Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/04/1998 09:10 AM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
MINUTES
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
April 4, 1998
9:10 a.m.
[Due to poor audio recording, some material was
undecipherable]
CALL TO ORDER
Senator Sharp called the Senate Finance Committee meeting
to order at 9:10 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Co-Chair: Senator Pearce
Co-Chair: Senator Sharp
Senator Parnell
Senator Torgerson
Senator Donley
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Phillips
Senator Adams
ALSO PRESENT
Nico Bus, Budget Coordinator, Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs; Laurie Perkins, Administrative Services
Director, Department of Revenue; Nancy Jones, Director of
the Division of Permanent fund Dividend, Department of
Revenue; Peter Bushry, Chief Financial Officer, Permanent
Fund Corporation; Joe Perkins, Commissioner, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities; Bo Brownfield, Deputy
Commissioner Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities; Tom Brigham, Director, Division of Statewide
Planning; Mary Lou Burton, Budget Director, University of
Alaska; Chris Christianson, General Council, Judicial
Branch; Ken Bischoff, Director of Administrative Services,
Department of Public Safety; Pam Varney, Executive
Director, Legislative Affairs Agency; Dwayne Peeples,
Administrative Services, Department of Corrections; Karen
Rehfeld, Director of Education Support Services, Department
of Education and Early Development; Joan Brown, Office of
Management and Budget; Janet Clark, Department of Health
and Social Services; Loren Jones, Director, Division of
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Pat Ladner, President and CEO, Alaska Aerospace Development
Corporation; Yvonne Chase, Division of Community and
Regional Affairs; George Buhite, McLaughlin Youth Center
Superintendent.
SUMMARY
SB 231 APPROPS: CAPITAL/REAPPROP/FUNDS/OPERATING
SB 231 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
SB 230 APPROPRIATION: MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM (CAPITAL)
SB 230 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
SB 292 APPROPS: CAPITAL/REAPPROP/FUNDS OPERATING
SB 292 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
NICO BUS, BUDGET COORDINATOR, DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND
VETERANS AFFAIRS, testified that the department had two
capital budget items in SB 292, the supplemental bill. The
items were found in section 11 and section 12. Section 11
included $100 thousand in federal funds, which allowed the
department to participate in the counterdrug program. The
program allowed the department to work with the troopers,
the United States Marshal, and other agencies to support
drug enforcement actions. The primary purpose of the
project was to deter crime. Forfeited proceeds were sold
profits distributed to agencies through the Department of
Justice. The money was used to buy equipment to support
drug enforcement activities. The item was in the capital
budget because most profits were utilized for capital
equipment.
Senator Parnell noted that the state received federal funds
for narcotics enforcement in the Department of Public
Safety (DPS). He asked if the funds augmented the
counterdrug program.
Mr. Bus responded that DPS received similar funding, and
would receive a share of the profits if they chose to
participate. He reiterated that the Department of Military
and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) was participating with the
troopers.
Mr. Bus discussed section 12 of SB 292, which included
deferred maintenance for the youth corps facilities $230
thousand in general funds. He explained that the youth
corps, after serving as a pilot program for three years was
a permanent program. He stated that the youth corps
building was old and leaky with poorly functioning
furnaces. The request would allow for replacement of the
furnaces and roofs.
Senator Pearce restated that the funding for repairs and
upgrades would be used in lieu of rent. She asked how long
the rent would be credited.
Mr. Bus stated that $230 thousand would probably allow for
multiple years of credit against rent. He offered to
provide specific details.
Co-Chair Pearce asked what the state paid in rent for the
youth corps facilities.
Mr. Bus replied $16 thousand per month. He noted that the
final terms were negotiated on the rent.
Co-Chair Pearce asked if the state could expect a dollar
per dollar credit.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if utilities were included in the
rental payments.
Mr. Bus stated that utilities were paid separately. The
rental payment covered the use of the buildings only.
Co-Chair Sharp stated that the item was listed as "phase
one." He asked if the purpose was to semi-obligate for
"phase two."
Mr. Bus responded that the total cost identified for all of
the repairs was $450 thousand, so the $230 thousand request
covered the first installment. He added that the kitchen
facility and the ventilation system required additional
remodel and repair.
Mr. Bus pointed out one amendment to the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) capital budget of a $15 thousand
general fund request for a municipal assessment. He offered
to answer questions about the request.
Co-Chair Sharp noted that committee members had an
individual document in their committee packet describing
the $15 thousand request.
Mr. Bus explained that the state paid the assessment for
local improvement districts. The request for $15 thousand
allowed the state another 15 years of payment for the local
improvement district assessments.
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
LAURIE PERKINS, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR,
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, discussed two capital budget items.
She stated that the first was the Permanent Fund Dividend
System Design, phase two. She explained that the item was
the second phase of a system update. The system required an
update to meet user requirements.
Senator Parnell requested additional information about the
system.
Ms. Perkins responded that the second phase would allow for
implementation of recommendations from the most recent
study on the system design.
NANCY JONES, DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF PERMANENT FUND
DIVIDEND, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, referred to page 8 of the
handout. She informed the committee about the application
period for the 1998 Permanent Fund Dividend. She stated
that applications were first received and information was
then assembled. Each application was microfilmed and sent
for data entry. She explained that the data entry system
was antiquated and overloaded. She had serious doubts about
the system lasting through the 1999 processing season.
Applications were occasionally rejected by the system. The
vision of an improved process included automated emails the
applicants prompting the application.
Senator Parnell asked about pages 10 and 11. He asked if
the $1 million request would cover all of the
recommendations.
Ms. Jones replied that the recommendation was for a three-
tiered system. She stated that the division was at the
first tier of the system.
Senator Parnell asked what the $1 million would provide.
Ms. Jones responded that a dependable new data entry system
would be in effect by the next year for the $1 million
request. The second phase would cover the cost of a server
and the third phase would allow for data.
Senator Parnell requested further information about the $1
million request.
Ms. Jones replied yes.
Senator Parnell asked if the FY 99 request would guarantee
that the system was FY 00 compliant.
Ms. Jones responded yes.
Ms. Perkins stated that the second item was intended for
the Permanent Fund Corporation Telecommunications Disaster
Recovery system with a request of $492,800.
PETER BUSHRY, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, PERMANENT FUND
CORPORATION, explained that the item's purpose was to
create a disaster recovery system in the event that Juneau
was hit by a natural disaster or suffered a long term
disruption of electronic communications with the Lower 48.
He explained that the Permanent Fund managed $9 million in
investments internally from the Juneau location. The system
relied on real-time data feed, market prices and analytics
to enable the investment officers to accurately track the
investments and to remain competitive with the rest of the
institutional market. If the stream of information was
interrupted, the Permanent Fund Corporation could suffer
serious financial consequences. The request would counter
the threat and take advantage of new fiber optic cables
installed by GCI, which would reduce the cost of the
existing data feeds to Juneau.
Senator Parnell asked if the improvements would benefit
other agencies.
Mr. Bushry responded that the capital project would benefit
the Permanent Fund Corporation and the Treasury Division.
Other state agencies would assume the cost of the upgrades.
Senator Parnell asked if the division was collaborating
with the Department of Administration (DOA) for a
coordinated state effort.
Mr. Bushry responded that the Permanent Fund Corporation
would benefit from the request.
Senator Parnell asked if Mr. Bushry was coordinating with
DOA.
Mr. Bushry responded that coordination was in place, but
the lease for fiber optics was for the Permanent Fund
Division only. He stated that the information obtained
would only be of interest to the Department of Revenue
(DOR).
Senator Parnell understood that the fiber length could be
used by other state agencies.
Mr. Bushry agreed with Senator Parnell.
Co-Chair Pearce asked if Juneau was connected to the one
undersea cable that linked Alaska to the transpacific
cable.
Mr. Bushry affirmed that Juneau was connected to the
undersea cable. He stated that the city suffered an
interruption of information feeds when the cable was cut
one year ago by a fishing trawler.
Co-Chair Pearce asked if a satellite back-up was an option.
Mr. Bushry replied that the quality of data provided by
satellite was not optimal. He stated that a land-line feed
was best.
Co-Chair Pearce asked if anyone in Alaska had back-up
capability.
Mr. Bushry stated that he could not answer the question. He
noted that the requested funding would fund the first
fiber-optic cable, to his knowledge.
Co-Chair Sharp understood that additional data feed traffic
would be directed through the fiber length. He asked if all
of the data would be directed through the fiber length.
Mr. Bushry replied in the affirmative.
Senator Donley stated that he did not understand the
project's emergency capability.
Mr. Bushry responded that a small site would be established
in Seattle where historic financial information could be
retained and updated daily. The disaster recovery center
would allow for information recovery in the event of a
long-term natural disaster.
Co-Chair Sharp noted that most large financial institutions
had a similar mechanism.
Senator Donley asked if the funding would allow for the
construction of the disaster recovery center.
Mr. Bushry concurred.
Senator Donley asked about the staffing level for the
disaster recovery center.
Mr. Bushry responded that staff would not be necessary
unless an emergency occurred. The space would be leased to
house the computers responsible for retaining the
information for possible recovery.
Senator Donley noted that the project was listed as "one-
time" although it contained a lease. He asked about the
term of the lease and when it expired.
Mr. Bushry stated that the lease would continue as long as
funds were made available by the legislature. An ongoing
operating budget cost for maintaining the site would be
incurred if funds were made available by the legislature.
The ongoing cost was estimated at $46 thousand once the
initial set-up costs were incurred.
Senator Donley opined that the site was redundant to the
existing program.
Mr. Bushry agreed.
Senator Donley suggested that the fiber optic cable could
be severed in the same way that the transpacific cable was
severed by the trawler.
Mr. Bushry acknowledged that the line could be severed; the
ability to access the disaster recovery center could help
retrieve the lost information.
Senator Donley expressed confusion about the need for the
second cable if the emergency response was to access the
disaster recovery center.
Mr. Bushry explained that there were several purposes to
the capital project request. He stated that the use of the
fiber optic cable would reduce the present costs of
obtaining information in Juneau.
Co-Chair Sharp understood that disaster relief potential
and operational savings were two important components of
the request.
Mr. Bushry concurred.
Senator Donley asked how much of the request was allocated
to the cost of the site in Seattle and how much for the
establishment of the fiber optic cable.
Mr. Bushry explained that the majority of the request was
to establish the disaster recovery site in Seattle. The
equipment and telecommunication circuits cost $150 thousand
to establish the data links. The remaining amount of
$342,800 would be used for the disaster recovery site.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
JOE PERKINS, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND
PUBLIC FACILITIES, stated that he had one Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) related
amendment. He understood that STIP would not be addressed
in the meeting.
Commissioner Perkins introduced the first request for
Airport Deferred Maintenance for $900 thousand. He stated
that the list of deferred maintenance projects included the
rural airport needs. He stated that the funding was divided
into many small increments for multiple airports.
Co-Chair Sharp requested a list of the proposed maintenance
projects.
Co-Chair Pearce asked the status of the federal requirement
regarding fencing upgrades around the facilities.
BO BROWNFIELD, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, discussed the ongoing
federal program and the upgrade of fencing for security
purposes in certificated airports. He noted that there were
approximately 27 certificated airports throughout Alaska.
Co-Chair Pearce asked if the funding covered the cost of
the fencing requirements.
Deputy Commissioner Brownfield explained that fencing
repairs were included in the item. He added that 25 percent
of the funding would be used for fence repair in Sitka.
Co-Chair Sharp clarified that all new fencing was funded by
Federal Rural Airport Capital.
Deputy Commissioner Brownfield concurred and noted that the
certificated airports were the department's responsibility.
Co-Chair Sharp requested an itemized break-down of the
projects listed in the request.
Commissioner Perkins continued with the second item for the
Alaska Marine Highway System Overhaul and Rehabilitation
for $4 million. The item was requested annually. He stated
that the item allowed for retention of the vessel's Coast
Guard licenses. He offered to provide details about the
vessels and their proposed upgrades.
Co-Chair Sharp expressed interest in the details by vessel.
Senator Torgerson asked how much of the funding was
allocated for the Malaspina.
Commissioner Perkins responded $225 thousand.
Co-Chair Sharp asked how much funding was allocated for
highway maintenance. He wanted to compare the deferred
maintenance cost of the Alaska Marine Highway System to
that of the road system.
Commissioner Perkins replied $1.5 million.
Commissioner Perkins continued with the next request for
Emergency and Non-Routine Repairs for $1 million. He stated
that the funding was employed for system emergencies. The
request was consistent with that of previous years. He
provided examples such as roof repair for an aviation
facility. He mentioned extensive flooding on the Nome
council road, which led to spending $90 thousand on
repairs. He stated that the funding could be used for
aviation, buildings or roads.
Commissioner Perkins continued with the next request for
Facilities Deferred Maintenance and Critical Repairs of
$750 thousand. The most important projects were
prioritized. He stated that DPS trooper's building required
repair of the climate control system costing $105 thousand.
He added that the Sitka court/office building required roof
membrane and insulation replacement costing $155 thousand.
He considered these repairs emergencies.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the repair of the Unalaska Airport
Hangar Roof was another part of the request.
Commissioner Perkins replied no. He stated that the request
for Unalaska was met in the previous fiscal year and that
it could be deleted from the list.
Commissioner Perkins continued with the request for Federal
Transit Administration Grants for $930 thousand.
TOM BRIGHAM, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF STATEWIDE PLANNING,
stated that the transit grants included funding from the
Federal Transit Administration, which was distributed to
transit operations throughout the state. The small
percentage of match was due to the fact that the majority
of the match was provided by the operators themselves.
Co-Chair Sharp asked who the operators were.
Mr. Brigham replied transit operators in Barrow, Fairbanks,
Kodiak, Ketchikan, Juneau and Anchorage.
Commissioner Perkins continued with the Highway Deferred
Maintenance request for $1,550,000. He stated that the
request appeared in the capital budget annually. He
reported to the committee that figures might fluctuate
according to maintenance needs. He added that guard rail
replacement, dust control and pothole repairs were some of
the uses of the highway deferred maintenance funds. He
added that the division had programed the appropriate state
match to cover the increased program costs.
Co-Chair Sharp noted that the imminent Cordova project was
not in the capital budget's rural airport project.
Commissioner Perkins concurred. He stated that the project
was not included because the department was unaware that
the federal government would not authorize the repair in
the discretionary project.
Deputy Commissioner Brownfield added that the project was
reviewed by the division; however, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) performed a yearly inspection of the
certificated airports. The most recent inspection resulted
in the discovery of a deteriorating surface that could lead
to an accident. He informed the committee that FAA pushed
to accomplish the repairs as opposed to waiting for the
program. The project must be completed quickly as a major
safety requirement.
Co-Chair Sharp added that the type of aircraft could be
modified for safety purposes.
Deputy Brownfield agreed.
Co-Chair totaled the capital budget requests at $7,650,000
including supplemental requests and amendments.
Senator Donley revisited the FAA issue. He noted two
components of the statewide appropriation for the federal
aviation program. He wondered if there was a matching
amount from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export
Authority, (AIDEA).
Commissioner Perkins commented that the required match for
FAA was between 7 and 8 percent. The match was a
requirement of the $80 million program.
Senator Donley suggested that the figure was imprecise. He
asked for the exact amount of the AIDEA match.
Commissioner Perkins explained that the match depended on
discretionary funding. He was not sure about the FY 98 FAA
total funding because the approval process was ongoing. He
stated that the projected amount was an estimate and he
would have accurate information in August when the approval
process was completed. The normal process was to
appropriate a lump sum and then distribute it appropriately
among projects.
Senator Donley asked if the item was designated in the
budget to be spent without a match.
Commissioner Perkins replied that the funding was only
spent with a match.
Senator Donley recalled reading a newspaper article stating
that the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOT/PF) representatives would vote on a formula change
regarding the percentage allocated to amenities versus
roads. He wondered where the decision was made.
Commissioner Perkins replied that he made the decision
about the allocated percentage.
Senator Donley requested further information about the
process. He asked if public comments were reviewed
regarding the percentages used in the match process.
Commissioner Perkins answered in the affirmative.
Senator Donley pointed out that the public comments
advocated overwhelmingly for a 10 percent match. He asked
why the commissioner recommended 15 percent, when the
public comments advocated for 10 percent.
Commissioner Perkins disagreed with the adjective
"overwhelmingly." He opined that each municipality could
make a decision regarding their preferred percentage.
Senator Donley maintained that the public comments
overwhelmingly supported a match of 10 percent, without
question. He stated that the comments were public record
and he offered to provide them to the commissioner. He
added that the assembly took the position to support the 10
percent match. He asked why the commissioner chose to have
his representative vote with the mayor as opposed to the
public.
Commissioner Perkins replied that he reviewed the project
list and he advocated for "enhancement" money. He added
that the funding was spent on enhancements rather than only
bike trails. He stated that a responsible project example
was the coastal trail in Anchorage. If his recommendation
was a problem, the municipality could change it.
Senator Donley wished to understand the basis of the
commissioner's decision, when the public overwhelmingly
commented against the decision.
Commissioner Perkins stated that the decisions in DOT/PF
were based on many different recommendations. He added that
the Anchorage DOT/PF supported his decision.
Senator Donley expressed disappointment regarding the lack
of communication with DOT/PF and the legislators. He
realized that the situation of the match was amiss after
reading the newspaper.
Commissioner Perkins countered that the department had one
of five votes on the issue of the Anchorage Metropolitan
Area Transportation Study (AMATS).
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA
MARY LOU BURTON, BUDGET DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA,
announced three capital budget requests. She introduced the
first request for Systemwide Deferred Maintenance and Code
Compliance for $7 million. She stated that the university
would devote $16.5 million from its operating budget to
maintenance, repair, renewal and replacement costs. She
explained that a backlog of projects equaling approximately
$90 million remained. She stated that the projects
continued to be the regent's highest capital request
priority.
Ms. Burton addressed the next request for Small Business
Development Programs for $450 thousand in matching funds.
The funding represented continuation funding which
generated over $4 for every $1 invested by the state. She
noted that the governor's budget proposed that the funding
be derived from AIDEA. She urged the committee to consider
the program on its merits regardless of the funding source.
Co-Chair Sharp asked about the source of the match.
Ms. Burton responded that $1 million was 50 percent federal
funding and 50 percent private funding.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the federal funding was received
directly by the university.
Ms. Burton replied that the federal funding was
incorporated into the university's operating budget. She
stated that the program was historically funded in the
capital budget.
Co-Chair Sharp asked about the prior fiscal year's request.
Ms. Burton responded that the prior fiscal year's request
was $450 thousand.
Ms. Burton continued with the request for the Physical
Education Facility Design and Construction- Juneau Campus
for $4 million. The request would allow the university to
seek non-state funding or loans to finance a basic physical
education facility. One source of funding was the potential
sale of the Bill Ray Center in Juneau.
Co-Chair Sharp wondered if the university could sell
property and then spend receipts without legislative
approval.
Ms. Burton responded that the funding must be authorized by
the legislature. She stated that the university receipt
authority and user fees would cover the sale proceeds.
Senator Torgerson asked if the funds could be
reappropriated to university operations.
Co-Chair Sharp understood that the university receipt
authority could be derived from varied sources. He asked if
the tuition fees might be used for a physical education
facility.
Ms. Burton replied absolutely not.
Ms. Burton stated that the university had a capital item in
the supplemental budget. The item requested authority to
receive and expend up to $1.7 million in university
receipts for planning and design of a multi-agency fishing
facility in Juneau. She mentioned that the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was in the process of
building a new fishing facility in Juneau. The university
requested the option of being a co-tenant in the facility.
She noted that Senator Ted Stevens proposed the notion that
the federal and the state governments would combine
research efforts to gain the benefits of collaboration. The
fisheries unit at the university was occupying space needed
by instructional programs, making the move advantageous for
multiple reasons. She added that the request was included
in the supplemental bill because NOAA was proceeding and
hoped for commitment by May.
ALASKA COURT SYSTEM
CHRIS CHRISTIANSON, GENERAL COUNCIL, JUDICIAL BRANCH, began
with a $2,734,000 request for Emergency Replacement of
Courtroom Recording Equipment. He mentioned that Alaska was
the only state to utilize tape recorders instead of
stenographers in the court system. Stenographers would be
paid at range 17 based on what they were compensated in
other states, leading to more than $1 million in personnel
costs. He explained that the court system's current
equipment was over 15 years old and that the manufacturer
of that equipment went out of business six years ago. He
noted that the equipment had a 10 year life span when
purchased. After realizing that a complete record was not
generated, criminal trials were repeated. The request for
the equipment was 10 percent lower than expected. Next
year's request would fund rural courts, estimated at $1
million.
Mr. Christianson stated the second request for renovation
of the Boney Courthouse in Anchorage for $1,460,000. He
stated that the Alaska Court System was facing a number of
citations for the courthouse built in 1974. An inventory
was completed in 1993 and a total of 101 deficiencies were
identified with a projected construction cost of over $5
million. Two prior appropriations allowed the system to
address many of the deficiencies and the final stage will
allow for completion of the project and ultimately
compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act
requirements and energy codes for lighting and power
adequacy. He provided a copy of project details for the
committee members.
Mr. Christianson continued with the third priority for
replacement of hardware equipment for the new Computerized
Case Management System. The cost of the initial phase was
$900 thousand. Benefits to the public included faster
processing of documents and information requests.
Mr. Christianson continued with the system's fourth
priority of the Palmer Courthouse Expansion for $1,914,000.
The courthouse was built to originally serve a population
of 31 thousand people. In 1996 the Supreme Court authorized
the relocation of a superior court judge from Valdez to
Palmer, in response to significant population and caseload
increases in Palmer. The building expansion would increase
efficiency while benefiting the jurors and the public.
Mr. Christianson concluded with the last request of $850
thousand for the Statewide Court Facility Code and Energy
Conservation Upgrades. The project would span three years,
FY 99 through FY 01.
Senator Parnell asked about the request for completion of
the computerized case management system. He reported to the
committee his experience of sitting with a district court
judge to observe an arraignment. He recalled that the judge
worked with between 40 and 80 files per day and was
required to hand write each order. He found the process to
be a waste of time and resources. He believed that the
computerized case management system would improve
productivity. He wondered if the item was tied into the
clerk's office and how it might implement efficiency of the
judge's time in the courtroom.
Mr. Christianson responded that the goal was to allow
terminals to be connected to the mainframe in the
courtrooms. He mentioned another project with the goal of
improving case management in a district court in Anchorage.
He believed that changes in hardware and procedures would
improve the process and make it more efficient. He expected
to report improvement next year.
Senator Parnell recalled that district court judges did not
have terminals. He stated that Alaska was behind in the
technology aspect of court proceedings.
Senator Torgerson asked about the Palmer courthouse
expansion. He recalled the approval of a maximum security
prison in Anchorage as well as authorization of a project
in Big Delta. He understood that the goal of the process
was to minimize the prisoners in Palmer. He asked about the
potential impact.
Mr. Christianson responded that the majority of the
caseload was civil.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Co-Chair Sharp continued with the Department of Public
Safety (DPS).
KEN BISCHOFF, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, began with a reappropriation
request of $1.4 million from the fingerprint system to the
Sitka Academy Project. The funds were available due to
outsourcing to a service bureau that would combine
fingerprint records with those of six other western states.
The reappropriation combined with another $700,000 would
allow the completion of a twenty person women's dormitory
at the Sitka Academy along with relocation of the firing
range. This item was found in the capital budget language
section 7.
Co-Chair Sharp asked Mr. Bischoff to begin with the regular
capital budget requests.
Mr. Bischoff stated that the item was an annual request for
fish and wildlife protection aircraft and vessel repair for
$1,221,500. He stated that the department operated
approximately 40 aircraft and 20 vessels, which required
annual maintenance.
Mr. Bischoff explained the next item for Fish and Wildlife
Protection Equipment for $375 thousand. These maintenance
projects included those for skiffs, outboard motors, snow
machines, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment required
for the enforcement activity of the division.
Co-Chair Sharp opined that the requests appeared to be
potential operating budget items.
Mr. Bischoff continued with the trooper law enforcement
equipment request for $353,500. The equipment included
vehicle radios, batteries, vehicle disabling devices,
handguns, tape recorders, cameras and computers.
Senator Parnell understood that the legislature
appropriated funds that may have been used for equipment.
He asked if the amount requested was adequate for law
enforcement equipment purchases. He preferred to refrain
from using personal services funds to purchase equipment.
He requested clarification about the request.
Mr. Bischoff recalled significant discussion regarding the
department's work plan. He acknowledged that the
department's operating budget required the movement of
funds from personal services to other line items. One line
item would cover a shortfall in prisoner transportation for
$200 thousand. The other line item transfer included
approximately $490 thousand for trooper recruitment
replacement training, related travel costs, employee moves
and academy tuition to obtain trooper replacement. The
request mentioned earlier in the meeting was made annually
by the department.
Senator Parnell asked if personal services funds were
expended on the computer related equipment or radios.
Mr. Bischoff responded no, not to his knowledge.
Mr. Bischoff continued with trooper dispatch console
replacement for Fairbanks. The request for $250 thousand
would fund a project consisting of redesign, upgrade,
purchase and replacement of Very High Frequency (VHF)
communications and telephone interfacing equipment located
in the Public Safety building in Fairbanks. The equipment
was over 16 years old.
Mr. Bischoff addressed the statewide academy expansion
request for $700 thousand. He mentioned the reappropriation
for the Sitka academy, which was tied in to the request.
The project combined with the reappropriation in section 7
would provide $2.1 million for the construction of a
women's dormitory and the relocation of a firing range.
Encroaching development makes use of the firing range an
increasing public liability.
Co-Chair Pearce opined that if the city allowed the zoning
for development near the firing range the developer ought
to pay for the relocation.
Mr. Bischoff responded that the project was considered a
capital match because the city of Sitka contributed $300
thousand in terms of road enhancements and access to
relocate the firing range and as such is participating in
the project.
Co-Chair Pearce asked about the state's cost.
Mr. Bischoff responded $2.1 million.
Senator Parnell asked if the current shooting range was on
state land or leased land.
Mr. Bischoff did not know the answer, but offered to report
back to the committee.
Senator Torgerson asked about guarantees that another
subdivision would not be built near the new firing range
location.
Mr. Bischoff understood that the firing range would be
accessible to the public during times that the troopers
were not using it making the likelihood remote that the
problem would emerge again.
Senator Parnell stated that he was driven to the firing
range's new location which was a great distance from town.
Senator Donley asked if the cost of the firing range was
$700 thousand.
Mr. Bischoff replied that Sitka contributed $300 thousand
and estimating the 100 yard shooting range cost at $360
thousand.
Co-Chair Sharp understood that the total cost of the
project was $2.1 million. He asked if the cost of the
shooting range was included in the request.
Mr. Bischoff replied that the state's total outlay for the
project was $2.1 million. The city of Sitka would provide
$300 thousand for a total of $2.4 million project, which
would accomplish both the woman's dormitory addition and a
shooting range.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the proposal was from the prior
year's appropriation of $1.4 million. He asked where the
cost of the joint effort for the fingerprinting program
would be covered.
Mr. Bischoff responded that the department requested that
the $116 thousand operating budget increment be placed in
the criminal records and identification component.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the funding source was the general
fund.
Mr. Bischoff concurred.
Mr. Bischoff continued with the Alaska Public Safety
Information Network (APSIN) statewide data communications
request for $150 thousand. He explained that the project
would continue the conversion from older technologies. The
department was transitioning to an internet based system.
He noted that there were 200 thousand users of the systems
including the department plus all of the law enforcement
agencies around the state.
Co-Chair Sharp noted that there were three various APSIN
requests. The first request was for $150 thousand, the
second for $600 thousand and the third for $150 thousand.
He asked if each project was a stand-alone project.
Mr. Bischoff responded that each item involved components
of the same overall application and networks, but the
projects themselves were separate. The APSIN redesign and
implementation would be similar to other department's
systems. He stated that changes in state and federal
legislation created the need to implement more current
technology. The department was able to attract some federal
grant funds so that the general fund would not provide the
only source. He stated that some general fund participation
was required to implement the project.
Mr. Bischoff continued that the APSIN data communication
would begin to integrate the telecommunications portion of
the application. The APSIN redesign included the
application itself along with trooper histories and trooper
reports. He added that the APSIN NCIC-2000 analysis and
design was a national system that over 60 thousand agencies
participated in. The system allowed all 50 states and
Canada to perform criminal history checks and establish hot
file entries for missing and wanted persons. The system was
developed in 1965 and used very old technology. The Federal
Bureau of Investigation spent hundreds of millions of
dollars to upgrade the network.
Co-Chair Sharp understood that the current APSIN system had
interconnection capability with the nationwide system.
Mr. Bischoff agreed. He stated that the compatibility would
change as the nationwide system was upgraded.
Senator Parnell asked about [undecipherable].
Mr. Bischoff responded that DNA samples were indexed in the
system when identified at the crime lab. He added that
flagging for sexual offenders in the registry was also
present.
Co-Chair Sharp continued with the department's only
supplemental request. He stated that the Council of
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault had an ongoing project
to automate statistics and data captured at each shelter.
The supplemental request would allow this capability in
every shelter to allow the standard data collection to be
implemented in each shelter to allow for more effective
reporting of incidents. The request would complete phase
three, the last phase of the project.
LEGISLATURE
PAM VARNEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AGENCY,
explained the capital budget request for FY 99 including
six projects. She noted that the legislature appropriated
capital budget funds to improve the data processing section
resulting in fewer calls to the help desk and maintenance
departments. She began with the first item, the Capitol
School renovation to office space. The legislative council
intended to convert the school to office space. The offices
would relocate from the Goldstein Building, whose lease
exceeds $335 thousand per year. She stated the lease
expense by $230 thousand per year. The operating cost of
the Capital School would include janitorial services,
electricity and oil expenses. The lease savings would be
recovered over approximately nine years.
Ms. Varney mentioned a study by the budget and audit
committee concluding that the Capital School represented a
valuable asset and cost effective office space. She stated
that the building would be brought up to code with
elevators and converting the classrooms to office space.
She stated that Legislative Legal and Research would occupy
the third floor. The second floor would house the executive
director's office, accounting, personnel and house and
senate records. The first floor would house the data
processing section, the legislative legal library combined
with the research library and the Legislative Information
Office (LIO). She noted that the building would house a
large Juneau Information Conference room combined with the
data processing training room. She hoped to have video
teleconferencing equipment to be utilized by House and
Senate members. She expected to move into the building July
1999.
Ms. Varney continued with the next item, for computer
system conversion. She stated that the computer system
required Y2K compliance. She pointed out that the bidding
process and part of the analysis was complete. She offered
to provide the executive summary. The projected cost was
$2.5 million for the project. The request was for a total
of $1.8 million because the hope was to hire experienced
programmers to save money. The cost for the project
included design work, server licensing, technical training
for agency technicians and purchasing software development
tools.
Ms. Varney discussed the next item, the second year
computer software replacement project for legislator's
office, which was an ongoing four-year project to replace
the Senate and House computer equipment. She explained that
the plan was to replace 69 Power Mac 60100 with PCs and
purchasing software and printers. The total cost of the
project was $240,500.
Ms. Varney continued with the next project, replacing the
Legislative Affairs Agency's (LAA) computer equipment and
software. She stated that the information offices would
convert to PCs and state standard hardware and software
that were approved by legislative council. The request was
for $60 thousand.
Ms. Varney discussed the replacement of Macintosh SE30
computers and old printers that were used as teleconference
terminals in the Capitol with laptops and quiet printers
for a total of $17,800 thousand. She mentioned the need to
upgrade 16 legal services computers and software to allow
for compatibility with legislative platforms. The
replacement of more advanced PCs would cost $32 thousand.
Ms. Varney continued with the next item, the statewide
legislative telephone system replacement. The phone systems
in the legislator's interim offices along with those in the
LIO offices would be replaced. Conversion to the new phone
system would save the state $14,400 annually. The telephone
upgrade proposal was approximately $49 thousand for
Anchorage, $8 thousand for Fairbanks, $5 thousand for
Homer, $12 thousand for Kenai, $5 thousand for Kodiak, $13
thousand for MatSu and $5 thousand for Sitka for a total of
$100 thousand.
Ms. Varney discussed the final request for a teleconference
bridge. She noted that the state paid approximately $27
thousand per year to lease a bridge. The bridge was old and
encountered frequent breakdowns. Purchasing a new bridge
would eliminate the annual lease costs and provide better
service. The total request was $156 thousand.
Senator Parnell asked about the average life of a bridge if
purchased.
Ms. Varney replied that the leased bridge was considered
"state-of-the-art" when purchased by Alaska Communications
six years prior. She anticipated that a new bridge, with
software updates would function longer than five years.
Senator Parnell wondered if the option of bidding for a new
lease every few years had been explored.
Ms. Varney replied that Alaska Communications was the only
provider of the bridge service six years ago when the lease
was signed.
Senator Parnell supposed that instead of embarking on the
telecommunications business, bidding for the best option
might provide the best service.
Senator Parnell asked about the Capitol School renovation.
He wondered what the useful life of the building was
anticipated.
Ms. Varney replied that the useful life of the Capitol
School following renovation would be the same as the
Capitol as both buildings were built in the 1920s. She
imagined that the improvements would work to extend the
life of the Capitol School building.
Senator Parnell asked about BASIS and the request of $1.8
million for upgrades. He asked if BASIS would be year 2000
compliant.
[Undecipherable] replied yes, the proposal would redesign
and implement the BASIS system, which would be year 2000
compliant.
Senator Parnell asked if the system would run under the new
[undecipherable].
[Undecipherable] replied that the goal was to exit the
mainframe and utilize the internet environment instead.
Senator Parnell asked if the system would be operable in
the internet environment.
Co-Chair Sharp asked about the lease for the
teleconferencing bridge. He asked if a lease would tie the
state to one communication supplier.
Ms. Varney explained that the current agreement included a
five year lease with AT&T/Alaska Communications. The bridge
had not been upgraded in six years. She believed that if
the choice was made to go out to bid, newer technology
would be the best choice.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the bid would tie the user to a
single source supplier for the communication link. He asked
who provided maintenance and the cost.
Ms. Varney responded that the purchase price included a
year of maintenance. Currently the state paid $36 hundred
to AT&T Alaska Communications for the maintenance service.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the maintenance of a purchased
bridge could be contracted out.
Senator Parnell asked if the cost of putting the project
out to bid had been compared to the purchasing price of a
new system combined with maintenance costs.
Ms. Varney explained that past methods of teleconferencing
for the legislature were different than those of standard
industries. If the legislature wished to change the method,
the bidding process would be simpler. The legislature
leased the bridge and hired the operator. Most bridge
services provide an operator. She added that there were not
instate service providers for the necessary
teleconferencing service. Bids would go to an out-of-state
provider.
SENATE BILL 292
"An Act making supplemental appropriations; making,
amending, and repealing capital or other
appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize
funds; and providing for an effective date."
Co-Chair Sharp informed the committee that the supplemental
items would be discussed by department.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Co-Chair Sharp began with the Kodiak launch complex
project.
PAT LADNER, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ALASKA AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION (via teleconference), explained that statutes
allow authority to receive funds, but legislative approval
was required in order to spend the funds. He mentioned the
negotiation of contracts for the first three launches. He
requested approval to spend the funding received from the
three launch contracts.
Co-Chair Sharp stated that the total funding for the three
launch sites was $5 million. He asked if the first three
launches would be performed by the Air Force.
Mr. Ladner concurred that the first three launches were Air
Force.
YVONNE CHASE, DIVISION OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
(via teleconference), discussed the $500 thousand request
for the Head Start center. She stated that the capital
funds would be used throughout the state to improve the
centers and consequently their programs. The funds were
targeted for securing compliance with health, safety and
sanitation standards. She stated that the reason for the
division's submission of the request was due to joint work
with the state Head Start association to assist multiple
communities. She pointed out that the items listed totaled
more than $500 thousand, so needs would be prioritized if
the request was approved.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the projects were listed in
priority.
Ms. Chase replied that the list represented a total of
projects with the amounts for each community. If the
request was approved, the division planned to work with the
Head Start Association to help the communities prioritize
based on the amount of funding available.
Senator Torgerson asked if the funding was matched with
local money.
Ms. Chase replied yes. She stated that individual
communities contributed to the Head Start centers. She
indicated that the contributions were not an exact match.
She offered to provide details to the committee.
Senator Torgerson asked if the Head Start projects
involving new buildings were for the purpose of new
programs.
Ms. Chase replied that new programs arose in the state
along with existing buildings requiring extensive repairs.
Senator Torgerson imagined that the requested funding might
fund one or two projects. He felt that a priority list was
important in his decision making about appropriating the
funds.
Ms. Chase stated that the department would not prioritize
the projects. The Head Start Association and the
communities would work together to determine the greatest
needs. She agreed that two of the larger projects would
utilize the funds in their entirety. She supposed that the
Head Start Association would select many of the smaller
items first and use additional funding to initiate the new
projects.
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
DWAYNE PEEPLES, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
CORRECTIONS, discussed the $100 thousand supplemental
capital request. The intention was to purchase new
equipment and two vehicles in Bethel. The office equipment
and computers were for the Smart Start Initiative in the FY
99 operating budget. The governor was implementing
increased probation and parole supervision of sex
predators. He stated that Alaska had 700 sex predators on
probation with an anticipated 150 more over the next year.
The intention was to focus on monitoring and surveillance
of those considered high-risk for repeat offence. One
probation officer was transferred to Bethel. He added that
a request was made in the FY 99 operating budget for four
probation officers. The remaining balance of the funds
would go toward purchasing office equipment, personal
protection equipment and creating operations for two
probation officers in Anchorage, one in Fairbanks and one
in Palmer.
Senator Parnell asked if the sex predators were the highest
priority for parole supervision.
Mr. Peeples replied yes.
Senator Parnell clarified that the funds were to provide
supervision capabilities to increase the supervision of the
high-risk individuals.
Mr. Peeples concurred.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if two vehicles in Bethel would help
increase the supervision.
Mr. Peeples responded that the additional vehicles were a
part of the overall plan for the department.
Senator Parnell asked how the need in Bethel had been
identified. He thought that larger urban centers would
house more predators.
Mr. Peeples responded that Anchorage would obtain two
additional parole officers. The intention was to enhance
Bethel's coverage as it had a fairly high percentage of
sexual predators on parole.
Co-Chair Sharp asked how many people would be tracked by
two vehicles in Bethel.
Mr. Peeples offered to report back to the committee with an
answer.
Senator Parnell asked if the parole officers had vehicles
in Bethel.
Mr. Peeples responded that the number of vehicles was
insufficient to fully implement the monitoring program. He
added that two people do not have vehicles.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
KAREN REHFELD, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, began with
the first request to provide funding to Mount Edgecombe
High School for the removal of hazardous chemicals in the
powerhouse facility. She spoke about the various chemicals
and compounds existing in the facility in addition to the
long range plan to demolish the building. She explained the
goal of securing the building to keep the students safe.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the department was requesting $40
thousand of the $158,250.
Ms. Rehfeld responded that the original request was for
$158,300, which included the removal of the friable
asbestos. She stated that prior to the asbestos removal,
the chemicals must be disposed of and the building secured.
Senator Torgerson asked if the building was locked.
Ms. Rehfeld responded that plywood was nailed over the
windows, but some students have displaced the wood to enter
the building. She stated that the request would provide
funding to place galvanized steel over the windows and
remove some of the stairs and platform access to further
secure the building.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the building had signage
communicating the contaminated materials.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
JOAN BROWN, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET, stated the
request was an additional $1 million in general funds to
continue to work down the list of state facilities with
physical barriers for compliance with the American with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
JANET CLARK, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES,
highlighted the first project for the ADA competitive grant
for the mental health beneficiaries for $200 thousand. She
pointed out that $100 thousand was Mental Health Trust
Authority receipts and $100 thousand general fund mental
health. The project would provide grants for mental health
beneficiaries to upgrade their facilities.
Ms. Clark addressed the next project for the Division of
Family and Youth Services (DFYS) technology improvements
with a request of $450 thousand [undecipherable]. She
stated that the project would continue the development of
the main computer system that DFYS used called Online
Resources for the Children of Alaska (ORCA). The federal
funds are available only with the available match.
Ms. Clark continued with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Management Information System upgrade with a request of
$392 thousand in general funds. The project was itemized
for committee members. She noted that the Division of
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse managed a $20 million grant
program annually. The division secured support to the
grantees that provided management information. The funding
was divided by $60 thousand for current support and
training, $210 thousand for hardware and software upgrades
for the grantees, and $122 thousand for computerized grants
management performed annually.
Senator Parnell recalled a provider testifying about the
carry forward of grants to replace computers and buy
software.
LOREN JONES, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG
ABUSE, responded that some programs had resources to
purchase computer equipment. He stated that compatibility
and standards for software and hardware were established
within the division. Hardware purchased specifically for
the required software allowed the division to maintain the
standard.
Ms. Clark continued with a request for the department wide
client integration project. The request for the project was
$800 thousand, with $400 thousand of general funds, $200
thousand of federal funds and $200 thousand from the Mental
Health Trust Authority. She explained that the system was
not new, but simply provided a new use of data.
Co-Chair Sharp assumed that the federal government did not
require more than a 100 percent match.
Ms. Clark concurred. She stated that the federal funds
would be applied by federal agencies for direct federal
funds. Matching funds would be received by some federal
agencies depending on which programs were in the data
warehouse.
Co-Chair Sharp observed that the item's details showed $200
thousand in federal match.
Ms. Clark explained that the department applied to the
federal government for $200 thousand. The amount of general
funds received were an important component to the equation.
Co-Chair Sharp asked about a preference for general funds
or mental health trust funds.
Ms. Clark responded that there was no preference. She
continued with the next project for nursing communications.
She noted that the section of public health nurses was the
last set of employees who lacked personal computers and
were therefore separated from the rest of the state
government. She stated that the nurses used a computer
system to track client information in the public health
nursing center. The computer upgrade would allow nurses
access to email and the internet and to transmit collected
data.
Ms. Clark introduced the next item for family and youth
services field safety and transportation equipment. She
explained the need to replace vehicles and safety equipment
for the division of family and youth services. She stated
that employees in the division requested additional cell
phones, alarms and newer vehicles.
Ms. Clark introduced the McLaughlin Youth Center heat and
ventilation control system. The project would replace
obsolete and nonfunctioning mechanical controls. She stated
that the existing manual controls were approximately 30
years old and in poor condition. The plan was to replace
obsolete controls with a direct digital control system to
allow central monitoring of system. The upgrade would
reduce energy and operating costs by 12 -17 percent.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if another capital project request
existed for the McLaughlin Youth Center.
Ms. Clark responded that the department had another, much
larger request for the youth center.
Ms. Clark continued with a request for the Kenai Health
Center project. She explained that in 1967 the department
entered an agreement for the exchange of land, which
allowed for the location of the health center in the City
Hall building. She added that staff increased from four to
nine, which led to a crowded work environment. She stated
that the waiting room and city council meeting room were
shared. She mentioned the plan for a joint facility where
the city provided land with city and state government
sharing a facility.
Ms. Clark examined the funding of planning and design
appropriations for youth correctional facilities throughout
the state. She stated that the request was for $1,500,000
for a new facility in the Ketchikan area to serve the
southern southeast. She noted that FY 95 saw 20 percent of
admissions to the Johnson Youth Center in Juneau from
Ketchikan. She explained that Ketchikan was without a youth
center, which made work difficult for local law
enforcement. The initial plan budgeted for four beds and
the local community decided to supplement with beds for
emotionally disturbed youth and those with substance abuse
issues. The community was seeking the funds from private
foundations and the Mental Health Trust Authority.
Co-Chair Sharp understood that the facility might cost more
than $3 million.
Ms. Clark responded that the addition of the beds for
substance abuse and mental health would increase the cost
to approximately $2.7 million.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the proposed amount of beds was
ten.
Ms. Clark concurred. She noted that the department wished
to minimize the use of beds, but was supportive of the need
for mental health services.
Co-Chair Sharp asked about the efficiencies associated with
a four bed facility.
Ms. Clark responded that a four bed facility was not
particularly efficient. She stated that an eight bed
facility and a four bed facility incurred similar operating
costs.
Ms. Clark continued by providing photographs and history of
past legislative appropriation for the McLaughlin Youth
Center detention. She noted last year's appropriation for
replacement of an abandoned cottage and planning funds to
upgrade the detention facility at McLaughlin. The $5.2
million request for McLaughlin would fund the remaining
portion of the project. The project would provide detention
facilities and additional detention beds.
GEORGE BUHITE, MCLAUGHLIN YOUTH CENTER SUPERINTENDENT (via
teleconference), stated that the youth center housed 300
children in their 220 bed capacity with the rate of new
entrants increasing each year.
Co-Chair Sharp referred to an aerial photograph of the
layout provided to the committee members.
Ms. Clark helped to explain the photograph's location. She
mentioned that McLaughlin Youth Center was situated on
Mental Health Trust Authority land, which was provided in a
settlement.
Ms. Clark continued with the next item. She stated that the
legislature funded planning and design for the initial
stages of the Matanuska Susitna Detention and Support
Facilities. The current request was for $4.1 million. She
stated that the Matanuska Susitna valley lacked a facility.
The department recognized the need to serve the population,
since 9 percent of the detention admissions were from the
Matanuska Susitna area. She explained that the planning
funds allowed for a 15 bed facility with the opportunity to
expand. She stated that the issue of finding land was
large.
Senator Parnell understood that the cost would be
approximately $410 thousand per bed.
Ms. Clark agreed and stated that the project was "starting
from scratch."
Co-Chair Clark asked if the facility required kitchen and
laundry facilities.
Ms. Clark stated that the department preferred to contract
the kitchen and laundry services.
Mr. Buhite contributed that probation offices and
educational space was incorporated into the plan for the
sake of efficiency.
Ms. Clark introduced the last item for competitive grants
for statewide family inhalant treatment program for the
cost of $800 thousand. She noted that Alaska lacked a
treatment facility for inhalants. She stated that the
problem in rural areas was increasing with surveys showing
as many as 20 percent of high school students trying
inhalants. Inhalant abuse led to permanent brain damage,
which incurred long-term costs.
Senator Parnell asked if the Mental Health Trust Authority
had shown interest in the issue.
Ms. Clark responded yes. She stated that the project had
not gone through the Mental Health Trust Authority's
process although they were interested in the problem.
Senator Parnell understood that the item was intended for
substance abuse treatment.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if Ms. Clark envisioned a competitive
grant. He asked about the term competitive.
Ms. Clark explained that the proposal would be competitive
by seeking interest in the facility.
Senator Parnell asked if other forms of substance abuse
used separate facilities for separate addition issues. He
wondered if the item might be included in operating grants.
Ms. Clark responded that the department sought specific
types of grant programs. Some facilities competed for a
variety of programs. She added that the request was not for
operating dollars but instead for capital dollars to
purchase or renovate a facility to create a treatment
facility. The competitive grant proposal would allow the
department to ascertain interest in the project.
Co-Chair Sharp asked if the request was similar to a
designated grant.
Ms. Clark chose not to designate it. She preferred to
evaluate the interested entities.
Co-Chair Sharp requested further information about
operating funds. He asked if the project would fall under
substance and alcohol abuse for operating budget purposes.
Ms. Clark concurred and noted that requests to the federal
government would be submitted as well.
Senator Parnell wondered why a grant to purchase a facility
was preferable to purchasing the treatment service.
Ms. Clark stated that she had finished discussing her list
of items.
SB 231 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 230 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
SB 292 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
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