets throughout the State.
645
Commissioner Oates
He noted that his work prioritizes
emergency management. The Department has
considered acquiring more federal
funding. He spoke to full funding for
biological attacks upon citizens of the
State. Quick reaction will save many
lives. That program will operational in
April 2000.
810
Commissioner Oates
In response to a question by
Representative Austerman, Commissioner
Oates stated that the program would be
fully funded with federal funds.
825
Representative
Phillips
Asked if that would be available to local
governments throughout the state.
844
Commissioner Oates
Stated that it is designed to directly
assist all communities and even other
states.
875
Commissioner Oates
Another significant mission is that of
the national missile defense. That will
add a third level to the strategic
defense. This will contribute to the
power and provide a foot in space for the
National Missile Defense System. This
will bring high technology to the state.
The department is hoping to add an
additional position to work on this
dimension to create future opportunities
within the state. That will take place
April of this year. He stressed that
there is a lot of opportunity on the
plate. It is all-federally funded.
1048
Commissioner Oates
Spoke to the mission of the Clear Air
Force Station and how that will affect
the space surveillance. This will have a
significant impact. It will be phased
into in the next four years. The
Department is looking at weapons of mass
destruction, rapid assessment and initial
detection. Over the next five years,
there is the potential to add 726 new
jobs to the state. He added that there is
a possibility of an expanded combat
communications service within the Pacific
Theater.
1203
Commissioner Oates
Spoke to duplication. He added that
duplication is not essentially bad. The
military model is the reason that many
programs are successful.
1277
Commissioner Oates
Emergency management has some duplication
due the tiered level of services.
1308
Commissioner Oates
Maintained that there is no better
options to accomplish results.
1332
Representative
Foster
Thanked the Commissioner for his
assistance.
1389
Co-Chair Mulder
Discussed suppression of illegal drug
use. How did this function end up in the
Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs and how does if fit into the
mission?
1451
Commissioner Oates
No bigger threat to the nation than drug
use. It is federally funded. The
Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs provides direct support. They
train students and teachers. Military
equipment is provided to other
departments. The department does not go
into houses and break the doors down.
Homeland defense from the federal
mission.
1575
Vice Chair Bunde
Discussed recruiting. Noted that it is a
challenge.
1600
Commissioner Oates
The Air National Guard did not meet its
goal for enrollment. Recruits have
greater requirements. It is a challenge
that must be emphasized.
1668
Representative
Foster
Noted that it is difficult to find areas
to reduce in the Department of Military
and Veterans Affairs' budget. He added
that the department leveraged a large
amount of federal funds.
1735
Commissioner Oates
Any cut in dollars would put at risk the
missions and jobs, deferred maintenance
and result in the cut of programs. He
added that $200 thousand dollars in
additional funding from their retirement
actuarial were put into youth programs.
The Youth Corp needs to be expanded. The
department is looking to other funding
sources.
1817
Representative
Foster
Noted that the department was cut last
year.
1826
Representative
Phillips
Expressed appreciation for the Youth
Academy.
1879
Co-Chair Mulder
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
LOG NOTES
January 13, 2000
House Finance Committee 21 01/13/00
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