Legislature(1993 - 1994)
05/03/1994 08:35 AM House FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
May 3, 1994
8:35 A.M.
TAPE HFC 94 - 153, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94 - 153, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94 - 154, Side 1, #000 - #171.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Larson called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 8:35 A.M.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Larson Representative Hoffman
Co-Chair MacLean Representative Martin
Vice-Chair Hanley Representative Foster
Representative Brown Representative Parnell
Representative Grussendorf Representative Therriault
Representative Navarre was not present for the meeting.
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Carl Moses; Representative Harley Olberg;
Laura Glasier, Administrative Code Coordinator, Division of
Elections, Office of the Lt. Governor; Mark Boyer, Fairbanks
City Manager, Fairbanks; Chris Rose, Co-Chair, Alaska
Citizens for Responsible Energy Development (ACRED), Sutton,
Alaska; Jim Ayers, Executive Director, Exxon Valdez Oil
Spill Trustee Counsel, Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities; Bob Poe, Director, Administrative
Services, Department of Environmental Conservation; Shelby
Stastny, Director, Office of Management and Budget, Office
of the Governor; Mead Treadwell, Deputy Commissioner,
Department of Environmental Conservation; Nancy Slagle,
Director, Division of Budget Review, Office of Management
and Budget.
SUMMARY
SB 303 An Act relating to voter eligibility, voter
registration, and voter registration agencies; and
providing for an effective date.
HCS SB 303 (FIN) was reported out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal
notes by the Department of Public Safety dated
2/11/94, the Office of the Governor dated 2/11/94,
the Department of Health and Social Services notes
1
dated 2/11/94 and the Department of Community and
Regional Affairs dated 2/11/94 and zero fiscal
notes by the Department of Education dated 2/11/94
and the Department of Revenue dated 3/02/94.
HB 455 An Act making and amending operating and capital
appropriations and ratifying certain state
expenditures; and providing for an effective date.
HB 455 was HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL 303
"An Act relating to voter eligibility, voter
registration, and voter registration agencies; and
providing for an effective date."
LAURA GLASIER, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE COORDINATOR, DIVISION OF
ELECTIONS, OFFICE OF THE LT. GOVERNOR, explained that the
National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 had imposed
certain requirements on states regarding the procedures to
register to vote in elections for federal office.
Legislation is needed in order to designate an election
official responsible for coordination of the State's
responsibilities under the NVRA. Alaska does not meet the
requirements of the nonapplicability clause.
Representative Martin provided the Committee with a copy of
Amendment #1 which would allow voters to apply by electronic
transmission to the director for an absentee ballot. [Copy
on file].
Representative Parnell asked if registration by transmission
had been part of a previous bill submitted to the Senate.
Representative Martin replied that the proposed amendment
for this legislation applied only to the absentee ballot
differing from the other legislation which requested
electronic voting rights. Representative Brown noted
reservations to include the amendment given past action
taken by the Senate to similar legislation.
Representative Brown questioned also if the amendment would
fit into the legislation's title. She pointed out that the
amendment was not related to voter eligibility or
registration. Representative Martin stressed that the
amendment would enhance federal law. Co-Chair MacLean
reenforced that the amendment did not conform with the
proposed legislation.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
2
IN FAVOR: Parnell, Therriault, Foster,
Grussendorf, Hanley, Hoffman, Martin,
Larson.
OPPOSED: MacLean, Brown.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (8-2).
Representative Martin MOVED to report HCS CS 303 (FIN) out
of Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTIONS, it
was so ordered.
HCS SB 303 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with fiscal notes by the Department
of Public Safety dated 2/11/94, the Office of the Governor
dated 2/11/94, the Department of Community and Regional
Affairs dated 2/11/94, and three notes by the Department of
Health and Social Services dated 2/11/94 and zero fiscal
notes by the Department of Education dated 2/11/94 and the
Department of Revenue dated 3/02/94.
HOUSE BILL 455
"An Act making and amending operating and capital
appropriations and ratifying certain state
expenditures; and providing for an effective date."
Section 11
There being NO OBJECTION, Section #11 was adopted.
Section 10
There being NO OBJECTION, Section #10 was adopted.
Section 44
There being NO OBJECTION, Section #42 was adopted.
Section #45-#48
There being NO OBJECTIONS, Sections #45-#48 were adopted.
Amendment #4
Co-Chair MacLean expounded that the original amendment would
not provide for the transfer of funds to the general fund.
The new language provided in Amendment #4 would clarify that
the original amendment was meant to be a net zero
transaction.
3
Section #1 currently does not allow for the transfer of
funds from the Education Facilities Maintenance and
Construction Fund to the general fund. The amendment would
address that situation. She added that the original
amendment was flawed in that it made two appropriations from
the same fund.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to adopt the new Amendment #4 which
would make a single appropriation from the funding source.
Representative Brown interjected that there would be
fourteen appropriations. Representative Hanley clarified
that the new amendment would eliminate Section #1. Co-Chair
MacLean stressed that the amendment would create a net zero
transaction. There being NO OBJECTIONS, the new Amendment
Amendment #10
Co-Chair MacLean WITHDREW Amendment #10. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was withdrawn.
Amendment #11
JIM AYERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL
TRUSTEE COUNCIL, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES, explained that Section #2, Chapter 41, SLA 93,
the Alyeska settlement funds appropriated $14.5 million
dollars for docks and facilities in Tatitlik and Chenega.
That appropriation was made with the understanding and need
for the acquisition of oil spill response capability as well
as providing those communities with docks. Subsequent to
that, there was money from the restitution of Exxon funds
that were appropriated for a variety of projects. Both of
the funds would be subject to court order and would require
that those funds not be considered as general fund dollars.
They must be appropriated for the purposes outlined in the
settlement.
He added that Section 7, Chapter 79 would appropriate the
interest earned on the $50 million dollars up to July 1st,
1994. The amendment proposes to appropriate the interest
earned in a restitution fund which must be used for the
purposes defined in the court decree for the establishment
of maintenance and improvement fund for those two docks.
Mr. Ayers added that the federal government would have no
authority in the amendment except by court order. He
emphasized that it was not within the jurisdiction of the
federal government to inform the state how to spend their
share of the restitutional funds, except as a matter of
justice. Representative Martin felt the amendment would
4
require further scrutiny.
Representative Foster MOVED to adopt Amendment #11.
Representative Brown asked how long it would take to
accumulate the necessary funds and if that appropriation
would be continuing. Mr. Ayers understood that $40 million
dollars remained in the balance of that account and that the
amount would be a capital and continuing appropriation to
DOTPF.
Representative Brown MOVED to include Amendment 11 into
Section #60, which would place it in the capital projects
section of the legislation. Mr. Ayers agreed. Co-Chair
MacLean OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to include it in
Section 60.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Hanley, Hoffman, Martin.
OPPOSED: Parnell, Therriault, Grussendorf,
MacLean, Larson.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Representative Martin OBJECTED to Amendment #11.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Therriault, Brown, Foster, Grussendorf,
Hanley, Hoffman, Parnell, Larson,
MacLean.
OPPOSED: Martin.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (9-1).
Amendment #12
MEAD TREADWELL, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (DEC), summarized Amendment #12,
a request for $250 thousand dollars which would cover a
commitment made last year placing regional governments in
the arctic and monitoring the network against radionuclides.
Representative Hanley asked that a complete budget of that
program be provided to the Committee. Mr. Treadwell briefed
the Committee explaining that the project would work with
the Alaska Air Space Development Corporation and the
5
University of Alaska in order to provide the capabilities in
cooperation with federal projects currently underway.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-153, Side 2).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to adopt Amendment #12.
Representative Parnell MOVED TO AMEND Amendment #12 by
reducing the amount appropriated from $250 thousand dollars
to $100 thousand dollars. Representative Brown OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Foster, Grussendorf, Hanley, Hoffman,
Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson,
MacLean.
OPPOSED: Brown.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (9-1).
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt Amendment
IN FAVOR: Hanley, Hoffman, Parnell, Brown,
MacLean.
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Therriault,
Larson.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Amendment #13
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt Amendment #13
which would provide the sum of $100 thousand dollars to the
City of Wrangell as a grant for the Zimovia Highway water
and sewer laterals. There being NO OBJECTIONS, it was
adopted.
Amendment #8
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt Amendment #8 which
would address concerns with the Alaska Pulp Corporation mill
and forgiveness of the interest due on that loan to the
State. Representative Martin OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Grussendorf, Hoffman, Brown, Foster,
Larson, MacLean.
6
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
Section #11 & Amendment #14
Representative Hanley discussed Section #11's relationship
to the Department of Health and Social Services as a request
for expenditures of federal funding received for services
provided to Medicaid recipients. Representative Hanley
explained that he had worked with Senator Rieger, the Senate
HESS Chair, and that they both had concerns with that
request.
Representative Hanley MOVED to incorporate Amendment #14 to
Section #11. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
Section #42 & Amendment #15
Representative Therriault pointed out a technical change
needed in Amendment #15 which would insert "Regional" after
"Fairbanks" and would then request funds for two water and
sewer projects in Fairbanks.
BOB POE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, stated that the
situation in question was an eleven year old appropriation.
At the time of the request, it was unclear if the projects
were discretionary or a "Governor's requested".
He added that a letter had been received by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informing DEC to
immediately take steps to upgrade the lab for drinking water
tests. If this measure was not completed immediately, the
DEC lab would become decertified for water testing. There
are only twelve laboratories in Alaska, nine of which
certify public drinking water systems. All of the nine
depend on DEC's certification authority.
Representative Therriault MOVED to adopt Amendment #15.
Representative Brown OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Foster,
Larson.
OPPOSED: Hanley, Brown, Grussendorf, MacLean.
Representatives Hoffman and Navarre were not present for the
vote.
7
The MOTION PASSED (5-4).
SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to incorporate the reappropriation
recommendations into the supplemental budget. There being
NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
NANCY SLAGLE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF BUDGET REVIEW, OFFICE OF
MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, referenced
Page 2, Section 9 (d) of the work draft dated 5/02/94
indicating an allocation resulting from a legal settlement
with the Department of Environmental Conservation and
addressing the waste water disposal proposal. There being
NO OBJECTIONS to the changes recommended by Ms. Slagle, they
were adopted.
Section #56 & #57
Representative Martin noted that Section #56 would provide
funds for an emergency structural roof repair to Aurora
Elementary School, Anchorage for fiscal year ending June 30,
1994.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to adopt work draft #8-GH2040\J,
Cramer\Utermohle, dated 5/02/94 as the version before the
Committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
Representative Martin MOVED to incorporate Section #56 into
CS HB 455 (FIN). Representative Brown mentioned that the
federal government should be liable for the repairs proposed
in Sections #56 & #57. There being NO OBJECTIONS to
adopting Sections #56 & #57, they were adopted.
Intertie - CVEA
Representative Brown provided the Committee with an
Amendment addressing concerns with the proposed intertie
versus the Allison Lake power options.
CHRIS ROSE, CO-CHAIR, ALASKA CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE ENERGY
DEVELOPMENT (ACRED), SUTTON, explained that ACRED is a
citizens group formed to address the particular issue of the
proposed intertie in the Glennallen & Sutton areas. He
explained that last year, the Legislature appropriated $35
million dollars for the project contingent upon a
feasibility study.
Mr. Rose provided background information on the final
feasibility study for the Sutton-Glennallen intertie. The
study found that Allison Lake would be a better alternative
8
to the intertie for meeting Copper Valley Electrical
Association's (CVEA) needs. Given that information, ACRED
urged Committee members to reconsider funding for the
intertie.
REPRESENTATIVE HARLEY OLBERG warned that ACRED is concerned
with the ascetic appearance of the project. He added that
the Allison Lake project would cost $32 million dollars and
would produce 10% percent of the power passing through the
intertie. The project at Allison Lake would face problems
with water turbidity. He voiced his support for the
original project.
Representative Brown asked if Representative Olberg had read
the feasibility study provided for the intertie.
Representative Olberg stated he had not and did not have
100% faith in such a study.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-154, Side 1).
Representative Brown MOVED to adopt the amendment.
Representative Martin OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Larson.
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
Foster, Hanley, MacLean.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Amendment #16
Representative Brown MOVED to adopt Amendment #16 which
would repeal the $15 million dollar appropriation made for
the construction of the Whittier Road. Representative
Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Brown's motion was HELD pending for the next
Committee meeting.
Section #47
Ms. Slagle requested a technical language change to Section
to pay grievance awards but instead to cover the costs for
investigations. Co-Chair Larson MOVED to amend Section #47.
There being NO OBJECTION, the language was changed to
reflect this use for the appropriation.
9
HB 455 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 A.M.
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
May 3, 1994
8:35 A.M.
TAPE HFC 94 - 153, Side 1, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94 - 153, Side 2, #000 - end.
TAPE HFC 94 - 154, Side 1, #000 - #171.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Larson called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 8:35 A.M.
PRESENT
Co-Chair Larson Representative Hoffman
Co-Chair MacLean Representative Martin
Vice-Chair Hanley Representative Foster
Representative Brown Representative Parnell
Representative Grussendorf Representative Therriault
Representative Navarre was not present for the meeting.
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Carl Moses; Representative Harley Olberg;
Laura Glasier, Administrative Code Coordinator, Division of
Elections, Office of the Lt. Governor; Mark Boyer, Fairbanks
City Manager, Fairbanks; Chris Rose, Co-Chair, Alaska
Citizens for Responsible Energy Development (ACRED), Sutton,
Alaska; Jim Ayers, Executive Director, Exxon Valdez Oil
Spill Trustee Counsel, Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities; Bob Poe, Director, Administrative
Services, Department of Environmental Conservation; Shelby
Stastny, Director, Office of Management and Budget, Office
of the Governor; Mead Treadwell, Deputy Commissioner,
Department of Environmental Conservation; Nancy Slagle,
Director, Division of Budget Review, Office of Management
and Budget.
SUMMARY
SB 303 An Act relating to voter eligibility, voter
registration, and voter registration agencies; and
providing for an effective date.
10
HCS SB 303 (FIN) was reported out of Committee
with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal
notes by the Department of Public Safety dated
2/11/94, the Office of the Governor dated 2/11/94,
the Department of Health and Social Services notes
dated 2/11/94 and the Department of Community and
Regional Affairs dated 2/11/94 and zero fiscal
notes by the Department of Education dated 2/11/94
and the Department of Revenue dated 3/02/94.
HB 455 An Act making and amending operating and capital
appropriations and ratifying certain state
expenditures; and providing for an effective date.
HB 455 was HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
SENATE BILL 303
"An Act relating to voter eligibility, voter
registration, and voter registration agencies; and
providing for an effective date."
LAURA GLASIER, ADMINISTRATIVE CODE COORDINATOR, DIVISION OF
ELECTIONS, OFFICE OF THE LT. GOVERNOR, explained that the
National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 had imposed
certain requirements on states regarding the procedures to
register to vote in elections for federal office.
Legislation is needed in order to designate an election
official responsible for coordination of the State's
responsibilities under the NVRA. Alaska does not meet the
requirements of the nonapplicability clause.
Representative Martin provided the Committee with a copy of
Amendment #1 which would allow voters to apply by electronic
transmission to the director for an absentee ballot. [Copy
on file].
Representative Parnell asked if registration by transmission
had been part of a previous bill submitted to the Senate.
Representative Martin replied that the proposed amendment
for this legislation applied only to the absentee ballot
differing from the other legislation which requested
electronic voting rights. Representative Brown noted
reservations to include the amendment given past action
taken by the Senate to similar legislation.
Representative Brown questioned also if the amendment would
fit into the legislation's title. She pointed out that the
amendment was not related to voter eligibility or
registration. Representative Martin stressed that the
11
amendment would enhance federal law. Co-Chair MacLean
reenforced that the amendment did not conform with the
proposed legislation.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Parnell, Therriault, Foster,
Grussendorf, Hanley, Hoffman, Martin,
Larson.
OPPOSED: MacLean, Brown.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (8-2).
Representative Martin MOVED to report HCS CS 303 (FIN) out
of Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTIONS, it
was so ordered.
HCS SB 303 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do
pass" recommendation and with fiscal notes by the Department
of Public Safety dated 2/11/94, the Office of the Governor
dated 2/11/94, the Department of Community and Regional
Affairs dated 2/11/94, and three notes by the Department of
Health and Social Services dated 2/11/94 and zero fiscal
notes by the Department of Education dated 2/11/94 and the
Department of Revenue dated 3/02/94.
HOUSE BILL 455
"An Act making and amending operating and capital
appropriations and ratifying certain state
expenditures; and providing for an effective date."
Section 11
There being NO OBJECTION, Section #11 was adopted.
Section 10
There being NO OBJECTION, Section #10 was adopted.
Section 44
There being NO OBJECTION, Section #42 was adopted.
Section #45-#48
There being NO OBJECTIONS, Sections #45-#48 were adopted.
Amendment #4
12
Co-Chair MacLean expounded that the original amendment would
not provide for the transfer of funds to the general fund.
The new language provided in Amendment #4 would clarify that
the original amendment was meant to be a net zero
transaction.
Section #1 currently does not allow for the transfer of
funds from the Education Facilities Maintenance and
Construction Fund to the general fund. The amendment would
address that situation. She added that the original
amendment was flawed in that it made two appropriations from
the same fund.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to adopt the new Amendment #4 which
would make a single appropriation from the funding source.
Representative Brown interjected that there would be
fourteen appropriations. Representative Hanley clarified
that the new amendment would eliminate Section #1. Co-Chair
MacLean stressed that the amendment would create a net zero
transaction. There being NO OBJECTIONS, the new Amendment
Amendment #10
Co-Chair MacLean WITHDREW Amendment #10. There being NO
OBJECTION, it was withdrawn.
Amendment #11
JIM AYERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, EXXON VALDEZ OIL SPILL
TRUSTEE COUNCIL, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
FACILITIES, explained that Section #2, Chapter 41, SLA 93,
the Alyeska settlement funds appropriated $14.5 million
dollars for docks and facilities in Tatitlik and Chenega.
That appropriation was made with the understanding and need
for the acquisition of oil spill response capability as well
as providing those communities with docks. Subsequent to
that, there was money from the restitution of Exxon funds
that were appropriated for a variety of projects. Both of
the funds would be subject to court order and would require
that those funds not be considered as general fund dollars.
They must be appropriated for the purposes outlined in the
settlement.
He added that Section 7, Chapter 79 would appropriate the
interest earned on the $50 million dollars up to July 1st,
1994. The amendment proposes to appropriate the interest
earned in a restitution fund which must be used for the
purposes defined in the court decree for the establishment
of maintenance and improvement fund for those two docks.
13
Mr. Ayers added that the federal government would have no
authority in the amendment except by court order. He
emphasized that it was not within the jurisdiction of the
federal government to inform the state how to spend their
share of the restitutional funds, except as a matter of
justice. Representative Martin felt the amendment would
require further scrutiny.
Representative Foster MOVED to adopt Amendment #11.
Representative Brown asked how long it would take to
accumulate the necessary funds and if that appropriation
would be continuing. Mr. Ayers understood that $40 million
dollars remained in the balance of that account and that the
amount would be a capital and continuing appropriation to
DOTPF.
Representative Brown MOVED to include Amendment 11 into
Section #60, which would place it in the capital projects
section of the legislation. Mr. Ayers agreed. Co-Chair
MacLean OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to include it in
Section 60.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Foster, Hanley, Hoffman, Martin.
OPPOSED: Parnell, Therriault, Grussendorf,
MacLean, Larson.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Representative Martin OBJECTED to Amendment #11.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Therriault, Brown, Foster, Grussendorf,
Hanley, Hoffman, Parnell, Larson,
MacLean.
OPPOSED: Martin.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (9-1).
Amendment #12
MEAD TREADWELL, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (DEC), summarized Amendment #12,
a request for $250 thousand dollars which would cover a
commitment made last year placing regional governments in
the arctic and monitoring the network against radionuclides.
14
Representative Hanley asked that a complete budget of that
program be provided to the Committee. Mr. Treadwell briefed
the Committee explaining that the project would work with
the Alaska Air Space Development Corporation and the
University of Alaska in order to provide the capabilities in
cooperation with federal projects currently underway.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-153, Side 2).
Representative Hoffman MOVED to adopt Amendment #12.
Representative Parnell MOVED TO AMEND Amendment #12 by
reducing the amount appropriated from $250 thousand dollars
to $100 thousand dollars. Representative Brown OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Foster, Grussendorf, Hanley, Hoffman,
Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Larson,
MacLean.
OPPOSED: Brown.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (9-1).
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to adopt Amendment
IN FAVOR: Hanley, Hoffman, Parnell, Brown,
MacLean.
OPPOSED: Foster, Hanley, Martin, Therriault,
Larson.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (5-5).
Amendment #13
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt Amendment #13
which would provide the sum of $100 thousand dollars to the
City of Wrangell as a grant for the Zimovia Highway water
and sewer laterals. There being NO OBJECTIONS, it was
adopted.
Amendment #8
Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt Amendment #8 which
would address concerns with the Alaska Pulp Corporation mill
and forgiveness of the interest due on that loan to the
15
State. Representative Martin OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Grussendorf, Hoffman, Brown, Foster,
Larson, MacLean.
OPPOSED: Hanley, Martin, Parnell, Therriault.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION PASSED (6-4).
Section #11 & Amendment #14
Representative Hanley discussed Section #11's relationship
to the Department of Health and Social Services as a request
for expenditures of federal funding received for services
provided to Medicaid recipients. Representative Hanley
explained that he had worked with Senator Rieger, the Senate
HESS Chair, and that they both had concerns with that
request.
Representative Hanley MOVED to incorporate Amendment #14 to
Section #11. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
Section #42 & Amendment #15
Representative Therriault pointed out a technical change
needed in Amendment #15 which would insert "Regional" after
"Fairbanks" and would then request funds for two water and
sewer projects in Fairbanks.
BOB POE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, stated that the
situation in question was an eleven year old appropriation.
At the time of the request, it was unclear if the projects
were discretionary or a "Governor's requested".
He added that a letter had been received by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informing DEC to
immediately take steps to upgrade the lab for drinking water
tests. If this measure was not completed immediately, the
DEC lab would become decertified for water testing. There
are only twelve laboratories in Alaska, nine of which
certify public drinking water systems. All of the nine
depend on DEC's certification authority.
Representative Therriault MOVED to adopt Amendment #15.
Representative Brown OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
16
IN FAVOR: Martin, Parnell, Therriault, Foster,
Larson.
OPPOSED: Hanley, Brown, Grussendorf, MacLean.
Representatives Hoffman and Navarre were not present for the
vote.
The MOTION PASSED (5-4).
SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to incorporate the reappropriation
recommendations into the supplemental budget. There being
NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
NANCY SLAGLE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF BUDGET REVIEW, OFFICE OF
MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, referenced
Page 2, Section 9 (d) of the work draft dated 5/02/94
indicating an allocation resulting from a legal settlement
with the Department of Environmental Conservation and
addressing the waste water disposal proposal. There being
NO OBJECTIONS to the changes recommended by Ms. Slagle, they
were adopted.
Section #56 & #57
Representative Martin noted that Section #56 would provide
funds for an emergency structural roof repair to Aurora
Elementary School, Anchorage for fiscal year ending June 30,
1994.
Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to adopt work draft #8-GH2040\J,
Cramer\Utermohle, dated 5/02/94 as the version before the
Committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
Representative Martin MOVED to incorporate Section #56 into
CS HB 455 (FIN). Representative Brown mentioned that the
federal government should be liable for the repairs proposed
in Sections #56 & #57. There being NO OBJECTIONS to
adopting Sections #56 & #57, they were adopted.
Intertie - CVEA
Representative Brown provided the Committee with an
Amendment addressing concerns with the proposed intertie
versus the Allison Lake power options.
CHRIS ROSE, CO-CHAIR, ALASKA CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBLE ENERGY
DEVELOPMENT (ACRED), SUTTON, explained that ACRED is a
citizens group formed to address the particular issue of the
proposed intertie in the Glennallen & Sutton areas. He
explained that last year, the Legislature appropriated $35
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million dollars for the project contingent upon a
feasibility study.
Mr. Rose provided background information on the final
feasibility study for the Sutton-Glennallen intertie. The
study found that Allison Lake would be a better alternative
to the intertie for meeting Copper Valley Electrical
Association's (CVEA) needs. Given that information, ACRED
urged Committee members to reconsider funding for the
intertie.
REPRESENTATIVE HARLEY OLBERG warned that ACRED is concerned
with the ascetic appearance of the project. He added that
the Allison Lake project would cost $32 million dollars and
would produce 10% percent of the power passing through the
intertie. The project at Allison Lake would face problems
with water turbidity. He voiced his support for the
original project.
Representative Brown asked if Representative Olberg had read
the feasibility study provided for the intertie.
Representative Olberg stated he had not and did not have
100% faith in such a study.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-154, Side 1).
Representative Brown MOVED to adopt the amendment.
Representative Martin OBJECTED.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: Brown, Grussendorf, Larson.
OPPOSED: Hoffman, Martin, Parnell, Therriault,
Foster, Hanley, MacLean.
Representative Navarre was not present for the vote.
The MOTION FAILED (3-7).
Amendment #16
Representative Brown MOVED to adopt Amendment #16 which
would repeal the $15 million dollar appropriation made for
the construction of the Whittier Road. Representative
Foster OBJECTED.
Representative Brown's motion was HELD pending for the next
Committee meeting.
Section #47
Ms. Slagle requested a technical language change to Section
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to pay grievance awards but instead to cover the costs for
investigations. Co-Chair Larson MOVED to amend Section #47.
There being NO OBJECTION, the language was changed to
reflect this use for the appropriation.
HB 455 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 A.M.
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