Legislature(2023 - 2024)DAVIS 106
04/04/2024 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Unveiling Port Mackenzie: Navigating Tides, Ice, Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 4, 2024
1:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kevin McCabe, Chair
Representative Sarah Vance, Vice Chair
Representative Tom McKay
Representative Jesse Sumner
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Genevieve Mina
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Craig Johnson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): UNVEILING PORT MACKENZIE: NAVIGATING TIDES~
ICE~ DREDGING~ AND INFRASTRUCTURE REALITIES
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
DAVID GRIFFIN, Port Operations Manager
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a PowerPoint, titled "Unveiling
Port Mackenzie: Navigating Tides, Ice, Dredging, and
Infrastructure Realities."
MICHAEL O'SHEA, Vice President of Planning and Business
Development
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during a PowerPoint,
titled "Unveiling Port Mackenzie: Navigating Tides, Ice,
Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities."
MARK THERIAULT, Director of Operations
Cook Inlet Tug & Barge
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during a PowerPoint,
titled "Unveiling Port Mackenzie: Navigating Tides, Ice,
Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities."
CAPTAIN RON WARD
Southwest Alaska Pilots' Association
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a slideshow, titled "SWAPA info
Port MacKenzie" during the Unveiling Port Mackenzie: Navigating
Tides, Ice, Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities presentation.
CAPTAIN ANDREW WAKEFIELD
Southwest Alaska Pilots' Association
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information during a PowerPoint,
titled "SWAPA info Port MacKenzie."
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:02:05 PM
CHAIR KEVIN MCCABE called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Representatives McKay,
Vance, Stutes, Mina, Sumner, and McCabe were present at the call
to order.
^PRESENTATION(S): Unveiling Port MacKenzie: Navigating Tides,
Ice, Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities
PRESENTATION(S): Unveiling Port MacKenzie: Navigating Tides,
Ice, Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities
1:02:50 PM
CHAIR MCCABE announced that the only order of business would be
the presentation, titled "Unveiling Port Mackenzie: Navigating
Tides, Ice, Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities."
1:05:28 PM
DAVID GRIFFIN, Port Operations Manager, Mat-Su Borough, before
starting the PowerPoint, titled "Unveiling Port Mackenzie:
Navigating Tides, Ice, Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities
[hard copy included in the committee packet]," informed the
committee that maps included in the committee packet would
assist in understanding the presentation. Slide 2 was shown,
which displayed a picture of Port MacKenzie and Port of Alaska
and he noted the close proximity of the two but that Port
MacKenzie was still somewhat remote. Slide 3 showed a
geographical map, and he explained how the Knik Arm functions
somewhat like a river. He said all the ships that come into
"Port Mac" come up Cook Inlet and pass over the Knik shoal,
which contains a lot of sediment, and the ships must cross at
high tide which is a strategic part in bringing ships up into
the area.
1:09:58 PM
MR. GRIFFIN proceeded to slide 4, titled "Transportation
Corridors," which showed a map of Port MacKenzie current and
proposed access. He explained that the port district covered
about 9,000 acres and is all zoned industrial commercial area
for port specific purposes. He added that in the event of a
catastrophic disaster, the borough is isolated from the
Anchorage area; therefore, Port MacKenzie could serve as a "plan
B" for any need, and the military is also taking a closer look
at the possibility.
1:12:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE expressed a concern regarding seismic
activity and asked what conversations have been around the issue
and how to strengthen the infrastructure.
MR. GRIFFIN replied that there is a seismic monitoring station
in the port district, and he acknowledged that there is frequent
seismic activity there. He noted some past repairs that were
made and added that the barge dock would be assessed since it
was constructed in the year 2000 with a design life of 30 years.
He said he would talk in more detail about construction, but
presently the barge dock would be the focus the next three to
five years.
1:16:12 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, in response to Representative Mina regarding how
the geography at Port MacKenzie compares to the Don Young Port
of Alaska, in terms of [withstanding] earthquakes, noted that
later this month the Cook Inlet Harbor Safety Committee would
host a discussion focusing on seismic activities and he would
have more information soon. In response to Representative
Stutes, he said Port MacKenzie currently does not require
dredging of silt but would not say it never would, and he
explained what happens naturally with currents and tidal
fluctuations. In response to Chair McCabe, he acknowledged that
it had been dredged during early construction.
1:20:49 PM
MR. GRIFFIN proceeded to slide 5 showing a photo including port
district uplands on Port Mackenzie, on which he expounded. He
said a goal is to figure out a business plan and to figure out
the needs of the Cook Inlet maritime industry, and he mentioned
products that have been shipped in to the port. In response to
Representative Stutes, he confirmed that there was going to be a
fast ferry to and from Anchorage, but it never materialized. He
circled back to slide 4 and he pointed out that the Port
MacKenzie area had potential for private property growth, and
the idea was to have a town site where people could, for
example, work in Anchorage and hop on the ferry, thus relieving
highway traffic.
1:27:51 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:27 p.m. to 1:29 p.m.
[during which Chair McCabe passed the gavel to Vice Chair
Vance.]
1:29:18 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, in response to Representative Sumner, related that
the borough tried to sell the conveyer, but it did not have any
"tire kickers," and the borough also tried to give it away. The
conveyor comprised three conveyors that came together as one,
and portions came from various places in the country, he
explained. An inspection was done for its worth and it did not
"pencil out" for the borough to spend the money; furthermore, no
industry was interested in it. In response to a follow-up
question, he confirmed that a design firm is currently looking
into the roll-on/roll-off dock. He expounded on what the dock
could be made out of and how it could be used. He described it
as a "giant gravel boat ramp."
1:35:44 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, in response to a question from Representative Mina
regarding the ramp and approval of federal funds, noted that the
accurate amount in funds was $4.75 million for the ramp. Slide
6 was shown, and he explained it illustrated low tide and tidal
fluctuations and the deep draft dock pile exposed at low tide.
He expanded on what happens during low tide, and how the life of
the dock could be extended.
VICE CHAIR VANCE passed the gavel to Chair McCabe.
1:38:34 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, responding to a question from Representative Mina,
offered his understanding that the $1 million approved by the
borough for repairs of the piling dock was done through a
resolution. Returning to the PowerPoint, he proceeded to slides
7-9, showing various vessels at low and high tides. He
confirmed the Port of Anchorage experienced the same. He showed
vessels at high tides on slide 10-12, one image being of ice
around a vessel. He responded to speculations about ice. He
advanced to slide 17, titled "Business Development," which read
as follows [original punctuation provided]:
• Coordination with Department of Defense for use of
port
• Cement, salt, and sand at the deep-draft dock
• Hydrogen fuel production and storage on Port
District lands
Heavy equipment, building supplies, & fuel at the
barge dock
• Barge haul-out infrastructure
• Renewable and alternative energy
• Networking with Cook Inlet maritime trade
organizations
• Identifying regional transportation logistical
solutions for industry
1:49:53 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, in response to Chair McCabe and Representative
Sumner, replied that the Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC)
was still interested in an experimental tidal power generator
installed in [Port MacKenzie] but would readjust its focus and
look at Nikiski as well as projects in some Western Alaska
villages. He also noted the possible impact to belugas from the
equipment being an issue. Regarding a generator that works on
currents in the river underneath ice, he said he did not think
the door was closed on the project, but ORPC was pausing its
activities.
1:52:20 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, in response to Representative Stutes and Chair
McCabe regarding railway construction, informed the committee
that the last time any physical construction occurred there was
2015. He offered his understanding that $184 million of funding
was all state funds, and the borough had not contributed. He
deferred to Mr. Brown for further elaboration.
1:55:21 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, in response to Representative Mina, he said that
Port MacKenzie was not capable of becoming a strategic port or
labeled as such through the military. He showed slide 22, a
photo at a deep draft dock, and slide 23, featuring a schematic
of a barge ramp for a roll-on, roll-off ramp. He noted that it
was just a conceptual rendition. In response to Chair McCabe
regarding barge repair and companion barges, gave an example of
accommodating cruise ships and barges, switching docking
locations when necessary. He then moved through the slides 24
through 27 featuring photos of vessels at various docks.
2:03:43 PM
MR. GRIFFIN, in response to Representative Vance, advised that
the borough owned four square miles of tidelands, and the port
made up one hundredth of that area; therefore, there was a lot
of room to expand. He concluded on slide 28, titled "Current
and Future Priorities, Progress, and Projects," which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
• Pursue completion of the Port MacKenzie Rail
Extension
• Land use authorizations w energy and alternative
fuel companies
• Start pile sleeve construction project
• Design, engineering, and permitting for barge ramp
project
• Port security improvements
• Removal of wood chip conveyor
• Economic Development Summit 4/24 4/25
• Cooperation and networking with Cook Inlet Maritime
Industry
• FEMA funded earthquake repairs completed
• Pile Sleeve Project EDA Funded
• Apply to the PIDP grant program for port
infrastructure improvements
• Northern Economics regional economic benefit report
• Won $1M grant for mobile crane USMHP MARAD
2:07:47 PM
MR. GRIFFIN responded to committee questions. He noted the
numbers of ships at Port MacKenzie and the age of the port. He
noted that Captain Jeffrey Monroe could answer maritime and port
executives' questions. He noted that it cost the borough
$850,000 per year to operate the port, which is basically its
budget, he said. He further explained that each time a ship is
in port it costs $100,000.
2:14:03 PM
MICHAEL O'SHEA, Vice President of Planning and Business
Development, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge, answered questions after
the presentation and described that there are two 60-ton tug
boats that can handle any type of conditions in Port MacKenzie,
and he noted that Cook Inlet Tug & Barge (CITB) also took care
of the Port of Alaska. He added that he does consulting for
project work and that he is looking forward to the "rail belt,"
which he opined would open up a world of opportunities.
2:15:09 PM
MARK THERIAULT, Director of Operations, Cook Inlet Tug & Barge,
answered questions after the presentation and provided a brief
background. He noted he was on the construction site as an
operator when the dock was built, and he was familiar with the
facility. He stressed that CITB would be ready to assist in any
kind of help needed. He response to questions from Chair McCabe
regarding pancake ice and securely tying up a vessel.
2:17:53 PM
CHAIR MCCABE thanked the presenters for their availability.
2:18:33 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 2:18 p.m. to 2:19 p.m.
2:19:19 PM
CAPTAIN RON WARD, Southwest Alaska Pilots' Association, as part
of the Unveiling Port Mackenzie: Navigating Tides, Ice,
Dredging, and Infrastructure Realities presentation, gave a
PowerPoint [hardcopy included in the committee packet], titled
"SWAPA info - Port MacKenzie." He proceeded to slide 2, titled
"Southwest Alaska Pilots Association," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
• Established in 1975, serving Southcentral for 49yrs
• Comprised of 19 Marine Pilots licensed by the State
and federally licensed by the US Coast Guard
• Pilots licensed by the State have a primary duty to
safely navigate vessels under their direction and
control and to protect life and property and the
marine environment while engaged in the provision of
pilot services.
MR. WARD went through slides 3 and 4, which featured a map of a
chart representation of approaches from the upper Cook Inlet to
Port MacKenzie. He highlighted the areas where one should not
go due to the lack of room available. He noted that Port
MacKenzie is "in a hole" which is why there is less siltation
than the Port of Anchorage. He expounded on the functions of
the tugboats and the use of currents to the pilots' advantage.
2:24:52 PM
MR. WARD continued to slide 5 that showed a schematic of the
dock and where the fenders are. He concluded on slide 6, titled
"SWAPA service to Port MacKenzie," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
• Since 2005 SWAPA has docked/undocked 19 vessels at
Port Mac.
• When SWAPA is called upon to dock and undock vessels
at Port Mac, we do so in a safe and efficient manner
as mandated by the State of Alaska.
• SWAPA participated in a Maritime Navigation Risk
Assessment of Port MacKenzie as contracted by the Mat-
Sue Borough in 2014.
• There are sufficient tug-boats in the area for
mooring assist.
• We follow the US Coast Guard guidelines during ice
conditions
• The current at the dock requires strong mooring
bollards and quick release mooring hooks especially
during ice conditions.
2:28:44 PM
CAPTAIN ANDREW WAKEFIELD, Southwest Alaska Pilots' Association,
added that Port MacKenzie is a great location for expansion and
he looked forward to future business. He noted risk assessment
and mitigation and said most issues around the port are in the
winter; however, they have been able to bring every ship in that
has called, even in the winter.
CHAIR MCCABE thanked the captains and asked whether Anchorage
had the same issues in the wintertime.
MR. WARD explained the geology as shown on slide 3 and how it
played into working with wintertime issues. He added that Port
MacKenzie's current and ice bring in a lot of mass and weight;
therefore, there are more issues there than the Port of Alaska.
2:33:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA shared that she thought the maritime
navigation risk assessment report was helpful, and she pointed
out recommendation 20 for ice mitigation or a deviation system
to complement the mooring system for vessels docked in the area.
MR. GRIFFIN replied that he saw the report only very recently
and that he was impressed. He confirmed there had not been any
ice mitigation measures taken place at the deep draft dock, but
he would look into it.
REPRESENTATIVE MINA asked Captain Ward how many vessels dock in
the wintertime versus the summertime.
CAPTAIN WARD replied that the first two ships came in January
through March with two returning in the summer. He gave further
details on which vessels had come through at various points
throughout the year.
2:37:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE, pertaining to the illustration on slide 3,
asked whether the borough looked at the cost of what it would
take to address some of the issues with the tide.
MR. GRIFFIN said not to his knowledge.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE stated that she was aware of the concerns
and that more opportunities can be opened to take care of the
port.
2:38:46 PM
CHAIR MCCABE offered a 7-page PowerPoint, titled "NOAA TIDES"
[hardcopy included in the committee packet], which consisted of
random days for tides in Port MacKenzie and Port of Alaska. He
explained that he did his own study on the currents in the two
different areas and how they would "stack up." The slideshow
featured depths, dates, and times. He stressed how much he
learned from the presenters today and invited closing comments
from committee members.
2:42:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES commented that she appreciated the
slideshow provided by Chair McCabe.
2:42:34 PM
CHAIR MCCABE thanked the presenters and emphasized that without
efficient transportation infrastructure, resource development
efforts will stall, and it is crucial to diversify approaches.
2:44:15 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 2:44
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Port MacKenzie HTRA Presentation 4.4.2024.pdf |
HTRA 4/4/2024 1:00:00 PM |
Port MacKenzie 2024 |
| HTRA Maritime Navigation Risk Assesment Port Mac 4.4.24.pdf |
HTRA 4/4/2024 1:00:00 PM |
Port MacKenzie |
| Port MacKenzie HTRA Presentation 4.4.2024.pdf |
HTRA 4/4/2024 1:00:00 PM |
Port MacKenzie |
| HTRA Port Mack Tides 4.4.24.pdf |
HTRA 4/4/2024 1:00:00 PM |
Port MacKenzie |
| HTRA SWAPA Statement Port Mac. 4.4.24.pdf |
HTRA 4/4/2024 1:00:00 PM |
Port MacKenzie |
| HTRA SWAPA Presentation Port Mac 4.4.24.pdf |
HTRA 4/4/2024 1:00:00 PM |
Port MacKenzie |