03/18/2010 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB226 | |
| HB261 | |
| HB262 | |
| HB257 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 226 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 261 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 262 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 257 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 18, 2010
1:07 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Peggy Wilson, Chair
Representative Kyle Johansen
Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz
Representative Tammie Wilson
Representative Max Gruenberg
Representative Pete Petersen
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Craig Johnson, Vice Chair
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 226
"An Act renaming Seldon Road and that portion of Bogard Road
that extends between Palmer and Meadow Lakes, as Veterans' Way."
- MOVED CSHB 226(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 261
"An Act requiring the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities to publish on the department's Internet website
reports regarding contracts awarded for transportation
projects."
- MOVED CSHB 261(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 262
"An Act establishing the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness
Month."
- MOVED CSHB 262(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 257
"An Act relating to prohibiting the use of cellular telephones
when driving a motor vehicle; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED CSHB 257(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 226
SHORT TITLE: NAMING VETERANS' WAY IN MAT-SU
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KELLER
04/10/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/10/09 (H) TRA, FIN
03/18/10 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 261
SHORT TITLE: TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DISCLOSURES
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KELLER
01/08/10 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/10
01/19/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/10 (H) TRA, FIN
03/18/10 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 262
SHORT TITLE: MOTORCYCLE/SCOOTER AWARENESS MONTH
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) KELLER, HERRON, PETERSEN, LYNN,
SEATON
01/08/10 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/10
01/19/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/10 (H) TRA
03/18/10 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: HB 257
SHORT TITLE: BAN CELL PHONE USE WHEN DRIVING
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) DOOGAN, BUCH
01/08/10 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/10
01/19/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/19/10 (H) TRA, JUD
01/25/10 (H) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER JUD
02/16/10 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
02/16/10 (H) Heard & Held
02/16/10 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
02/23/10 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
02/23/10 (H) Heard & Held
02/23/10 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
03/16/10 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
03/16/10 (H) Scheduled But Not Heard
03/18/10 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE WES KELLER
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as prime sponsor of HB 226, HB
261, and HB 262.
MARY SIROKY, Legislative Liaison
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified and answered questions during the
discussion of HB 226, HB 261, and HB 262.
DALLAS MASSIE
American Legion Post 35
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 226.
ROBERT J. BRYANT
Valley Veterans Council
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 226.
NOEL WOODS
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 226.
JEAN WOODS
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 226.
YUKON DON TANNER
Talkeetna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of HB 226.
JEROME CRANDALL
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 226.
JIM POUND, Staff
Representative Wes Keller
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 261 and HB 262 on behalf of
Representative Wes Keller.
DAN MCCRUMMEN
Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education (ABATE)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 262.
BOYD MCPHIEL, Legislative Affairs Coordinator
Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education (ABATE)
Anchorage Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 262.
CHARLES BOYLE, Staff
Representative Mike Doogan
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on behalf of the prime sponsor
during the discussion of HB 257.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:07:03 PM
CHAIR PEGGY WILSON called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:07 p.m. Representatives P.
Wilson, Johansen, Munoz, Gruenberg, T. Wilson, and Petersen were
present at the call to order.
1:07:05 PM
HB 226-NAMING VETERANS' WAY IN MAT-SU
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the first order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 226, "An Act renaming Seldon Road and that
portion of Bogard Road that extends between Palmer and Meadow
Lakes, as Veterans' Way."
1:08:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WES KELLER, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, stated that HB 226 offers an opportunity to honor
veterans by naming a thoroughfare Veterans' Way.
1:09:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ moved to adopt the proposed committee
substitute for HB 226, labeled 26-LS0830\S, Kane, 2/22/10, as
the working document. There being no objection, Version S was
before the committee.
1:09:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER stated that he is proud of the military.
He remarked that veterans have sacrificed for our country and he
thought it was fitting to rename a portion of a roadway
"Veterans' Way." The expansion of the valley projects resulted
in an east to west roadway with three different names, which is
confusing to residents and motorists. The road is called Bogard
Road, Seldon Road, and East Colony School Road. He referred to
a map in members' packets with the Parks Highway highlighted in
orange, depicting the Parks Highway on the south and connects to
the Glenn Highway. The Parks highway continues through Wasilla,
with a cutoff that connects to Glenallen, and north to Houston
and to points beyond. He referred to the Wasilla-Palmer Highway
and remarked that it can currently take motorists a half hour to
traverse the seven mile portion of the roadway. He related that
the Bogard Road project when completed will connect to the Glenn
Highway and will become the proposed Veterans' Way. The map in
members' packets, which is highlighted in pink, starting from
the left, indicates Trunk Road, Seward Meridian Highway, Lucille
Road, and Church Roads. While the project is not yet completed,
the final road will become a major thoroughfare. He recently
visited businesses along the area and people were enthusiastic
about the name change. He did not receive any negative comments
on renaming the road. He explained that the proposed committee
substitute, Version S, would help clarify the physical
description of the proposed roadway since a portion of Bogard
Road that is not intended to be renamed was inadvertently
included in the bill.
1:13:30 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON related her understanding that the pink lines
depicted on the map are not current thoroughfares.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER answered that Trunk Road is an historical
road, but the road is currently a winding and narrow road. He
explained that Seward Meridian connects to Bogard Road, which is
projected to connect to the proposed Veterans' Way. Lucille and
Church Roads both connect to the proposed Veterans' Way. In
further response to Chair P. Wilson, he agreed that the proposed
Veterans' Way is depicted in green on the map in members'
packets.
1:14:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ pointed out a portion of Bogard Road will
continue to be named Bogard Road, but she noticed that Seldon
Road is replaced. She related that sometimes changing a name
can cause problems since the families may object.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER agreed. He stated that Seldon Road was
named in the last five years and the road was named after a
novel.
1:15:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether it is confusing to name a
portion of the road.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER explained that renaming the road would
actually resolve the confusion. He stated that the road name
changes from East Colony Way to Bogard Road to Seldon Road.
This entire stretch is proposed to be named Veterans' Way. He
maintained it is very confusing to motorists now. Additionally,
describing driving instructions to people can be quite
challenging, he stated.
1:16:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN asked whether part of the road will
continue to be Bogard Road.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER explained that the bill would rename the
east to west portion of Bogard Road, but the existing Bogard
Road between Valley Country Store at the intersection of East
Grumman Circle to Main Street to Wasilla Main Street will remain
Bogard Road.
1:18:03 PM
MARY SIROKY, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF),
explained that the DOT&PF does not have any issue with renaming
the road and views it as a policy call. She referred to the
DOT&PF fiscal note and attached plan for signage along the
proposed Veterans' Way. The total cost for the 88 signs is
anticipated to be $32,000. She reminded members that both
directions need signage at intersections. Since this is
designated as an historic road, some additional brown signs will
indicate the historic highway.
1:20:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked whether the signs will be
manufactured by the DOT&PF. He inquired as to whether the
DOT&PF is manufacturing all its signs.
MS. SIROKY related that the DOT&PF has the capability to produce
signs and by producing the signs in-house will save $15,000.
MS. SIROKY, in response to Representative Johansen, explained
the she has not been to the sign shop but understood the DOT&PF
buys the steel and has the ability to do lettering. In further
response to Representative Johansen, she stated that she was not
certain how long the DOT&PF has been making signs, but related
that it is not a new activity.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN recalled asking whether DOT&PF could
make signs last year. He recalled the fiscal note for signs for
the Joe C. Williams Coastal Trail in Ketchikan, which were
expensive. He expressed concern about the department's
inconsistency.
1:22:06 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON asked who actually makes the in-house signs.
MS. SIROKY answered that she was unsure. She also offered to
review the fiscal note and to research Representative Johansen's
concern.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked who decides whether the signs will
be made internally or by the private sector. He would like to
know who makes the decision on which signs will be contracted
out.
MS. SIROKY recalled that the DOT&PF's staff prepared the cost
estimates and she listed the one that was less costly.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN remarked that the $15,000 in savings can
add up.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked whether the 88 signs currently
being used would be recycled.
MS. SIROKY offered to find out.
1:25:01 PM
DALLAS MASSIE, American Legion Post 35, stated that his
grandfather obtained his citizenship by serving during World War
I. Additionally, his wife's grandfather also served in World
War I. Both fathers served in World War II in the Pacific
Theatre. He is a Vietnam era veteran and his oldest son is a
veteran of the First Gulf War. He testified in support of
HB 226 and urged members to support the bill.
ROBERT J. BRYANT, Valley Veterans Council, stated that he served
in both Gulf Wars. He supported HB 226 and related this would
be a wonderful way to honor all veterans.
NOEL WOODS stated that he has been a 65-year resident of the
Matanuska-Susitna Valley and is a Korean War veteran. He said,
"Go ahead with this. It sounds great."
JEAN WOODS stated that she wears a "gold star" and a "blue star"
because she has veterans in her family. She related that her
two sons have served their country. This good way to honor
veterans who keep us "the land of the free, because of the
brave," she said.
YUKON DON TANNER explained that he has been in Alaska since 1959
and served his country from 1969-1972, then came to the
Matanuska-Susitna Valley. His two sons are navy veterans that
also reside in the Matanuska-Susitna valley. He explained that
the idea to rename the road came from Mat-Su Borough
Transportation Committee. The committee's mission was to
prioritize how to dovetail future projects with existing
projects. The Bogard Extension became Colony Way one direction
and Seldon Road and Seldon Extension in the other direction.
During the planning period he suggested the road should be named
Veterans' Way. About a year and a half ago a group of veterans
approached Representative Keller to introduce the bill. He
urged members to pass HB 226.
1:29:37 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG remarked that only two navy veterans
involved with the legislature are both present in this room.
MR. TANNER said he appreciated the members' service.
JEROME CRANDALL, Wasilla, Alaska, stated that he supports
HB 226. He related that he is a veteran of the foreign wars and
served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He said is in favor of the
testimony today. He urged members to pass the bill to honor
veterans.
CHAIR P. WILSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 226.
1:31:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG moved to report the proposed committee
substitute for HB 226, labeled 26-LS0830\S, Kane, 2/22/10, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note. There being no objection,
CSHB 226(TRA) was reported from the House Transportation
Standing Committee.
HB 261-TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DISCLOSURES
1:31:56 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 261, "An Act requiring the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities to publish on the
department's Internet website reports regarding contracts
awarded for transportation projects."
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ moved to adopt the proposed committee
substitute (CS) for HB 261, labeled 26-LS1129\R, Kane, 3/17/10,
as the working document. There being no objection, Version R
was before the committee.
1:32:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked staff to present the bill.
JIM POUND, Staff, Representative Wes Keller, Alaska State
Legislature, explained that HB 261 would consolidate information
on DOT&PF's website to provide some details on projects. He
explained that initially the sponsor wanted all of the
information on projects posted to the website. However, much of
the information is technical information, which is of little
interest to the public. The proposed committee substitute,
Version R, provides a list of the information that will be
posted that is of interest to people. He characterized Version
R as a collaborative effort between the DOT&PF and the bill
sponsor.
1:34:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG suggested that several of
Representative Keller's bills should be combined into a single
bill.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER explained that the bills are two different
bills, with one directed at DOT&PF to make information
accessible, and the other about the DOT&PF structure. He added
that the DOT&PF has been very cooperative in working on HB 261
and has actually started to implement the process of posting
project information to its website. This bill would direct the
DOT&PF to enhance that process.
1:35:35 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG recalled that he did not track the
differences between the two versions of the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER explained that the original bill asked for
complex information, including technical specifications and all
subcontractors involved in the construction project. He
explained that the specific information of interest to the
public would provide such items as the status of a project and a
timeline with percentage of project completion.
1:36:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ referred to page 2, line 2, of Version R
and to the expenditures in subparagraph (E). She asked if the
reporting requirement would be onerous for the department.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER explained the DOT&PF requested that the
updates to the website be made on their normal update schedule,
which was satisfactory to him.
1:37:09 PM
MARY SIROKY, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF),
explained the DOT&PF shares the goal with the bill sponsor to
have information easily accessible to the public. One issue
that needed to be addressed was the project status after funding
is appropriated, but before the "shovel" or piece of equipment
moves. The environmental authorization and utility, right-of-
way, and design phases can take years. The DOT&PF likes to
provide the information to the public in a well thought out
manner. The DOT&PF currently lists the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) project information on its
website, but the DOT&PF project information is limited to the
construction costs so the information would not contain pre-
construction details. She reiterated that the DOT&PF desires to
provide the information and hoped it will be helpful to
constituents and to the legislature.
1:39:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN referred to page 2, line 4 of
subparagraph (F), which read, "future funding needed to complete
the project;" which he said can be "a moving target." He asked
whether that would be difficult to accurately fulfill.
MS. SIROKY answered that the DOT&PF should be able to identify
the funding. She explained that usually a funding obstacle
means reducing the scope of the project. This subparagraph
should allow the DOT&PF to identify the additional cost. She
did not think it would be onerous. She related the DOT&PF
should be able to pull some information from its current
databases. She acknowledged that project descriptions will
require staff to write "in plain English" and not in "engineer-
speak." She explained that some tasks cannot be automated, but
the DOT&PF believes this process is important. Additionally,
the DOT&PF is would like create a timeline so people can get an
idea of the percentage of the project completed in relation to
the overall project.
1:41:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked if the work is done in-house,
whether this would include the costs of the environmental stage.
MS. SIROKY stated that the DOT&PF will develop a project website
after the bill and capital budget is passed and funding is
appropriated. In further response to Representative T. Wilson,
she also explained the DOT&PF would identify the expenditures
and update the website every six months. The website would show
the expenditures incurred internally but would not list the man-
hours, she stated.
MS. SIROKY, in response to T. Wilson, explained that the DOT&PF
would identify the prime contractor, but would not provide
information on contracts prior to construction; so it will not
cover survey, utility, or environmental (EIS) costs. This bill
would identify contractor costs beginning with the construction
phase, she stated.
1:44:32 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON asked whether costs would be broken down for
right-of-way permitting and design.
MS. SIROKY clarified that the timeline would identify when the
project is in the EIS phase and if that phase lasts two years,
the "bar would move every six months." However, the website
will not identify a list of contractors and if the phase since
only the prime contractor would be listed once the project moves
to the construction phase.
1:45:29 PM
MS. SIROKY, in response to Representative Petersen, stated that
the information will not speak to the actual road conditions.
The DOT&PF will independently update the DOT&PF's "511 system"
with a new road traffic awareness system that will provide
information such as "This road is closed."
1:46:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG recalled that the state of Utah
received numerous awards and one of two states to receive an "A"
rating since they provided good information to the public. He
thinks this bill is good step in the right direction. He asked
whether the list in the bill should be published by regulation,
to avoid coming to the legislature each time something changes.
He further asked whether the bill should have the flexibility to
allow the DOT&PF to publish regulations.
MS. SIROKY stated that the DOT&PF has the authority to do
provide future information. The DOT&PF did not believe that
writing regulations would be beneficial. The DOT&PF is not
seeking others to comply, just to act as an agency to provide
additional information to the public.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG suggested that the name of a
contracting company should also list a contact number and the
name of the person at the DOT&PF should be listed, along with
their contact information.
1:49:33 PM
MS. SIROKY stated that the DOT&PF always provides contact
information and she anticipated the name and contact number for
the DOT&PF person would be listed on the website. She expressed
concern in terms of listing a phone and e-mail for a
construction contractor, since that person may not want to field
public comments.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG suggested including that the
information for a contractor would likely be in the phone book.
MS. SIROKY related that it would not be a problem to have
contractor information available, but she suggested that it be
nested in the DOT&PF's database instead of manually added.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG said he did not want to hold the bill
up, but thought the public might appreciate the information.
MS. SIROKY agreed the DOT&PF could include any information can
be easily "pulled" into the database.
1:51:26 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON remarked that contractors may not want people
calling them while they are in the midst of working on a
project.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG suggested the DOT&PF consider the
concept, with a human contact. He thought it may reduce the
public's frustration.
1:52:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN referred to page 1, line 10-11, of
HB 261 to the information to be reported. He related his
understanding that the DOT&PF undergoes a long process on
projects. Projects are reviewed during the Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) process and are
nominated by communities. He stated that the legislature has to
approve every appropriation included in the capital budget. He
pointed out the list of items in the bill is information already
compiled by the department. He further stated that he does not
have any problem with HB 261, but objects to the amount of money
DOT&PF says they need to accomplish the website enhancements as
reflected in the fiscal note. He said he does not want hold the
bill up.
MS. SIROKY responded that the fiscal note was written to reflect
the requirements in the original version of the bill. That
version of the bill had the DOT&PF collecting information not
readily available in its databases. The extensive information
requested included details for all contracts, planning, design,
and historical information.
1:56:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked for the reason that the bill even
has a fiscal note.
MS. SIROKY explained that the administration's policy is to
prepare a fiscal note on bills for the first committee of
referral and to update the fiscal note once a committee
substitute has been adopted and passes out of the committee.
CHAIR P. WILSON asked whether she could project the DOT&PF's
needs to accomplish the website enhancements.
MS. SIROKY answered that the DOT&PF would likely need one person
and some initial consulting costs for the first year. She
related that the DOT&PF has not done any fiscal note projections
yet.
CHAIR P. WILSON agreed most of the information is compiled.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN expressed frustration that the committee
does not know the fiscal impact. He thought the policy slows
down the process, noting that members must decide matters
without having the full impact. He expressed his frustration
with the administration's policy.
1:59:06 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON recalled that the DOT&PF retains a certain
amount of administrative costs and asked whether this bill would
increase the administrative project costs.
MS. SIROKY answered no. She stated that the fiscal note will
reflect funding for one additional person in the department.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG agreed with Representative Johansen
that he shared the concern on the fiscal note.
2:00:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked what information is not currently
provided.
MS. SIROKY offered that initially, the DOT&PF would create the
project schedule and geographic location at the beginning of the
project. The DOT&PF would expand on the project's description
and project status, pull information from other databases on any
appropriations or expenditures. The DOT&PF would also calculate
anticipated future funding and determine and input the project
phase. The DOT&PF would pull information from the Department of
Labor & Workforce Development's (DLWD) database to identify the
prime contractor.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON suggested that she does not think the
planned information provides enough project information, since
it only identifies the contractor. She offered that the bill
appears to provide transparency. She expressed concern that all
the steps are not listed, including the environmental, right-of-
way, and surveying costs that the public should be able to
access. She asked if the reason for limiting the details was
due to the cost of providing the details.
2:02:57 PM
MS. SIROKY agreed since that type of detail would require a
significant amount of manpower. Some work is performed in-
house. The DOT&PF looked at the construction contract as the
place that people may be most interested. The DOT&PF reviewed
the aspects of the construction process to identify the
information people may be interested in, such as who a person
would contact for a job.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON related her understanding that this
bill is not really about providing information to the public,
but is another way for the DLWD to find people to employ in the
private sector.
MS. SIROKY reiterated the DOT&PF's interest in providing wide-
ranging information to the public. She offered that if the
legislature wants more information provided the DOT&PF's
interest is to do so. This bill, Version R, represents the
easiest way to provide information on projects on a regular
basis.
CHAIR P. WILSON imagined that the DOT&PF has a project manager
on projects who tracks the expenditures and timetables. She
related she is having difficulty understanding why all the
information is not currently contained in one place and the
necessity to contact numerous people to obtain it.
MS. SIROKY related her understanding that the DOT&PF can provide
the expenditures, but could not easily identify the individual
subcontractor's expenses. She offered to meet with the data
processing staff. She explained that the DOT&PF reviewed with
Representative Keller the items the public is most interested
in, not to track the project's expenditures each step of the
way.
2:07:03 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON recapped her understanding that the DOT&PF has
different data bases for right-of-way, permitting, and
environmental processes until it comes together at the
construction phase as a project.
2:07:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON maintained that the project manager
should have the information compiled.
MS. SIROKY offered that the DOT&PF has a design team for some
projects, while other projects are handled in a more streamlined
manner. She offered to hold more discussions and provide the
information.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER appreciated the questions. He offered his
intent to stay at the "100,000 foot level", but not to hold the
DOT&PF accountable for detailed expenditures. He acknowledged
the diversity of the information and related the right-of-way
procurement may be the biggest cost associated with the project.
He explained that posting this information becomes complex. He
said that he began the project at the same level as
Representative T. Wilson indicated, in terms of wanting details
posted. Ultimately, he decided that people could view a map of
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, could click on "Trunk Road," and find
out when a project was initiated, the budgeted amount, and the
projected costs. He related that the website would contain the
basics to describe "the big picture." He noted that some
numbers are continually changing, such as procurement costs.
Property values change from the initiation of a project until
the surveying and right-of-way is completed. He explained that
it can become complicated since so many issues are involved.
Therefore, he said he asked the DOT&PF to keep it simple. The
goal is not to track expenditures for a project, but just to
provide some basic construction information on projects.
2:11:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN asked whether it is possible to write a
program that automatically updates information to avoid manual
posting.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER stated that it is complex since the
information is not all available on one screen.
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN thought perhaps the technology is
available to do so and perhaps investing more initially later
may result in cost reductions to the overall website.
CHAIR P. WILSON remarked that state government is "pathetic with
this type of thing". Initially, a database program may be a
good program, but as technology advances, programming is
necessary and the cost to access information is unbelievable.
She recalled similar circumstances in the Department of Health
and Social Services system.
2:13:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked whether the "big picture" is
currently available on the DOT&PF's website.
MS. SIROKY answered that not all projects are listed. In
further response to Representative Munoz, she explained that the
DOT&PF provides information on its website on some high profile
projects. She related her understanding that the goal of HB 261
is for the DOT&PF to provide a webpage for every construction
project that receives an appropriation.
2:14:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ recalled the stimulus monies the state
recently received. She applauded the DOT&PF's efforts to
acquire the funds and manage the projects.
MS. SIROKY, in response to Representative Munoz, offered that
the DOT&PF hopes to provide "good solid information" to the
public, which she thought would ultimately reduce the DOT&PF's
workload. The DOT&PF would like the public to be able to access
the information on the website rather than for them to call the
office or the engineer to obtain the information.
MS. SIROKY, in response to Representative T. Wilson, offered to
discuss the scope of information to provide to the public. She
pointed out that until the pre-construction phase is completed
that the contractor's name would not be listed. She related
that the contractor information would be available once the bid
is awarded and the department could look at the cost of posting
certain "big chunks" of information.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON thought providing the information "in
chunks" could be a great tool, but she would not want the
department to spend a lot of money compiling the information.
2:18:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked whether the DOT&PF has a public
information officer on staff.
MS. SIROKY answered yes.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked how the DOT&PF would track $30
million designated for a road without a single appropriation
source and the allocation.
MS. SIROKY referred to page 1, line 14 to subparagraph (D),
which would identify the fund sources of the appropriation.
Thus, a fund source would be listed by project. In further
response to Representative Johansen, she related that the
specific project would identify the fund source. She did not
envision that this project would list all fund source changes.
In order for a person to track the changes he/she would need to
know the initial source of funding, but this bill would identify
any funding source that changed on specific projects.
2:22:57 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON recalled a project that began as the "Alaska BC
line" but stalled during the process. She asked whether such a
project would be listed on the website.
MS. SIROKY related that this bill would identify projects from
the effective date forward, but in the instance a project was in
the limbo phase that a balance would be associated with the
project. She anticipated that if the funding was used for
something else, the funds would decrease.
CHAIR P. WILSON asked whether it would show the funding shifted
to another project.
MS. SIROKY offered that this process has not been thought
through yet, but it seemed reasonable to assume that
reappropriation funds would identify the projects. She was not
certain how that would be handled.
2:24:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN referred to page 1, line 6, which read,
"When an appropriation has been made to the department for a
transportation project..." He remarked that the DOT&PF has
large amounts of authorizations for projects so he was unsure if
the legislature is going to gain more information in this
process.
MS. SIROKY, in response to a question, related that the bill is
triggered by an appropriation, not an authorization. In further
response to Chair Wilson, said she was not sure the DOT&PF would
handle internal preliminary design work performed for projects
that it contemplates.
2:29:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN referred to allocations in the state's
Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) and asked whether the
legislature would be able to identify projects that have been in
the planning phase for five years, but never quite get built.
MS. SIROKY hoped this process would identify the information
taken during those five years in the planning phase.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN said he supports the concept for HB 261.
2:31:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked about road service area funding.
MS. SIROKY said she was unfamiliar with the road service area
funds.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked if district funds were allocated
to road service areas whether the funds would be tracked.
MS. SIROKY asked whether the funds would be part of the state's
CIB or if the funds are appropriated not by the DOT&PF but
through Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic
Development grants.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON said she was unsure, but said she would
check.
2:32:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ move moved to report the proposed committee
substitute (CS) for HB 261, labeled Version R, 26-LS1129\R,
Kane, 3/17/10, out of committee with individual recommendations
and the accompanying fiscal notes.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON objected. She commented that she is
interested information on how projects are tracked.
MS. SIROKY agreed that she would provide the information no
matter what happens to this bill.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON removed her objection.
2:33:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN objected. He remarked that he would
like to have someone in DOT&PF check into computer program and
modern technology to reduce the manpower needed to provide the
website information.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG remarked that he is interested in
having contact information provided on the DOT&PF website.
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN removed his objection.
There being no further objections, the CSHB 261(TRA) was
reported from the House Transportation Standing Committee.
HB 262-MOTORCYCLE/SCOOTER AWARENESS MONTH
2:34:08 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the next order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 262, "An Act establishing the month of May as
Motorcycle Awareness Month."
2:34:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE WES KELLER, Alaska State Legislature, asked his
staff to present HB 262.
JIM POUND, Staff, Representative Wes Keller, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Wes Keller, prime
sponsor of HB 262, explained that HB 262 would make the month of
May motorcycle awareness month. He related that many states
have adopted the month of May as motorcycle awareness month,
primarily since it the month when motorcycles begin the use
roadways. It is an awareness campaign aimed as a reminder for
automobile and truck drivers to use extra caution. It also has
to do with establishing an annual advertising campaign for
heightened awareness.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG offered that he is a strong supporter
of the bill. He said he is also a motor scooter fan. He
related that visibility is a problem for motorcycles and also
for motor scooters and asked if the sponsor would object to
expanding the bill to include motor scooters.
MR. POUND said the sponsor would not object.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN stated that he supports the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE KELLER, in response to Representative Johansen
stated that he came to the state on a Harley Davidson
motorcycle.
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN offered his strong support for HB 262.
He thought he had asked to cosponsor the bill. He stated that
his brother is a motorcycle rider. He has also lost several
friends to motorcycle accidents so he is interested in the
safety aspects of HB 262. It is important to make people aware
that motorcycles are back on the road.
2:38:48 PM
MR. POUND, in response to Representative T. Wilson, explained
that considerable funding for motorcycle safety is federal
funding provided to the Alaska Highway Safety Office (AHSO). He
explained that the motorcycle safety courses and the "Learn to
Ride" program are provided from the same funds. In further
response to Representative T. Wilson, he said he was not sure of
the amount of money.
2:39:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ offered her support for HB 262. She
learned through this bill process that Juneau has the highest
per capita motorcycle ownership in the country. She related
that one issue the motorcycle drivers expressed concern about
was the mandatory headlight law, which may be harmful to
motorcycles since motorcyclists currently use headlights. Their
concern is "they may be lost in a sea of lights" if a mandatory
requirement for headlights passed; that motorists may not notice
the motorcycles.
MR. POUND pointed out that most new motorcycles have an
automatic headlights ignition switch. He tended to agree that
the vehicles that motorcycles tend to disappear a little more.
He stated that he cannot argue with the importance to have
automobiles visible as well.
2:41:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG made a motion to adopt Conceptual
Amendment 1. He stated that in every place motorcycle appears
in the bill, including lines 1, 4, 5, 8, and 9 to add the phrase
"motor scooter". There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment
1 was adopted.
2:42:38 PM
DAN MCCRUMMEN, Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education
(ABATE), stated that ABATE, consists of about 90 members who
provide training to promote safe driving. He pointed out that
nationwide May is awareness month. In Alaska, the ABATE
organization promotes safe motorcycling and to reminds drivers
motorcycles are on the roadway. He urged members to pass HB
262.
2:43:38 PM
BOYD MCPHIEL, Legislative Affairs Coordinator, Alaska Bikers
Advocating Training and Education (ABATE), urged the committee
to pass the bill. He has worked for 20 years on proclamations
to raise awareness to vehicles that motorcycles are on the road
in greater numbers. He supported adding motor scooters since
they do apply. He invited Representative Gruenberg and other
members to partake in one of the rider education courses ABATE
sponsors.
2:45:36 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON, after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 262.
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN moved to report CSHB 262(TRA) out of
committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying
fiscal note. There being no objection, CSHB 262(TRA) was
reported from the House Transportation Standing Committee.
2:46:35 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 2:46 p.m. to 2:47 p.m.
2:47:21 PM
HB 257-BAN CELL PHONE USE WHEN DRIVING
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 257, "An Act relating to prohibiting the use
of cellular telephones when driving a motor vehicle; and
providing for an effective date."
2:47:57 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON explained that HB 257 has had two prior hearings
and four amendments have previously been adopted. Amendment 1
changed the bill to apply only to hand-held devices. Amendment
2 added an effective date clause. Amendment 3 defined emergency
use and Amendment 4 made use of a cell phone while driving a
vehicle a secondary offense. Members previously asked for time
to review the studies in members' packets.
2:48:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ moved to adopt the proposed committee
substitute (CS) for HB 257, labeled 26-LS1104\S, Luckhaupt,
3/18/10 as the working document.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
2:49:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG noted that Amendment 2 deleted the
effective date. He referred to the language for Amendment 2,
labeled, 26-LS 1104\E.2, Luckhaupt, 2/19/10, which read:
Page 1, line 2:
Delete "; and providing for an effective date"
Page 1, line 13:
Delete all material.
2:49:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON related that one of the prior questions
asked how many cell phones are currently used by the DOT&PF and
the impact this bill would have on the department. She noted
that the fiscal note does not show the fiscal effect on
government.
CHARLES BOYLE, Staff, Representative Mike Doogan, Alaska State
Legislature, stated that the bill has a zero fiscal note from
the Department of Law, which is the only fiscal note received on
the bill.
2:50:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked for the impact and the frequency
of use that cell phones are used in vehicles on a daily basis.
She further asked if the phones would not be used any longer
what kind of impact it would have on the DOT&PF.
MR. BOYLE explained that with the hands-free provision in the
bill, people can use cell phones while driving, but would need a
hands-free device to do so.
2:51:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked whether the trucking industry
supports the bill with the hands-free provision that was added
to the bill.
MR. BOYLE stated that he has not spoken to the trucking industry
since the last amendment to the bill was passed. He offered his
belief that they just wanted to be able to cell phones and the
hands-free exception would allow cell phone use. He stated that
many companies are moving towards a ban on personal cell phone
use.
2:51:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON asked for the reason that existing
statutes on distraction do not cover these types of things.
MR. BOYLE offered since HB 257 designates cell phone use as a
secondary offense, that police officers would not stop
individuals for cell phone use. In the event that a driver
commits a primary offense, such as runs a red light while
talking on a cell phone, the person could be cited. He stated
that the bill is more specific to distraction for cell phone
use.
2:52:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked whether the typical communication on
the "Haul Road" is by cell phone.
MR. BOYLE recalled the Alaska Trucking Association previously
indicated that truck drivers usually use radios since the cell
phone reception is "spotty" on the "Haul Road."
2:52:41 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked for clarification on the fiscal
note.
MR. BOYLE responded that the only fiscal note is a zero fiscal
note from the Department of Law.
2:53:08 PM
CHAIR P. WILSON stated that she would like to pass this bill
out. She offered to hold it to check on a DOT&PF fiscal note.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG pointed out that the bill has a
referral to the House Judiciary Standing Committee. He offered
to ensure that the fiscal note from the DOT&PF would be
considered.
2:53:58 PM
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN expressed concern that a citizen's band
(CB) radio might be defined as a cell phone. He recalled the
Alaska Trucking Association suggested excluding "push to talk"
radios, which are often used in areas such as the Dalton Highway
since that area does not have cell phone towers. Perhaps the
next committee of referral could consider this.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG agreed.
2:54:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON offered that she does not feel
comfortable without knowing the facts. She stated she would
like to know the impact on government. She offered her belief
that the bill impacts government.
CHAIR P. WILSON related that if a fiscal note is added to the
bill that it would automatically have a referral to the House
Finance Committee.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON said she thought the committee should
look at the bill "as a whole."
CHAIR P. WILSON stated that she believes that the House
Transportation Standing Committee is a policy committee. While
the committee does look at the fiscal impact, the primary
emphasis is on policy. She indicated her intent to move the
bill.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON suggested that this is a policy call
since the bill would affect not only the fiscal impact, but
communication throughout the agencies that currently use cell
phones.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN said he thought that the jurisdiction on
the fiscal note is the House Finance Committee as well as the
House Judiciary Standing Committee, since the courts fall under
its purview. He said he felt comfortable moving the bill out of
committee. He asked about the comments made about the Alaska
Trucking Association. He asked whether the comments were based
on testimony.
CHAIR P. WILSON commented that members should have a letter in
their packet.
REPRESENTATIVE PETERSEN related that he is not representing the
Alaska Trucking Association. He recalled receiving a memo from
the organization so he brought their comments to the attention
of the committee.
2:58:00 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG, in response to Chair Wilson, related
that the memo referred to was from Aves Thompson, Alaska
Trucking Association to Cindy Cashen, Alaska Highway Safety
Office (AHSO). He reiterated their suggestion that perhaps
language on a "push to talk" device could clarify the allowable
use of such devices, especially along the Dalton Highway. He
offered to bring the matter to the attention of the House
Judiciary Standing Committee since he is a member of the
committee.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN, in response to Representative
Gruenberg, explained that he relies on the committee process to
provide the fiscal impact. He maintained that if a bill has a
fiscal impact to an agency, the bill will receive a House
Finance Committee referral. He pointed out that the process
works.
2:59:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG offered to work with the sponsor and
Mr. Thompson on the bill.
2:59:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON removed her objection.
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ moved to report the proposed committee
substitute (CS) HB 257 labeled 26-LS1104\S out of committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note from
the Department of Law.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON objected. She said she believed that
there are laws on distraction. This is just another way
government intrudes and will not result in any safer drivers.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG related that to "deal with the
infraction for distraction" requires proof of distraction. This
bill would make it against the law to use the hand held cell
phone and will not require proof to show the person was
distracted. He related it is very difficult to prove
distraction and HB 257 would make it clear that it is against
the state's policy while using a hand held phone. He said he
hoped the committee would move the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON maintained her objection. She stated
that she read all of the information presented on states with
bans on cell phones. She said she was not convinced people
would be safer if the bill passed.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN supported moving the bill along although
he did not support the bill's concept.
3:03:07 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Johansen, Munoz,
Petersen, Gruenberg, and P. Wilson voted in favor of reporting
HB 257, labeled 26-LS1104\S, Luckhaupt, 3/18/10 from committee.
Representatives T. Wilson voted against it.
Therefore, CSHB 257(TRA) was reported out of the House
Transportation Standing Committee by a vote of 5-1.
CHAIR P. WILSON announced that the CSHB 257(TRA) was reported
out of the House Transportation Standing Committee.
3:04:25 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 3:04
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| hb 261 sponsor stmt.pdf |
HTRA 3/18/2010 1:00:00 PM |
HB 261 |
| HB 262 sponsor stmt.pdf |
HTRA 3/18/2010 1:00:00 PM |
HB 262 |
| HB226 sponsor Stmt.pdf |
HTRA 3/18/2010 1:00:00 PM |
HB 226 |
| HB226 Backup.pdf |
HTRA 3/18/2010 1:00:00 PM |
HB 226 |
| HB262 Backup.pdf |
HTRA 3/18/2010 1:00:00 PM |
HB 262 |
| HB261 backup.pdf |
HTRA 3/18/2010 1:00:00 PM |
HB 261 |
| CSHB261ver R.pdf |
HTRA 3/18/2010 1:00:00 PM |
HB 261 |