Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
01/24/2023 01:30 PM Senate COMMUNITY & REGIONAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Committee Introductions | |
| Division of Community and Regional Affairs Overview | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
January 24, 2023
1:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Forrest Dunbar, Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Cathy Giessel
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Donald Olson, Vice Chair
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
DIVISION OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS OVERVIEW
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
SANDRA MOLLER, Director
Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA)
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the Division of Community and
Regional Affairs overview.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:31:21 PM
CHAIR FORREST DUNBAR called the Senate Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 1:31 p.m. Present
at the call to order were Senators Giessel and Chair Dunbar.
Senator Bjorkman joined the meeting immediately thereafter.
SENATOR BJORKMAN joined the meeting at 1:32 p.m.
^COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS
COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS
1:32:55 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked the members to introduce themselves and what
they hope to get from this committee. He introduced himself and
stated that this committee is instrumental in learning about and
supporting the state's local communities, particularly in rural
Alaska. He cares very much about all Alaska communities, from
the Bush to regional hubs and larger urban centers. He invited
each committee member to introduce themselves and share their
interest in serving on the Senate Community and Regional Affairs
Committee.
1:34:03 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL introduced herself and expressed delight in
serving on this committee. She said it is important to serve all
Alaskans, particularly in rural Alaska. She stated that she is a
nurse practitioner and is especially concerned about healthcare
services in rural Alaska.
1:35:07 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN introduced himself. He commented that
legislative actions should be in harmony with local governmental
units and deliver constitutionally mandated services to
communities all over the state. He expressed excitement to be on
the committee and discuss issues vital to local municipalities.
CHAIR DUNBAR dovetailed off Senator Bjorkman's comments, adding
that he hopes to improve the relationship and coordination
between state and local governments.
^DIVISION OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW:
DIVISION OF COMMUNITY and REGIONAL AFFAIRS
1:37:02 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR announced the committee would hear an overview from
the Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA) today. He
invited Ms. Moller to put herself on the record and begin the
presentation.
1:37:50 PM
SANDRA MOLLER, Director, Division of Community and Regional
Affairs (DCRA), Department of Commerce, Community and Economic
Development, Anchorage, Alaska, presented the Division of
Community and Regional Affairs overview. She briefly described
her background as a civil engineer, employment in the public
health sector, and with the Alaska Energy Authority. She
explained her experience gave her an understanding of Alaska's
rural water and sewer projects and rural energy needs. She works
with the community governance side of issues at DCRA. A passion
for communities led her to work for DCRA. She said that working
with people to solve problems describes her job. She explained
the division is broad; she will offer a quick look at its
programs. The division has 48 staff members.
1:39:27 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 2, stating DCRA is the only
division mentioned in the constitution:
[Original punctuation provided.]
The Constitution of the State of Alaska
Article 10, Section 14: "An agency shall be
established by law in the executive branch of state
government to advise and assist local governments. It
shall review their activities, collect and publish
local government information, and perform other duties
prescribed by law." That's DCRA!
MS. MOLLER remarked that the Alaska Constitution indicates the
division is supposed to work closely with communities across the
state.
MS. MOLLER reviewed slide 3, Mission:
DCCED Mission: Promote a healthy economy, strong
communities, and protect consumers in Alaska.
DCRA Mission: Helping Alaska's communities build
sustainable economies and a means of self-governance.
MS. MOLLER said DCRA was a department at one time but was merged
with the Department of Commerce and Economic Development to form
the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
She emphasized that DCRA promotes self-governance at the local
level and stated that problems that occur at the local level
require problem-solving at the local level. She said this
reflects her leadership approach for DCRA.
1:41:29 PM
MS. MOLLER expounded on slide 4, Presentation Overview. She said
DCRA has three core areas to assist communities:
Local Government Assistance
MS. MOLLER said DCRA is known for Local Government Assistance.
It is a large group with 22 staff members and contains the
designated local government specialists (LGSs).
Grants and Funding
MS. MOLLER informed the committee that DCRA administers almost
$1 billion in federal and state grant funds. The number of
grants and amounts fluctuate. She said the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds raised the
balance to $1.5 billion.
Mapping Analytics, and Data Resources (MADR)
MS. MOLLER said Mapping Analytics, and Data Resources is a
critical piece of the division. The primary function of this
core area is to collect information and data per Alaska's
constitutional mandate. The division uses a product called
Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) to build
software dashboards and other data conveyances. Esri frames,
tells the story, and illustrates the importance of the collected
data. This group prepared eight required reports for submission
to the legislature.
Commissions and Councils
MS. MOLLER said although Commissions and Councils is not
included in the three core areas mentioned above, it was added
here because it plays a role in assisting communities.
1:44:23 PM
At ease.
CHAIR DUNBAR reconvened the meeting and invited Senator Bjorkman
to pose a question.
1:45:28 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked whether there are opportunities for DCRA
to partner with other state agencies to build a unified,
combined, strategic-use database for all layers of imagery
collected agency-wide.
MS. MOLLER answered yes, DCRA recently received data from DOTPF
for a mapping project. DOTPF also offered to deliver detailed
data, making the most active information available to the
division. She revealed that her theme for this year is
"Collaboration for the Benefit of Communities."
MS. MOLLER said when she is in a quandary, she likes to find
solutions by asking herself what is best for the community; it
is also a question she instills in her team to ask. She asserted
that the best data delivery method combines data with telling a
story. She said she would explain this further when she reviews
the grants dashboard later in the presentation. Esri products
have evolved and are useful in collaborating with other
agencies. They have been used with the Division of Corporations,
Business, and Professional Licensing (CBPL) and the Broadband
Office to help map efforts and coordinate with community and
grants. She said there is overlap and opportunity to expand
collaboration efforts.
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked whether she ever ran into issues
obtaining layers of data sets or metadata from other departments
that were readily usable in her coordination efforts.
MS. MOLLER answered that she could not think of an example off-
hand. She indicated the division is on the cusp of acknowledging
it can be done. She said that other agencies had never denied
her a data request. She said there is room for improvement and
brought up DCRA's responsibility to collect elected official
data, like who are the mayors and council members in communities
statewide. She suggested working with the Division of Elections
to populate DCRA's database in real-time would be a smoother
process and provide better public access to that information.
1:49:06 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 5, which drew attention to the
Alaska Constitution and a map showing all the boroughs and
cities in Alaska:
Communities and Regions of Alaska
Article 10, Section 1: "? maximum local self-
government with a minimum of local government units? A
liberal construction shall be given to the powers of
local government units."
MS. MOLLER said the map is updated every year. She noted that
DCRA was involved with the recent census and readjusting
Regional Educational Attendance Areas (REAAs). Alaska has many
boroughs and one unorganized borough. The last time the state
had a city incorporate was in 2016, and that was Whale Pass. The
city of Manokotak did an annexation expanding its city boundary
in 2015. Petersburg was the last borough formed, and that was in
2011. The constitution's founders anticipated the development of
boroughs and cities; they wanted local governments to have the
power of self-governance to solve their problems and promote
their economies. She said of the approximately 400 communities
in Alaska, 325 are active. A community of two people would not
be considered active. One hundred ninety-six communities are in
the best practices Rural Utility Business Advisor (RUBA)
Program. Engaging with local governments to empower them to do
what is needed is vital to self-governance.
1:51:24 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked whether DCRA assists communities if they want
to incorporate, annex, or divide.
MS. MOLLER responded that the constitution outlines the process,
and regulations spell out the steps. The Local Boundary
Commission (LBC) falls under the purview of DCRA. LBC hears
petitions and visits sites before rendering a decision. Staff
provides technical assistance to petitioners but does not write
the petition.
1:52:37 PM
MS. MOLLER reviewed slide 6, stating Local Government Assistance
is one of the three core areas of focus mentioned above. This
slide lists ways DCRA assists communities. She addressed the
differences between Local Government Assistance and RUBA tasks
because they are often confused:
Rural Utility Business Advisor (RUBA)
MS. MOLLER stated that RUBA is a program that reviews utilities
and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds it. DCRA
does this work in conjunction with the Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC). The program reviews utilities
and smaller cities that run their own utilities. She explained
that some communities have too large a population to qualify for
the RUBA program; there are specific criteria to qualify. RUBA
is a service provided to 196 communities and aims to help
utilities establish operation and maintenance best practice
scores (BPScores).
MS. MOLLER said local government specialists assist communities
with elections, ordinances, and other affairs, which are listed
below:
Community Resilience (Risk MAP and NFIP)
MS. MOLLER indicated the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) primarily funds the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP). NFIP works with communities whose infrastructure is
threatened by events like storm surges, permafrost thawing, and
erosion.
Office of the State Assessor
MS. MOLLER said that the Office of the State Assessor analyzes
reported property tax from applicable communities and compiles
the data in an Alaska Taxable publication. The state assessor
uses this information to calculate "the full value
determination" and provides it to the Department of Education
and Early Development (DEED) every October, used in school
funding to share school costs.
ANCSA Municipal Land Trust (MLT)
MS. MOLLER briefly summarized the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANCSA). Villages received land after ANCSA was
passed and were required to give land to municipalities or the
state in the municipal land trust.
Local Boundary Commission (LBC)
MS. MOLLER said the Local Boundary Commission provides technical
assistance to communities.
MS. MOLLER said that she started the presentation with Local
Government Assistance because she believes the health and
prosperity of the state directly correlate to healthy local
governments, economies, businesses, and governance.
1:57:12 PM
MS. MOLLER summarized slide 7, stating DCRA works with these
entities:
Alaskan Local Government
Local Government Units:
• Boroughs
• Cities
• The unorganized borough
• Tribal governments
• ANCSA Corporations
o Nonprofits
o For profits
o Regional
o Local
• Health Consortiums
Classifications
• Home Rule
• First Class
• Second Class
• School Districts
o (run by local governments)
• REAAS
o (school districts run by the state)
1:57:50 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked Ms. Moller to explain what an REAA is for the
benefit of the public.
MS. MOLLER answered the acronym REAA stands for Rural Education
Attendance Area.
MS. MOLLER summarized slide 8, stating local government
specialists are actually generalists because they never know
what will be asked of them. The division has a "resource desk"
populated monthly with pertinent community information, like
step-by-step instructions covering elections, alcohol sales, and
relevant information for community-based frequently asked
questions. She disclosed that staff tracks the type of questions
received and who requests them; stating it is important to know
your audience. This list is a smattering of the types of topics
staff address:
Elections
Title 29 Compliance
Financial Management
Utility Management
Personnel Management
Power Cost Equalization
Title 4 Local Option Laws
Regional Training Workshops
Ordinances, Resolutions, Codes
Disaster Response
... whatever crosses their desk
1:59:27 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL directed attention to "Elections" on slide 8.
She recalled the need for more poll workers in the previous
election. She asked whether DCRA works with the Division of
Elections to ensure polling locations stay operational and open.
MS. MOLLER answered that DCRA always helps and assists. She
expressed her belief that DCRA's local government specialists
are the eyes and ears on the ground. They are able to enlist
help by asking a mayor, a city manager, or community members
with whom they have a relationship. For example, local
government specialists helped deploy census information and
CARES information. DCRA also helps field questions outside its
purview, like Power Cost Equalization (PCE) Program questions.
The division is able to help the Division of Elections and has
done so in the past.
2:00:52 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 9, stating utility management
assistance is EPA funded, and there has been some concern on
best practice scoring. This program encourages best practice
duties, like regular meetings, maintaining minutes, establishing
budgets, balancing ledgers, payroll liability compliance, and
paying taxes. These best practices help utilities acquire a more
robust business model, as outlined on slides 9 through 11 and
shown in detail on slide 12.
Rural Utility Business Advisors
Utility Management Assistance
• EPA funded
• Support for communities operating
water/wastewater utilities
• Remote & on-site assistance
Best Practices Scoring
• 32-hour trainings on utility management
• Workers' compensation coverage
• Payroll liability compliance
• Meetings of the governing body
• Financial management practices:
• Budgeting
• Financial reporting
2:01:35 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slides 10 and 11 showing two cycle
diagrams containing RUBA assessment components. She emphasized
that the assessment components are inter-related, and falling
short in one area affects the entire cycle:
- The first diagram components are financial solvency,
management capacity, personnel practices, federal and state
compliance, and safety practices. The components are all
connected.
- The second diagram components are bulk fuel facility
management, road maintenance, local elections, economic
development, and water and wastewater utility management. The
components are all connected.
She said it is the job of local government specialists to
determine where disruptions in the cycle occur and that it is
not always readily apparent. Local government specialists spend
a lot of time sleuthing where hang-ups originate. A city could
operate any or all of these components in any given community,
which is why the Community Database Online (CDO) is important.
The database contains information like who owns a particular
power plant or runs the water system. The database is a resource
available to everyone. She said the explanation above provides
an overview of best practices.
2:02:40 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked whether DCRA incentivizes local government
participation in the program.
MS. MOLLER answered that she likes to think of the division's
role as advisory; the division has no regulatory authority. She
asserted local governments with vision are self-motivated,
organized, transparent, and hold meetings, resulting in an
informed public.
2:03:22 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 12, stating the data on this slide
has evolved over the year and is worthy of a three-hour
discussion. This slide breaks best practice scoring into three
categories. A community can score up to 100 points in these
three categories: technical, managerial, and financial. DEC
oversees the technical category, and DCRA oversees the
managerial and financial categories.
2:03:32 PM
O & M Best Practice Scoring
Technical - DEC
Category Best Practice Points
Operator
Certification Utility has more than one operator 10
certified to the level of the water
system.
Primary operator is certified to the 7
level of the water system and
the backup operator holds some
level of certification in water
treatment or distribution.
Primary operator is certified to the 5
level of the water system and
the backup operator holds no
certification or there is no backup
operator.
Utility has one or more operators 3
certified at some level in water
treatment or distribution.
Utility has no certified operators. 0
Preventive
Maintenance Utility has a written PM plan; 25
Plan PM is performed on schedule;
records of completion are submitted
on a quarterly basis and have been
verified.
Utility has a written PM plan;
performance of PM and record keeping
are not consistent.
Utility has no PM plan or performs no PM. 0
Compliance
Utility had no Monitoring and 10
Reporting violations during the
past year.
Utility had up to five Monitoring 5
and Reporting violations during the
past year.
Utility had more than five 0
Monitoring and Reporting violations
during the last year.
Total Technical Points 45
Managerial and Financial - DCRA
Utility A person who holds a position of 5
Management responsibility for management of the
Training utility has completed a DCRA approved
Utility Management course or other
utility management training course within
the last five years.
Meetings The utility owner's governing body meets 5
of the routinely consistent with the local
Governing ordinance/bylaw requirements and receives a
Body current report from the operator.
The utility owner's governing body does not 0
meet.
Total Managerial Points 10
Budget Utility owner and the Utility have each 15
adopted a realistic budget and budget
amendments are adopted as needed;
Accurate monthly budget reports are
prepared and submitted to the governing body.
Either the Utility or the Utility owner has 13
adopted a budget and implemented a budget,
the other has not.
Either the Utility or the Utility owner has 10
adopted a budget, but it is not being
implemented.
Utility owner and the Utility have not 0
adopted a budget.
Revenue Utility is collecting revenue sufficient to 20
cover the Utility's operating expenses
and to contribute to a repair and
replacement account.
Utility is collecting revenue sufficient 15
to cover expenses.
Utility has a fee schedule and a collection 5
policy that is followed.
Utility has no fee structure or collection 0
policy.
Worker's Utility has had a workers' compensation 5
Compensation policy for all employees for the past two
Insurance years and has a current policy in place.
Utility has a current workers' compensation 2
policy in place for all employees.
Utility has no workers' compensation policy. 0
Payroll Utility has no past due tax liabilities 5
Liability and is current with all tax obligations.
Compliance
Utility owes back taxes, but has a signed 2
payment agreement, is current on that
agreement, and is up-to-date with all
other tax obligations.
Utility is not current with its tax 0
obligations and/or does not have a signed
repayment agreement for back taxes owed.
Total Financial Points 45
2:03:54 PM
MS. MOLLER said scoring is done in January and July. Results are
stored on the DCRA dashboard, so members can access their
numbers and use them as a guide for improvement. DCRA offers
training to utilities to boost their scores. She indicated 196
RUBA communities are scored, and not every single [utility in
Alaska participates in the program]. She noted DEC and the
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) use the scorecard
to prioritize water and sewer projects for funding. She
concluded the section on local government specialists and segued
into the Grants and Funding Section.
MS. MOLLER reviewed slide 13, Grants Statute & Staff. She said
the Grants and Funding Section has eight staff. Granting
authority comes from AS 37.05 Public Finance-Fiscal Procedures
Act, AS 44.33.020(18) and (20), and the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) 2 CFR 200. She said that 90 percent of DCRA's
work provides oversight and implementation for both state and
federal programs to assist applicants and monitor and ensure
they meet requirements. The division works with these types of
grantees: municipalities, tribes, nonprofit community
associations, state agencies and other entities.
2:06:04 PM
MS. MOLLER read slide 14, Grants Fast Facts. This slide provides
a quick snapshot of the number of DCRA grants and staff
workload. She said that values change, but as of last week, DCRA
had almost $1 billion in grants, 723 active grants with 21
programs, and eight staff in Fairbanks and Anchorage that
administer these grants. She divided 723 active grants by eight
staff to determine each staff person is responsible for about 90
grants.
MS. MOLLER gave an overview of slide 15, which differentiated
between various grants and funding sources. The slide showed
nine federal and five state grant and revenue sharing programs.
She said the slide provides a good reference for the different
types of programs legislators might see throughout the session.
2:07:07 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 16. It lists 14 federal grants and
programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community
Development Block Grant Coronavirus Relief (CDBG-CV),
Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR),
Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT),
Coronavirus Relief Fund (CARES), Community Services Block Grant
(CSBG), Community Services Block Grant Coronavirus Relief (CSBG-
CV), Emergency Law Enforcement Assistance Grants (ELEA),
National Petroleum Reserve Alaska Grants, Seafood Coronavirus
Relief Fund, Targeted Airshed Grants, Seafood Processors
Pandemic Response Relief Program, National Forest
Receipts/Secure Rural Schools, and Payment In Lieu of Taxes.
MS. MOLLER highlighted three of the grants listed above:
1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
MS. MOLLER highlighted the Community Development Block Grant,
which has an application process that is scored. DCRA receives
$2 to $3 million per year to administer these grants. This grant
permits a variety of projects. It targets low to moderate-income
communities, and [a community] may receive up to $850
[thousand].
2. Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-
DR)
MS. MOLLER stated that the division received $35 million from a
FEMA grant to administer funds to Anchorage, Mat-Su, and the
Kenai Peninsula, which were affected by the November 30, 2018
earthquake.
2:08:06 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR commented that the CARES Act included a couple
hundred million dollars for a small business grant program. He
recalled this grant had distribution challenges. He expressed
his belief that only $18 million was distributed, at least
initially. He asked whether DCRA administered this grant and, if
so, what distribution challenges DCRA faced.
MS. MOLLER answered that a different division within the
department administered that grant. DCRA administered a $568
million CARES Act allocation. She clarified that it was a
legislative allocation. DCRA's job was to administer and get
those funds out the door to communities. DCRA's staff of eight
turned the money around within two weeks after the legislature
approved the funds through a grant mechanism.
MS. MOLLER highlighted the third grant:
3. Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT)
MS. MOLLER said that some individuals refer to PILT as a pass
through. However, the distribution of PILT funds requires
following a specific process that is in a later slide. She said
DCRA administers a Department of Public Safety (DPS) grant and a
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) grant on behalf
of both departments. The DPS grant is approximately $6 million
for Public Safety housing in rural Alaska, and DCRA works with
the Fairbanks North Star Borough on its targeted airshed air
quality grant.
2:10:01 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL said most senators have concerns about the
affordability, access, and lack of childcare services. She heard
federal funds were made available but not distributed to
childcare delivery nonprofits. She asked whether DCRA was
responsible for the distribution of these funds.
MS. MOLLER answered that DCRA was not responsible for those
funds, adding that the Department of Health (DOH), formerly
known as the Department of Health and Social Services, would
likely distribute those funds.
2:10:47 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 17, which contained a list of seven
state grants & programs:
Community and Neighborhood Watch Program
Community Mapping Project
Designated Legislative Grants
MS. MOLLER pointed out that Designated Legislative Grants are
funds the legislature approves through the capital budget. DCRA
administers these grants as soon as the legislature approves
them. Grants like the Port of Alaska at Anchorage fit this grant
category; DCRA administers this grant in conjunction with the
Municipality of Anchorage. Designated Legislative Grants are
typically five-year grants, and DCRA has 149 of them currently.
She said the division works with the grantee in administering
the grant; slide 18 depicts this process.
GO Bond Grants
Commercial Passenger Vessel Grants
Community Assistance Program
MS. MOLLER said the Community Assistance Program (CAP) was
formerly known as revenue sharing. CAP is state-funded and
administered through DCRA.
Shared Fisheries Business Tax/Fisheries Resource
Landing Tax
2:11:57 PM
MS. MOLLER skimmed over slide 18, Typical Grant Lifecycle. She
said a grant is rarely spent in one year; it is usually over
multiple years. Designated Legislative Grants are typically five
years and can be extended.
1. Develop & Implement Programs
2. Solicit Applications & Make Awards
3. Conduct Negotiations, Execute Grant & Agreements
MS. MOLLER said that the amount of time needed for step 3
depends on the grantee, and sometimes delays occur while trying
to define the exact scope of a grant. Scope, schedule, and
budget define step 3. A comprehensive scope of what the funder
wants is critical, and DCRA staff invests time in figuring this
out.
4. Track in DCRA -Grants Database
5. Provide Technical Assistance
6. Administer Grant & Monitor Compliance
7. Final Reporting & Grant Closeout
2:13:06 PM
MS. MOLLER summarized slide 19, Revenue Sharing Cycle. She said
sometimes individuals call the typical revenue sharing cycle a
pass through; however, revenue sharing does not involve
receiving a check one day and mailing it out the next. DCRA has
to go through the seven-step process on slide 19 to ensure the
division is tracking the requirements of a given program. She
said that understanding the program's intended purpose is
integral to properly implementing the grant. She spends more
time at the front end of a grant figuring out its intended
purpose. By way of example, she referenced the newly established
Broadband Office, which is in the middle of defining its
granting process. The Broadband Office will disperse millions
through the Federal Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act. DCRA
will help the Broadband Office determine the process so it can
quickly administer funds. A big part of the cycle is tracking;
DCRA's online community database and dashboards are set up to
help with tracking. The following are the typical steps in a
revenue sharing cycle.
Typical Revenue Sharing Cycle
1. Solicit Applications To Eligible Communities
MS. MOLLER said CAP is a revenue sharing program. DCRA staff
spend time notifying communities to make sure they apply.
2. Outreach To Non-Responsive Communities
3. Review Applications Received
4. Confirm Eligibility & Final Funding Amounts
5. Track in DCRA eGrants Database
6. Review & Process Required Documents
7. Distribute Funding & Close Out
2:14:40 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN commented that the Kenai Peninsula Borough
created a bounty system, explaining internet service providers
attained customers by connecting homes to the internet. They did
not receive grant money by merely building infrastructure or
running underground cables. He asked whether the Broadband
Office would be interested in pursuing this type of model.
MS. MOLLER replied that this model would be an option, although
it is not under her purview. Adopting the model would be under
the purview of the Broadband Office. She explained that the
Broadband Office was merely an example of how DCRA interfaces to
ensure the granting process is adequate and meets the
requirements. She said that the Broadband Office director wants
to ensure the customer is served. She suggested conversing with
the director about models. She reiterated that DCRA's role is to
ensure a proper and fair process.
SENATOR BJORKMAN expressed interest in holding conversations
with the Broadband Office.
CHAIR DUNBAR indicated that he is also interested, and the
Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee might be a good
venue for discussions if the chair agrees.
SENATOR BJORKMAN, chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce
Committee, agreed that Labor and Commerce would be a good venue
for holding discussions.
2:17:11 PM
MS. MOLLER reviewed slide 20, Grants Data. She said that DCRA
tracks all the data discussed above on dashboards. Dashboards
provide users glimpses of usable information, so the user can
readily locate data. Slide 20 pictures the grants data
dashboard. Data on the dashboard is not static; data is updated
in real-time as grants are closed out. Users can apply filters
by "community" and "type of grant" or see how many grants are
active under contract. The dashboard is a great tool for finding
district information, like how many grants a community has and
other related questions.
MS. MOLLER gave a cursory review of slide 21, Technical
Assistance. DCRA assists grantees with technical issues like
environment reviews, civil rights, labor standards, site
control, insurance requirements, procurement standards, project
management, budgets, reporting requirements, and audit
requirements. Site control can be difficult to achieve. DCRA
does not want to spend public money on projects that do not have
legal access. DCRA staff spends time with grantees on site
control, environmental reviews, ascertaining whether there is
contamination, etcetera. This slide offers a sense of the issues
grant teams and others help grantees manage. For example, the
DPS grant that the division is doing for law enforcement housing
has stalled in some communities due to code, environmental, and
site control issues that can slow progress.
2:19:59 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 22, Mapping Analytics, and Data
Resources. She said this group has six staff members. The
Community Database Online tracks community information and is
the division's leading Esri software product. This group also
does mapping and geographic information systems (GIS). She
mentioned the Broadband Office has mapping requirements and that
this group has lent support in this area. Two programs this
group inherited are the Made in Alaska and Alaska Product
Preference Program.
2:20:55 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slides 23 to 26 which expound on the
Community Database Online (CDO). Slide 23 pictured a quick
response (QR) code. She encouraged members to try it by clicking
on any community to learn its incorporation date, the
population, the mayor, and there is even a "how do you pronounce
it" key to assist users with indigenous language pronunciation.
It is a wealth of information on any community.
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 24 and explained that the division
can now create a lot of little databases on dashboards with Esri
software. She said that DCRA works with the Department of Labor
and Workforce Development (DOLWD), the Division of Elections,
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to obtain digital datasets.
Users extract information, organizing datasets in different ways
and formats. She drew attention to the "Explore Alaska's Open
Data" search field on slide 24. It offers the user a variety of
options to explore, retrieve, and present data. She mentioned
the MADR team also collects fuel price data at the retail level
from 100 communities to create the annual Alaska Fuel Price
Report. It includes the average cost of gasoline, jet fuel, and
other information. The MADR team publishes this informative
report.
2:22:32 PM
MS. MOLLER summarized slides 25 and 26, which picture the
community-driven data and data-driven solutions available on the
database. She said each community has a story map, a tool to
impart information about that community. It can include photos
and plans. She said ANTHC once called to obtain information
about its water system and where it was built; the division was
able to provide some old maps. She said there is a lot of work
to be done, but some resources are available on the database.
The data is helpful to individuals working with communities
threatened by storm events and other natural disasters. She
pointed out a handful of dashboards in the database, including a
RUBA community scoreboard. She encouraged members to explore
these dashboards to see all the information collected. She said
DCRA also welcomes suggestions about valuable data that should
be added to the database.
Community-Driven Data
• Detailed StoryMaps for over 400 communities in
Alaska
• Community Profile maps with parcel, infrastructure,
and utility data
• Community Photo Library
• Community Plans Library
Data-Driven Solutions
• Topical webpages and StoryMaps
• Longitudinal datasets presented for yearly
comparison
• Detailed dashboards to track key metrics
2:24:02 PM
MS. MOLLER summarized the statistics on slides 27 and 28, Made
in Alaska:
• Promoting State guaranteed Alaskan made products
since 1992
• > 1,100 permitted products
• > 850 Alaskan businesses
• 4K Facebook Followers; 1.6K Instagram Followers
• 82.1% report that MIA membership helps promote their
product
• $0.63 of every dollar you spend on MIA products is
invested back into Alaska
2:24:58 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked how many staff administer the Made in Alaska
program and for a brief description of the program. He wondered
whether DCRA does the permitting on these products and asked her
to explain the permitting process.
MS. MOLLER answered an applicant may apply online for the Made
in Alaska program. There are thresholds to confirm a product is
made in Alaska before it is approved. MADR does not have a full-
time staff person designated for the Made in Alaska program.
MADR is group of six; the administrative assistant does the
clerical processing, including the sale of the Made in Alaska
stickers. There is room for growth in this program.
MS. MOLLER discussed the Manufacturer of the Year Award on slide
28. She said this is a good way to highlight Alaska's local
businesses.
MS. MOLLER skimmed over slide 29, which lists the specifics of
the Alaska Product Preference Program:
• Alaska products for State of Alaska work
• 3%, 5%, or 7% bid preference for Alaskan made
products in State procurement
• State spending going back to the local economy
2:26:30 PM
MS. MOLLER reviewed the five Commissions and Councils on slide
30:
Serve Alaska State Service Commission
Local Boundary Commission
MS. MOLLER said the Local Boundary Commission works with
municipalities to adjust their boundaries.
Minerals Commission
MS. MOLLER said the Minerals Commission meets once or twice
yearly; DCRA is staff to the commission. The commission creates
an [annual] report which contains a record of their activities.
The Legislature will receive the report soon.
Alaska Native Language Preservation Council
MS. MOLLER indicated this council is in statute and contains
five board members representing languages across the state. The
council meets to promote the preservation of indigenous
languages. The regions work extensively with the Department of
Education and Early Development (DEED).
Alaska Regional Development Organizations
MS. MOLLER stated the Alaska Regional Development Organizations
(ARDORs) support regional economic development efforts. DCRA is
staff to ARDORs. ARDOR was instrumental in getting communities
to apply for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act funds which helped get funds out. She said each
ARDOR is doing great work.
2:27:41 PM
MS. MOLLER highlighted slide 31, Serve Alaska State Service
Commission. She said this is a state commission with four staff,
primarily federally funded. Slide 31 reads as follows:
Serve Alaska State Service Commission
Serve Alaska, in partnership with the Corporation for
National and Community Service (CNCS), brings
AmeriCorps programs to Alaska. The Serve Alaska sub-
grantees operate in almost every region of the state,
bringing much needed support and training to rural and
urban Alaska.
Mission
We seek to foster, support and promote the ethic of
service and volunteerism by inviting all Alaskans to
contribute their time and talents to build healthy
communities through the six focus areas.
• Disaster Services
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Environmental Stewardship
• Healthy Futures
Veterans and Families
2:28:09 PM
MS. MOLLER advanced to slide 32, AmeriCorps Programs. She stated
AmeriCorps and VISTA are examples of organizations DCRA works
with through grants. DCRA grants to the agencies listed below
through the Serve Alaska Program, noting they meet quarterly:
AmeriCorps Programs
• Alaska Public Defender Agency Social Advocate
AmeriCorps Members Ensuring Justice
• Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Resilient
Alaska Youth
• United Way of Southeast Alaska, Juneau AmeriCorps
Program
• Sitka School District, AmeriCorps Program
• The Student Conservation Association
• Revilla Island Corps (RiCorps) at Ketchikan
Afterschool Program
• Alaska Children's Trust / Alaska After School
Network
2:28:31 PM
She expressed enthusiasm that the division has these new
planning grantees:
*Planning Grantees
• Alaska Food Policy Council
• United Way of Anchorage
*The purpose of a planning grant is to support an
organization's development of a new AmeriCorps
program. During the planning period, the applicant
designs an AmeriCorps program which addresses a need
in their community or communities.
2:28:57 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR sought clarification about DCRA's role with these
organizations, for example, AmeriCorps. He asked whether DCRA
helps entities apply to AmeriCorps or whether DCRA administers
grants, something akin to a pass through.
MS. MOLLER expressed her belief that Serve Alaska was once its
own separate division. She remarked that DCRA is a great place
for programs that do not have a home, clarifying that the role
of DCRA is to house Serve Alaska. DCRA and Serve Alaska work
closely together on community programs. She gave the example of
RurAL CAP with whom DCRA has grants and with whom Serve Alaska
deploys AmeriCorps members all over the state. The link between
DCRA and Serve Alaska is that they both affect Alaska's
communities, which is probably why it is housed within the
division. She added that there is no constitutional mandate that
Serve Alaska be housed within the division.
SENATOR DUNBAR asked whether Serve Alaska is relatively free-
standing within the division.
MS. MOLLER answered yes. Serve Alaska is a separate budget
component within the division managed separately by an executive
director.
2:30:36 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL commented that this is fantastic information.
She thanked Ms. Moller for the presentation.
2:30:50 PM
MS. MOLLER stated slides 33 and 34 demonstrate that the state's
$216,400 investment in Serve Alaska leverages $3.6 million in
other funding. This is almost a 17-fold increase:
Facts & Figures
IN 2021-2022 FOR $216,400 IN STATE FUNDS, ALASKA
RECEIVED:
Federal Funding: $2,126,850
• AmeriCorps Program Funding: $1,599,239
• AmeriCorps Program Funding: $1,599,239
• Commission Investment Fund: $ 149,278
Local Match: $ 1,045,571
Education Awards: $484,758
State Appropriation: $216,400
TOTAL RESOURCES LEVERAGED: $3,657,179
14,439 CLIENTS 227 VOLUNTEERS 1,132 VOLUNTEER
SERVED RECRUITED HOURS
2:31:20 PM
MS. MOLLER summarized the presentation, stating the programs
housed within DCRA focus on community health and prosperity and
assisting communities to navigate through trying times. The
division likes to provide relevant and informative reports. DCRA
creates dashboards for frequently asked questions to help people
find answers. She said a healthy community equals a healthy
state.
2:32:37 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN thanked Ms. Moller for presenting today and for
all the great work, support, and training DCRA provides the
state. He emphasized that it is noticed and appreciated. He
pointed out that during his tenure with the Kenai Peninsula
Borough Assembly, the division's partnership with the Alaska
Municipal League provided great resources and support to his
borough, municipalities, and governmental units across the
state.
MS. MOLLER said those comments are appreciated, adding DCRA has
dedicated and passionate staff.
2:33:38 PM
CHAIR DUNBAR asked where DCRA's offices are primarily located.
MS. MOLLER answered DCRA has seven offices across the state. The
majority of staff are located in Anchorage and number about 20.
Fairbanks primarily handles grant programs, and some local
government specialists are stationed there. DCRA has a presence
in Juneau, Dillingham, Bethel, Kotzebue, and Nome.
CHAIR DUNBAR asked what DCRA's legislative priorities are or if
there is any legislation she would like to highlight.
MS. MOLLER answered no legislative priorities are coming to mind
at this moment. Legislative support for the division is always
helpful. She welcomes suggestions for what could be done better.
She will contact the committee if a legislative priority comes
to mind. She said the division inherited several programs that
might need attention, but at this point she has nothing more to
report.
CHAIR DUNBAR urged Ms. Moller to return if something comes up,
stating the committee is receptive to her work. He expressed his
belief that the Senate has a great passion for local government
and rural areas and wants to be of assistance.
2:36:38 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Dunbar adjourned the Senate Community and Regional Affairs
Standing Committee meeting at 2:36 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 1.23.22 version DCRA presentation to SCRA Jan 24 2023.pdf |
SCRA 1/24/2023 1:30:00 PM |