04/09/2009 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB165 | |
| SB25 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 165 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 25 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 9, 2009
1:09 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Craig Johnson, Vice Chair
Representative Kyle Johansen
Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz
Representative Mike Doogan
Representative Max Gruenberg
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Peggy Wilson, Chair
Representative John Harris
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 165
"An Act authorizing the transfer of two parcels of land from the
Alaska Railroad Corporation to the Municipality of Anchorage;
and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED SB 165 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 25
"An Act naming the South Mitkof Island ferry terminal the
Richard 'Dewey' Duvall Ferry Terminal."
- MOVED SB 25 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 165
SHORT TITLE: AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) ELLIS
03/25/09 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/25/09 (S) CRA
03/31/09 (S) CRA AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 211
03/31/09 (S) Moved SB 165 Out of Committee
03/31/09 (S) MINUTE(CRA)
04/01/09 (S) CRA RPT 4DP 1NR
04/01/09 (S) DP: FRENCH, THOMAS, KOOKESH, MENARD
04/01/09 (S) NR: OLSON
04/03/09 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
04/03/09 (S) VERSION: SB 165
04/06/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/06/09 (H) TRA
04/09/09 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
BILL: SB 25
SHORT TITLE: RICHARD DEWEY DUVALL FERRY TERMINAL
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEDMAN
01/21/09 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/9/09
01/21/09 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/21/09 (S) TRA, FIN
02/10/09 (S) TRA AT 1:00 PM BUTROVICH 205
02/10/09 (S) Moved SB 25 Out of Committee
02/10/09 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
02/11/09 (S) TRA RPT 5DP
02/11/09 (S) DP: KOOKESH, MENARD, DAVIS, MEYER,
PASKVAN
02/27/09 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
02/27/09 (S) Heard & Held
02/27/09 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/27/09 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
03/27/09 (S) Moved SB 25 Out of Committee
03/27/09 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
03/30/09 (S) FIN RPT 5DP
03/30/09 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, STEDMAN, HUGGINS, THOMAS,
ELLIS
04/03/09 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
04/03/09 (S) VERSION: SB 25
04/06/09 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/06/09 (H) TRA, FIN
04/09/09 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
JESSE CROSS-CALL, Staff
Senator Johnny Ellis
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 165, on behalf of the prime
sponsor, Senator Johnny Ellis.
BOB FRENCH, Co-Vice President
Government Hill Community Council
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 165.
WENDY LINDSKOOG, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 165.
JAMES KUBITZ, Vice-President, Real Estate
Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 165.
RON POLLOCK, Executive Director
Anchorage Community Development Authority (ACDA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the discussion of
SB 165.
WESTON EILER, Staff
Senator Bert Stedman
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 25, on behalf of the prime
sponsor, Senator Bert Stedman.
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 SB 25.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:09:39 PM
VICE-CHAIR JOHNSON called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:09 p.m. Representatives Doogan,
Gruenberg, and Johnson were present at the call to order.
Representatives Johansen and Munoz arrived as the meeting was in
progress.
1:09:43 PM
SB 165-AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON announced that the first order of business
would be SENATE BILL NO. 165, "An Act authorizing the transfer
of two parcels of land from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to
the Municipality of Anchorage; and providing for an effective
date."
1:09:48 PM
JESSE CROSS-CALL, Staff, Senator Johnny Ellis, speaking on
behalf of Senator Johnny Ellis, the prime sponsor of SB 165,
explained that the bill would authorize the Alaska Railroad
Corporation to exchange two parcels of land on Government Hill
in Anchorage for land owned by the Municipality of Anchorage
(MOA). The parcel of land to be exchanged is located on 3rd
Avenue between the A and C street couplet. He related that the
ARRC has worked with the MOA and the Government Hill Community
Council on this exchange. The bill has a zero fiscal note.
JESSE CROSS-CALL provided a section-by-section analysis of the
bill. He referred to Section 1 of the bill, which describes the
1.93 acres of rail land and the specific parcel description with
an appraised market value of $480,000. He related that the MOA
would own the land after the trade and could subsequently
subdivide or sell the parcel. The second parcel of land is one
fifth of an acre near Government Hill Elementary School. The
Anchorage School District would use the land to design a safer
entrance to the Government Hill Elementary School. The parcel
has an appraised market value of $122,000.
JESSE CROSS-CALL explained that proposed Section 2 provides the
purpose of the land transfer. The first parcel is surrounded by
MOA owned or controlled land that is currently being redeveloped
into a residential subdivision, and the transfer of the property
will allow the area to be subdivided and more efficiently
incorporated into the overall redevelopment plan. The second
parcel will enable the MOA to develop safe and reasonable access
to the Government Hill Elementary School. He explained that
proposed Section 3 of the bill will allow the MOA to transfer
land located on 3rd Avenue between the A and C street couplet in
Anchorage and allows the ARRC to accept fee simple title to the
land. The land is currently used for parking and is managed by
the Downtown Parking Authority and is valued at $645,000. He
referred members to a map in members' packets that highlight the
land to be exchanged. He indicated the specific parcel of land
is marked in red on the bottom of map.
1:14:30 PM
MR. CROSS-CALL also pointed out that although the value of the
land that the MOA is proposing to trade is valued at $602,800,
the MOA has stated it will not request additional consideration
for the difference in the property value.
1:15:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG recalled the area, and referred to
Block B, tract A of the parcel, which previously was the site of
an auto detailing shop. He offered his belief that at one time
it was also a gas station. He expressed concern about any
potential remediation of the land.
JESSE CROSS-CALL answered that he did not know whether any
remediation would be required.
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON mentioned that the ARRC would be able to
provide testimony on that topic.
1:17:37 PM
BOB FRENCH, Co-Vice President, Government Hill Community
Council, stated that community councils are the most basic form
of local government for Anchorage. He related that the MOA
looks to community councils for guidance on local issues.
Government Hill is notable as Anchorage's first and oldest
neighborhood. He related that the Alaska Railroad Corporation
yards are located south of Government Hill, while Elmendorf Air
Force Base is located on the north and east, and the Port of
Anchorage tank farms are located to the west of Government Hill.
MR. FRENCH testified in favor of SB 165. He explained that
Government Hill's history has been closely tied to the Alaska
Railroad and has the largest density of Alaska Railroad
Corporation (ARRC) land in the midst of any residential area,
excluding the terminal reserve lands. He pointed out that the
land is located in many parts of the neighborhood. The ARRC
lands can only be leased. Thus, their presence can make
development very difficult, he opined.
MR. FRENCH described the Government Hill neighborhood near the
elementary school. He provided examples of activities such as a
Spanish immersion program held at a magnet school that attracts
students from all over Anchorage. Thus, substantial traffic
traverses the neighborhood each morning and afternoon, he noted.
He also noted that a Pizza Parlor and three or four roads join
together near the parking lot. An old crossing bridge allows
students to cross the street, but the bridge is often icy and
unsafe. He opined that the Government Hill Elementary School
entrance is a very difficult entrance situation for students.
If the land swap is approved, the community has the hope of a
solution to a longstanding problem in the neighborhood. He
urged members to support SB 165.
1:20:38 PM
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON, after first determining no one else wished
to testify, closed public testimony on SB 165. He related that
the committee now has a quorum to conduct business.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG referred to Block P, Tract A, and
inquired if any remediation issues exist since the site once
housed a gas station.
1:20:59 PM
WENDY LINDSKOOG, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Affairs,
Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) stated she contacted the real
estate section of the ARRC just prior to the hearing. The ARRC
confirmed that hazardous substances had been present on the
site, but the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
previously completed a cleanup process on the land. She
referred to an official DEC record of decision for the property.
She read from the document, as follows: "The hazardous substance
contamination has been adequately addressed and does not pose an
unacceptable risk to human health or the environment." She
stated the letter also contains a conditional closure based on
institutional controls so that certain activities, such as if
the owner removed soil would necessitate that the DEC be
contacted. However, in terms of fixing an access issue, there
is no problem. She offered to make the letter part of the
record.
1:23:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG recalled that the Hollywood Vista area
contained low-cost housing and asked if the building had been
"torn down." He said he imagined they had been removed.
JAMES KUBITZ, Vice-President, Real Estate, Alaska Railroad
Corporation (ARRC) answered that Representative Gruenberg is
correct. He answered the building had been torn down for many
years and is a vacant piece of land. He explained that the
development has already begun, that the road and utilities have
been completed and the site is currently ready for development.
1:24:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG recalled the planned development for
the parcel was to construct quality condominiums on the site.
MR. KUBITZ answered that the MOA is planning the development.
He offered his belief that the platting is for some single
family residences and several condominiums. He explained that
the lots are delineated as mixed-zone lots and are zoned
accordingly.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG expressed interest in the area and
offered his belief that some nice residences could be added.
RON POLLOCK, Executive Director, Anchorage Community Development
Authority ACDA), stated that the project is separated into two
sites. The easterly portion is divided into lots that are
designed for duplex/condominiums with two units per building.
The westerly portion of the development is designed for single
family dwellings.
1:26:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG remarked that the whole project sounds
like a "win-win" project. He inquired as to the plans for the
land on 3rd Avenue, and whether it would be used for parking.
MS. LINDSKOOG answered that in the near future the land would be
used for parking. She opined that the advantage to having one
owner is in the event someone did have an interest in building
on the land, that it would make the land easier to develop. If
that were to happen, the land would also be on the municipal tax
roll, which could be an added future benefit. She reiterated
that the land currently will be used as a parking lot.
1:28:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN moved to report SB 165 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying zero fiscal
note.
There being no objection, SB 165 was reported from the House
Transportation Standing Committee.
SB 25-RICHARD DEWEY DUVALL FERRY TERMINAL
1:28:56 PM
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON announced that the final order of business
would be SENATE BILL NO. 25, "An Act naming the South Mitkof
Island ferry terminal the Richard 'Dewey' Duvall Ferry
Terminal."
1:29:06 PM
WESTON EILER, Staff, Senator Bert Stedman, Alaska State
Legislature, speaking on behalf of the bill sponsor, Senator
Bert Stedman, stated that SB 25 would honor Richard Duvall, a
proponent of marine transportation in Southeast Alaska and a
long term resident of Petersburg.
MR. EILER explained that under AS 35.40.015, the state may name
public works infrastructure through an act of the legislature.
This authority has been exercised over 40 times in statute.
This bill would name the South Mitkof Ferry Terminal in
Petersburg in honor of Richard "Dewey" Duvall. Mr. Duvall was
an engineer by trade, and promoted improved transportation in
Southeast Alaska through his service to the community and as
part of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA). Mr. Duvall
served on the Petersburg City Council and was a founding board
member of IFA. He was instrumental in the construction of the
South Mitkof Island terminal. After the terminal's completion,
he served as one of the ticket agents. He recently died and
SB 25 would recognize Mr. Duvall's contribution and dedication
by naming the terminal in his honor. He mentioned that the bill
is supported by the City of Petersburg and the Inter-Island
Ferry Authority.
1:31:14 PM
MARY SIROKY, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF),
explained that the fiscal note is for $1.2 thousand for a sign
that would be placed on the building. She recalled that
recently another bill was passed from the House Transportation
Standing Committee with a fiscal note that was substantially
larger for a sign to be placed on a bridge. She explained that
signs for bridges must have four posts. Thus, the cost is more
significant. However, this fiscal note is for a sign that is to
be placed on an ATCO building. In the event that a permanent
building is erected, any additional signs for the building would
be incorporated as part of the cost for the project.
1:32:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked for the size of the proposed sign.
MS. SIROKY answered that the size has not yet been determined.
1:32:40 PM
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON remarked that by his calculation the posts
would cost $1,600 for the bridge sign.
MS. SIROKY agreed that posts are expensive and explained that
they must be "breakaway" posts. In further response to Vice
Chair Johnson, Ms. Siroky explained that the sign for this
building would not have any posts. She passed out photos of the
building and the proposed sign. In response to Representative
Gruenberg, Ms. Siroky related that she was not certain when a
permanent building might be built. She offered her belief that
the IFA was currently having problems with ridership. Thus,
there are currently not any plans for constructing a building.
1:34:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG asked for clarification about the
Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA).
MS. SIROKY related that the IFA is a ferry authority that was
created in statute as a result of significant Southeast
community efforts. The IFA then purchased two ferries. One day
ferry provides daily service from Prince of Wales Island to
Ketchikan. The second day ferry runs from the north Price of
Wales Island to the South Mitkof terminal and provides access to
Petersburg and Wrangell.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN concurred with Ms. Siroky.
1:35:33 PM
MS. SIROKY offered her belief that the IFA ferry serves the
communities of Coffman Cove, Petersburg, and Wrangell. She
related her understanding that the IFA has cutback service on
the northbound schedule due to local travel reductions.
1:36:03 PM
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON asked if the ferry is a private ferry
service.
MS. SIROKY reiterated that the IFA was created through the
statute.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN elaborated that the IFA was created due
to challenges facing the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) to
provide adequate service to Southeast communities. He related
his understanding that that the ferry schedules had been
infrequent and often changed, so the communities served by the
AMHS grew quite frustrated. The communities came to the
legislature and requested to create an authority which is a
quasi-state authority. He related that the IFA Authority is
incorporated by the communities of Ketchikan, Hollis, and
Coffman Cove. The state funded a day ferry vessel which runs
daily. He related that the southern route ridership serves
Ketchikan and Hollis. He opined that ridership has stabilized
in that route. He related that in the past few years the
legislature has appropriated some operating funds to the IFA for
the northern route until its ridership is stabilized. He
offered that the IFA day ferries take pressure off the AMHS and
provide daily service.
1:38:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN, in response to Vice Chair Johnson,
explained the vessels are small day boats, with small crews,
that carry cars and passengers. He offered to request that the
IFA present to the committee next year.
1:39:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG suggested that the committee may wish
to meet in the community or on the ferry to learn more about the
AMHS and the IFA.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN, in response to Vice Chair Johnson,
explained that ridership is currently up.
1:40:08 PM
MS. SIROKY pointed out that it is appropriate to recognize that
the IFA has demonstrated how successful day ferry vessels can be
when service is regularly provided. She opined that the IFA has
also demonstrated how economical it can be to operate a new
vessel. She explained that the AMHS has reviewed the model as
it plans for future AMHS day vessels.
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON encouraged the AMHS's to use an evaluation
process for any new ferries.
1:40:47 PM
MS. SIROKY, in response to Representative Gruenberg, explained
that the Southeast Transportation Plan includes AMHS day
ferries, potentially providing service between Juneau and
Hoonah. Currently AMHS vessels run from Juneau to Haines and
north to Skagway. She noted the M/V Fairweather also provides
service from Juneau to Sitka several times per week. She
reiterated the success of the IFA day vessels.
1:41:43 PM
VICE CHAIR JOHNSON after first determining no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on SB 25.
REPRESENTATIVE GRUENBERG moved to report SB 25 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note.
1:43:19 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 1:43
p.m.
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