Legislature(2009 - 2010)BARNES 124
01/26/2010 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (dot&pf) Update | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT MEETING
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
January 26, 2010
1:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION
Representative Peggy Wilson, Chair
Representative Craig Johnson, Vice Chair
Representative Kyle Johansen
Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz
Representative Tammie Wilson
Representative Max Gruenberg
Representative Pete Petersen
SENATE TRANSPORTATION
Senator Albert Kookesh, Chair
Senator Linda Menard, Vice Chair
MEMBERS ABSENT
SENATE TRANSPORTATION
Senator Bettye Davis
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Joe Paskvan
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES (DOT&PF) UPDATE
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
FRANK RICHARDS, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified and answered questions during the
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Update
CINDY CASHEN, Administrator
Highway Safety Office (HSO)
Division of Program Development
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the DOT&PF
update.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:06:57 PM
CHAIR PEGGY WILSON called the joint meeting of the House and
Senate Transportation Standing Committees to order at 1:06 p.m.
Senators Kookesh and Menard and Representatives Johnson,
Petersen, T. Wilson, and P. Wilson were present at the call to
order. Representatives Gruenberg, Johansen, and Munoz arrived
as the meeting was in progress.
^Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Update
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Update
1:07:04 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the only order of business would
be a continuation of the Department of Transportation & Public
Facilities (DOT&PF) Update.
1:08:40 PM
FRANK RICHARDS, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT/PF),
identified DOT&PF staff present: Jim Beedle, Deputy
Commissioner Of Marine Operations for the Alaska Marine Highway
System (AMHS); Mary Siroky, Legislative Liaison and Special
Assistant to the Commissioner; Joel St. Aubin, Chief Engineer
for Facilities; Mike Coffey, State Maintenance & Operations
Chief, and Cindy Cashen, Administrator, Statewide Highway Safety
Office.
MR. RICHARDS resumed his update from the last hearing. He
stated that he previously discussed the "3 E's," Education,
Enforcement, and Engineering approach and how these concepts are
applied to the Highway Safety Corridors (HSCs) [slide 1]. He
explained that the HSCs were created by statute to address
safety issues on certain highways that have experienced a high
number of fatalities and major injury accidents. The designated
HSCs are portions of the Seward Highway, the Parks Highway, the
Sterling Highway, and Knik/Goose Bay Road. He presented safety
data that tracked the fatal and major injury crashes from 1977 -
2009 [slide 2]. The data volumes show ever increasing traffic
volumes and the red line indicates the number of fatalities.
The Seward Highway fatality rates have been constant over the 30
year timeframe, but the major injury and accidents indicate a
slight downward trend. The DOT&PF has worked to address the
accidents by designating portions of the roadways in 2006 as
Highway Traffic Safety Corridors. Additionally, the DOT&PF has
performed rut repair from milepost 87- 117 of the Seward Highway
[slide 3]. The DOT&PF will install rumble strips along the
centerline to help reduce head-on collisions, which has proven
to be a big deterrent to accidents nationwide.
1:12:26 PM
MR. RICHARDS explained the DOT&PF will also add signage for use
of headlights and install half mile post markers to assist
motorists. The DOT&PF will initiate a new program, the Report
Every Dangerous Driver Program (REDDI), which should be ready to
launch by February 2010 in conjunction with local police and the
Department of Public Safety (DPS). This program is designed to
encourage motorists to report dangerous driving. Additionally,
the DOT&PF will add two more Bureau of Highway Patrol (BHP)
troopers and will continue to use media to educate Alaskans and
visitors on accident hazards. Long-term efforts include the
DOT&PF plans for major road projects to create more passing
lanes and slow vehicle turnouts to help prevent vehicles from
slowing down other motorists. The DOT&PF also plans to add
parking areas around Windy Corner on the Seward Highway to
reduce traffic hazards caused by vehicles that stop to view or
photograph sheep that come down to cliffs very close to the
road.
1:15:16 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON asked for clarification of the short term plan
for Milepost 88 guardrail removal.
MR. RICHARDS responded that ideally guardrails are installed on
roadways where a major height differential exists along a
roadway. Sometimes a roadway will contain two guardrails, one
on each side of the roadway, which can create a hazard since
vehicles can careen from one side of the road to the other and
cause head-on collisions. He offered to research the specifics
of the planned guardrail removal and report back to the
committee.
MR. RICHARDS discussed the Parks Highway improvements for
Milepost 44 - 52.5, which will help address the increase in
major accidents [slide 4]. The traffic volumes continue to
increase on the Parks Highway and the DOT&PF is currently
involved in the environmental and preliminary design process to
expand the highway. This section, Milepost 44 - 52.5, is
currently a two-lane highway with adjacent businesses and homes.
The DOT&PF is installing a new signal at Vine Road, has
performed mill and overlay to remove rutting, brush removal for
better visibility, will add rumble strips and additional signage
for headlight use, and has initiated the REDDI reporting
program. The BHP will add more Alaska State Troopers (AST), has
opened a Pittman Station, and is working cooperatively with the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough to increase law enforcement and media
efforts to assist motorists. The long term solution is to widen
the road to a four-lane highway. The funding for the design
work on the project is in the current Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP), but the project is a multi-phased
effort and is estimated to cost $125 million to complete.
1:18:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether traffic accident and
fatality reporting is tracked by days of the week. He suggested
that weekends are probably peak times and asked if the DPS
provides additional law enforcement efforts for peak times.
MR. RICHARDS answered yes. He related that the DOT&PF has had
good coordination with the BHP.
1:19:37 PM
CINDY CASHEN, Administrator, Highway Safety Office (HSO),
Division of Program Development, Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities (DOT&PF), explained that the Alaska HSO
reviews the data for hours, days of the week, and location. The
return trips on the Seward Highway indicate higher accident
rates. She explained that the HSO conducts audits by traveling
the road by van, with representatives from the AST, emergency
medical responders (EMR), Central Region DOT&PF engineers, and
the HSO participating, to collectively discuss and make
decisions on enforcement, engineering, and education, and to
identify the specific target group. Drunk drivers peak on the
highways on the weekend after the bars close, while the speeding
drivers occur around lunch time or after school. She related
that the DOT&PF identifies factors that contribute to specific
types of accidents and develops a plan to reduce the accidents.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON applauded and encouraged the DOT&PF's
efforts to coordinate with law enforcement.
1:21:44 PM
MS. CASHEN, in response to Representative Johansen, clarified
that the members of the quarterly review team that conduct
audits, includes a Captain from the AST; an EMR from the region,
the Central Region Traffic Safety Engineer, and herself, the
administrator of the Alaska HSO. She related that the group
also attempts to include a local engineer, and anyone else
interested in participating in the audit. As part of the
effort, the group meets with local law enforcement agencies
along the highway route. In further response to Representative
Johansen, she explained that the HSO does coordinate efforts
with the APD, but not for the HSC. The HSO meets with APD
officials during the road review to keep them updated and the
APD often makes suggestions.
1:23:31 PM
MR. RICHARDS reviewed the Knik/Goose Bay Road Corridor from
Wasilla towards Point MacKenzie [slide 6]. He reported that
traffic has dramatically increased and the major accident rate
has also increased, although the fatality rate has remained
constant since 1977. He envisioned the DOT&PF would perform
efforts similar to other HSCs to address the problems on this
roadway. The DOT&PF plans to install signals, including signals
at Vine Road, Pittman Road, Fairview Loop, and Fern Street to
attempt to control cross traffic. Additionally, the DOT&PF will
install rumble strips, institute the REDDI program, and increase
BHP patrols. The DOT&PF will target its media campaign in the
Mat-Su Valley. The long term efforts include plans for a 4-lane
highway, but the right-of-way and costs are expected to be high.
1:25:19 PM
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Senator Menard, explained that each
new signal costs $1.5 million, which includes the right-of-way
and utility work required for installation.
1:25:52 PM
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Representative Johnson, explained
that the DOT&PF is in the process of negotiating with the
jurisdictions, including the potential impact of a larger number
of calls to the 911 system. He offered that the DOT&PF wants to
have dangerous drivers reported but does not want to adversely
affect emergency responders.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON suggested that if using the 911 emergency
telephone number does not prove feasible for use in the REDDI
program, that another three digit numbers might be programmed to
the local police jurisdiction. He expressed concern that the
911 system might get bogged down.
MR. RICHARDS agreed that other three-digit numbers could be
used. He pointed out that 511, the state's highway information
number currently provides updated traffic information for
motorists, although that number is not related to the REDDI
Program.
1:28:20 PM
MR. RICHARDS discussed the Sterling Highway Traffic Safety
Corridor [slide 8 - 9]. He reported that the traffic volumes
continue to increase, but a reduction in major accidents has
been observed. The short-term efforts planned are similar to
those the DOT&PF is taking with the other HSCs, including adding
rumble strips, centerline and shoulder work, adding signage for
headlights, and use of the REDDI program. The DOT&PF will add
curve delineator/deflectors to warn motorists that they are
approaching a curve, the BPH also established an office in
Soldotna, and media efforts are being undertaken. At this time,
a four-lane project is not under consideration, but the DOT&PF
hopes that the educational efforts will reduce accidents.
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Chair Wilson, agreed that traffic
volumes are raising and on the Seward Highway traffic volumes
are very high so drivers frequently get frustrated. Two-lane
highways are over-capacitated when traffic volumes reach 12,000
vehicles per day. During the summer months, the traffic volumes
on the Seward Highway reach 21,000 to 22,000 vehicles per day.
In those instances drivers can easily get frustrated, take
risks, and then accidents happen. The DOT&PF is working to
develop methods to reduce accidents, he said.
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Representative Johnson, explained
the costs to expand the Seward Highway to a 4-lane highway are
estimated at approximately $600 million. The cost is high since
the Seward Highway is bounded on one side by Turnagain Arm and
the Alaska Railroad and the Chugach State Park or national
forest land on the other side. Additionally, the Turnagain Arm
provides critical habitat for Beluga whales, which would pose a
significant challenge to overcome in order to expand the
roadway.
1:31:14 PM
MR. RICHARDS discussed Enforcement efforts [slide 11]. He
restated that the DPS created the BHP and assigned officers to
conduct additional patrols to target high peak accident times.
He related his own first-hand experience that the presence of
increased enforcement has helped on the Seward Highway. The
$4.8 million funding for the BPH is provided by a federal grant,
which passes through the DOT&PF's HSO. Three years of the grant
program remain so the DOT&PF hopes to report successes from the
BPH [slide 12]. He discussed efforts that the DOT&PF has taken
to provide education to the public [slide 13]. The DOT&PF has
advertising programs underway to promote seatbelt use with its
"Click it or Ticket" advertisements, and other advertising spots
identify the HSCs, inform people about driving while fatigued,
and promote headlight usage. The DOT&PF also funds motorcycle
safety training and uses bumper stickers to promote safe
driving. Most recently, the DOT&PF has posted a "Take the
Challenge" page on its website, which is a refresher course
consisting of 15 motor vehicle regulation and driver safety
questions.
1:33:26 PM
SENATOR MENARD asked for statewide budget costs for DOT&PF's
media.
MS. CASHEN answered that the DOT&PF's HSO provides $500,000 for
media for highway safety education.
1:34:16 PM
MS. CASHEN, in response to Representative Johnson, explained
that the media funding is provided by federal funding. She
added that the source of some funding is from sanctioned funds,
which can be used for alcohol related messages. In further
response to Representative Johnson, she explained that with
sanctioned funds, the federal government diverts federal funds
in instances in which the states do not pass certain laws. The
federal government basically wants to send a message to the
states that they will lose federal funds if they do not pass
certain laws. The sanctioned funds are diverted to the states'
Highway Safety Offices, which are housed in the Department of
Public Safety offices in many states. The HSO can elect to use
the funds, she said. In Alaska, the HSO is housed in DOT&PF but
meets to discuss highway safety engineering and highway safety
behavior projects in order to share the sanctioned funds between
the DPS and the DOT&PF. Once the Alaska HSO reaches an
agreement with the DPS, it informs the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), and the funding is divided between the
DOT&PF for construction projects and the Alaska HSO for funding
driver behavior programs.
1:36:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN asked for clarification. He related a
scenario in which Alaska did not set the speed limits to
correspond with federal guidelines, and asked if that would
result in the federal government providing sanctioned funds.
MS. CASHEN agreed conceptually, but explained that the
sanctioned funds are related to offenses such as open container
laws, ignition interlock devices, and Alaska Drivers' License
revocation periods for certain offenses. These are the types of
laws that many states will not pass, including Alaska. Thus,
the sanctioned funds are diverted to the Alaska HSO.
1:37:41 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON asked for a list of laws that Alaska has not
been willing to enact.
MS. CASHEN agreed to provide the list.
MS. CASHEN, in response to Representative Johansen, related that
the Alaska HSO receives $10 million in sanctioned funds, which
are split between the Highway Safety Improvement Program and the
Alaska HSO. Each office currently receives $5 million, she
said. In further response to Representative Johansen, she
explained that the sanctioned funds are directed to the Highway
Safety Program to be used on a specific safety project such as
adding a street light, traffic signal, or pedestrian crossing at
an intersection with a history of accidents. She also related
that the funds could be used for rumble strips.
1:39:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether the state would still
receive all the sanctioned funds, but the funds would just be
placed in a different place.
MS. CASHEN agreed.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked what programs receiving funding
could be deleted.
MR. RICHARDS restated that the federal funding Alaska receives
consists of federal highway funding for construction, but due to
sanctions, a portion of the funding is taken "off the top."
Thus, the DOT&PF is prevented from spending the diverted
sanctioned funds on other paving or road projects. The net
effect is that some paving projects are prevented and some roads
are not built. However, the state receives some benefit from
the funds, since the funds are used for highway safety projects
through the DOT&PF's HSO.
1:40:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON recalled debate last legislative session
during the child safety seat hearings and a statement that the
state would lose the money if the bill was not passed.
MR. RICHARDS answered that he was unsure if the sanctioned
funding is dollar for dollar when the state does not enact a
particular statute.
MS. CASHEN clarified that the federal funding under question is
another type of federal funding considered to be federal
incentive funds. The federal incentive funding is a one-time
funding for states that pass certain laws. Thus, when the
Congress feels strongly about a safety law, it will offer states
one-time incentives, she stated. Thus, last year Alaska
received one-time incentive funding for passing several bills,
including the child safety and booster seat bill. In further
response to Representative Johnson, she offered that she did not
believe the state would be required to return funding if those
laws were later repealed.
1:42:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether the state is spending
more money on advertising than it otherwise would have, if the
state did not receive federal sanction funding.
MS. CASHEN responded that states are required to have a
strategic media plan in place as a companion to the state's
enforcement plan in order to receive any Highway Safety Funding.
The state would lose almost all of the seven or eight segments
of Highway Safety funding if the state would fail to adopt a
federally-approved media plan.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether the HSO advertises in
order to receive public input on proposed laws the federal
government supports.
MS. CASHEN responded no. The state does not spend funding to
determine what the public's preference for laws are since the
state already obtains that information from surveys created for
that purpose.
1:44:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked for the amount of the federal
sanctioned funds.
MS. CASHEN answered that the state DOT&PF's office receives $5
million in federal funding annually. In further response to
Representative Johansen, she explained that the state will
ultimately receive the funding, but the funding is initially
directed to the HSOs in sanctioned states. Some states Highway
Safety Offices are located within their public safety
departments, or in their Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV)
offices. When sanctioned states receive funding, the Highway
Safety Offices can choose to retain the funding, but often share
the funding with their transportation departments. She
characterized the federal government's action as "sending a
message."
1:46:11 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether the DOT&PF's HSO would
receive the funds if Alaska did not pass the laws.
MS. CASHEN related that Alaska is designated as a sanctioned
state so the federal funding is directed to the Alaska HSO
first. In the event that Alaska passes the recommended federal
government legislation, it would not be considered a sanctioned
state and the $5 million in funding would be directed from the
FWHA to the DOT&PF's Highway Safety Improvement Program instead.
In further response to Representative T. Wilson, she referred to
one-time incentives represent the carrot approach, but the
sanctioned funds represent the stick.
1:47:51 PM
MR. RICHARDS understood that the committee would like to know
the level of funding the state would receive if the state was
not sanctioned, and how much it would lose or be returned to the
state through the sanctioned funds. He offered to provide the
figures to the committee.
1:48:38 PM
MR. RICHARDS discussed other safety projects [slide 12]. He
explained that pedestrian countdown signals are crosswalk
signals that inform pedestrians how much time they have
remaining to cross the street before the traffic signal will
turns green and traffic will flow. These signals have reduced
pedestrian crashes by 25 percent, he said. Nearly 530 signals
have been installed in Fairbanks intersections. The DOT&PF is
currently installing the signals in the Matanuska-Susitna and
Kenai Boroughs.
1:49:17 PM
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Chair Wilson, explained the
countdown mechanism. He related that the countdown signals were
first used in 2004 in Anchorage. He related that Ms. Cashen
also tracks the fatalities in crosswalks and that all three
fatalities at crosswalks involved pedestrians, he stated.
1:50:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON remarked that when the countdown signals
get to five that the drivers speed up. He asked whether the
DOT&PF has studied the effect countdown lights has on driving
habits.
MR. RICHARDS said he was unaware of any specific study, but
offered to ask the traffic safety engineers for information.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON expressed concern that the countdown
signals could cause additional accidents.
MR. RICHARDS agreed to obtain the information for the committee.
CHAIR P. WILSON remarked that the DOT&PF believes the countdown
signals reduce accidents by 25 percent.
MR. RICHARDS agreed the countdown signals reduce accidents by 25
percent.
1:51:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN recalled traffic lights have blinders on
the traffic lights so approaching drivers cannot see when the
light is changing. He suggested blinders could be placed on the
countdown signals.
MR. RICHARDS recalled that the countdown signals have blinders
on them.
1:52:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON recalled problems with snow obscuring
signals in other states that use digital lights that are not hot
enough to melt snow so blowing snow conditions have caused
problems. He asked whether the DOT&PF has experienced similar
problems in Alaska.
MR. RICHARDS referred to the light emitting diode (LED) lighting
that is currently installed in most traffic signals in Alaska.
He was unaware of any issues in Alaska with the specific LED
lighting.
1:54:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked whether the pedestrian countdown
signals are a standard design.
MR. RICHARDS said he did not know. He offered to check, in
particular, as it relates to any countdown signals in Ketchikan.
MR. RICHARDS discussed reflector testing along guardrails, which
have helped warn motorists they are approaching a curve, which
is especially helpful during blowing slow conditions [slide 13].
He highlighted the DOT&PF efforts to install rumble strips on
roadways [slide 14]. In 2000, rumble strips were installed on
main Central Region roads and in 2002, on Northern Region
roadways. Some citizens complained about the noise caused when
vehicles run over the rumble strips. However, other people
advised the DOT&PF that the rumble strips saved their lives
since they were awakened by the noise when their vehicle
wandered when they either fell asleep or were distracted while
driving. The rumble strips have reduced crashes by 22 percent,
he stated. The centerline rumble strips are now being installed
in the HSCs to help prevent head-on collisions.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked for the cost for installation.
MR. RICHARDS recalled that $1.5 million is being spent for
rumble strips in the HSCs.
1:56:35 PM
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Representative Petersen, clarified
that $1.5 million is the cost to install rumble strips on the
centerline for all of the HSCs.
MR. RICHARDS discussed ice damage caused by the Yukon River in
Eagle, a rockslide on Portage Road near the Whittier Tunnel, and
erosion caused by the Matanuska River on the Glenn Highway
[slides 16 - 18]. In the community of Eagle the extensive
damage crumbled buildings and vehicles. The DOT&PF responded
with repairs, including building a temporary road in Eagle.
Mileposts 38 - 39 on the Copper River Highway experienced
flooding, so the DOT&PF raised the embankment and reinforced the
road to prevent further problems [slide 17]. Spring floods
washed out segments of the Nome Teller Road [slide 21]. So, the
DOT&PF repaired the roadway and the road is open between Teller
and Nome.
MR. RICHARDS described the Kuskokwim River at Tulusak events,
which flooded the airport runway and caused damage [slide 20].
The DOT&PF had to reestablish the embankment and resurface the
runway to restore use of the airport runway.
1:59:40 PM
MR. RICHARDS explained a major rock slide, consisting of
approximately 400,000 cubic yards of material, cut off the
community of Whittier from vehicular traffic. The DOT&PF had to
drill and shoot the house-sized boulders and material in order
to remove it, plus perform some preventative work. The DOT&PF
spent about $2.5 million to remove the debris prior to the first
cruise ship travel [slide 22].
MR. RICHARDS described erosion caused by the Matanuska River
that impacted the Glenn Highway. The river destroyed about 20
feet of the roadway within hours. The DOT&PF performed
embankment work to stabilize the road and will continue with its
repairs.
2:01:08 PM
MR. RICHARDS outlined the Maintenance and Operation (M&O) work
[slide 25]. He explained the DOT&PF maintains 15,221 lane miles
and 256 airports, which is about half of the general fund budget
in Alaska. Last year, the legislature provided $11.2 million as
a budget increment in FY 10 for the purpose of snow removal on
sidewalks in Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks, and anti-icing
efforts at rural airports. Additionally, the DOT&PF funding
will be used for safety items such as guardrail, signs, lights,
striping, and markings on roads and airports. He related that
the DOT&PF will report to the Finance committees how the
incremental funding was spent.
2:02:31 PM
MR. RICHARDS detailed the increase in Anchorage street sweeping.
He stated he previously detailed the multi-sector, major impact,
project that will require more personnel to meet the expanded
EPA requirements. This will cost approximately $2.5 million.
2:03:10 PM
MR. RICHARDS recapped the interim work with legislators [slide
26]. The DOT&PF held several House and Senate Transportation
meetings, traveled along the Dalton Highway, and held meetings
in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to discuss
department issues with the committee and public members.
MR. RICHARDS showed several slides from the travel [slides 27 -
28], depicting the Dalton Highway, the weigh station on the
Glenn Highway, and Potter Marsh.
2:04:16 PM
MR. RICHARDS welcomed legislators to travel on the Dalton
Highway.
CHAIR P. WILSON remarked that she enjoyed the trip, including
the trucker, who provided a lot of information.
MR. RICHARDS advised that the trucker has become a national
celebrity. In response to Representative Johansen, he recalled
the animals on the road were marmots.
2:06:05 PM
MR. RICHARDS discussed the DOT&PF successes [slide 29]. He
explained that the DOT&PF leads the nation on the reduction of
fatalities. The fatality rate was reduced by 24 percent between
2006 - 2007, that the DOT&PF accomplished the regular program,
and has obligated 80 percent of ARRA funding. The DOT&PF's
safety and work related injuries were reduced considerably. The
DOT&PF conducted rescue efforts. He concluded his presentation
by pointing out the photograph depicting the M/V Taku's Crew
receiving the U.S. Coast Guard Award [slide 30]. He explained
that a fire occurred on Chatham Strait. The captain and his
crew responded to a distress call, searched for the vessel, and
arrived within 30 minutes. He described the rescue, such that
the conditions were stormy with gale force winds, with two
people overboard in a survival raft. The crew deployed the
rescue boat, pick up the mariners, and were back on the vessel,
having completed the mission within four minutes, he said.
2:08:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether the DOT&PF has researched
the effects of de-icing at Anchorage International Airport and
whether the chemical will be handled differently.
MR. RICHARDS said he was unaware of runoff for sodium glycol
that is used for de-icing but offered to research the matter.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON remarked that it may be an issue for the
critical habitat for the Beluga whales.
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Representative Johnson, offered
that the DOT&PF is in the process of preparing a response with
respect to the airport marketing issues at the International
Airport System.
2:10:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ understood that the DOT&PF recently changed
street de-icing chemicals in Juneau. She asked for the status
on changes and how often sidewalk snow removal occurs.
MR. RICHARDS related that the DOT&PF is using sodium chloride
instead of magnesium chloride. He offered to provide an update
on de-icing as well as a schedule for sidewalk snow removal.
2:11:22 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON remarked that she has noticed the snow removal
on sidewalks in Juneau is vastly improved. She recalled seeing
berms that were four feet high and snow covered sidewalks during
the winter months in prior years.
2:11:53 PM
SENATOR MENARD expressed interest in discussing the airports
since Wasilla and Palmer does not have jet flight service, yet
the population in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough area has
increased to about 89,000.
2:12:09 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON mentioned an airport update will be forthcoming.
2:13:17 PM
MR. RICHARDS understood Senator Menard's request to be that she
would like the DOT&PF to improve the Mat-Su airports for jet
service. He explained that the City of Palmer owns its facility
and the City of Wasilla owns its airport. He offered to work
with the communities to discuss their needs and the costs to
construct the airports.
2:13:49 PM
SENATOR MENARD suggested improvements similar to the Merrill
Field in Anchorage.
MR. RICHARDS related that one of the key ingredients to
expanding the airport is to have a carrier interested in
providing the service, which would also provide an incentive.
SENATOR MENARD understood some carriers are interested in
serving the areas.
2:14:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG remarked that he has toured the Dalton
Highway during the summer. He suggested that the DOT&PF
consider expanding tours for winter, so the legislature could
see the road during the toughest time of the year.
MR. RICHARDS offered to provide that coordination.
2:16:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked for an explanation of how the
REDDI program would operate.
MS. CASHEN explained how the REDDI program would work. She
described a scenario in which a driver along the Seward Highway
would dial 911 and obtain a dispatcher. The location would
depend on the driver's location at the time of the call.
Depending on the time of day and the driver's location would
determine whether the dispatcher would contact local law
enforcement or the AST. The law enforcement has an agreement
with the dispatcher as to hours and geographic areas of
responsibility.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether the law enforcement would
officer need to see the behavior or could cite based on the
call.
MS. CASHEN responded that she did not know.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether any other states have
similar programs.
MS. CASHEN answered yes, that many other states have similar
programs and Alaska used to have one. The Alaska program was
not enforced because the AST did not have enough troopers to
enforce the law. However, Alaska is requesting to reinstate
this program because the BHP and local law enforcement have more
officers to respond. She remarked that instead of the REDDI
program referring to Report Every Drunk Driver, the program is
now called Report Every Dangerous Driver to cover all types of
behavior.
2:19:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG asked for the DOT&PF legislative
priorities.
MR. RICHARDS answered that the legislature priorities are the
Governor's current legislative requests and monitoring the
impact on the DOT&PF for any bills that pass the legislature.
The DOT&PF also works to improve its service through the
budgetary review and enhancing the DOT&PF's construction program
through the federal Jobs for Main Street bill or the regular
state and federal program.
MR. RICHARDS, in response to Representative Gruenberg, answered
that he was unaware of any new DOT&PF priorities or legislative
requests.
2:21:24 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the joint
House and Senate Transportation Standing Committees meeting was
adjourned at 2:21 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|