Legislature(2023 - 2024)ANCH LIO DENALI Rm
08/22/2023 10:00 AM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Modern Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (stip) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT MEETING
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
August 22, 2023
9:59 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
SENATE TRANSPORTATION
Senator James Kaufman, Chair
Senator David Wilson, Vice Chair (via TEAMS)
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Robert Myers (via TEAMS)
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION
Representative Kevin McCabe, Chair
Representative Sarah Vance, Vice Chair (via TEAMS)
Representative Tom McKay
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Jesse Sumner
Representative Louise Stutes (via TEAMS)
Representative Genevieve Mina (via TEAMS)
MEMBERS ABSENT
SENATE TRANSPORTATION
All members present
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Mike Cronk
Representative Julie Coulombe
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): MODERN STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PLAN (STIP)
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
RYAN ANDERSON, Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered the presentation on the Modern
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
KATHERINE KEITH, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Participated in the Modern Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) presentation.
SHANNON MCCARTHY, Communications Director
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Participated in the Modern Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) presentation.
CRAIG TORNGA, Director
Alaska Marine Highway System
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Participated in the Modern Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) presentation.
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Participated in the Modern Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) presentation.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:59:23 AM
CHAIR KEVIN MCCABE called the joint meeting of the Senate and
House Transportation Standing Committees to order at 9:59 a.m.
Present at the call to order were Senators Tobin, Kiehl, Myers
(via TEAMS), Wilson (via teleconference), and Chair Kaufman;
Representatives Johnson, McKay, Vance (via TEAMS), Stutes (via
TEAMS), Mina, and Chair McCabe. Representative Sumner arrived
thereafter. Chair McCabe recognized the presence of
Representative Coulombe. [Representative Cronk was also in
attendance.]
^PRESENTATION: Modern Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan
(STIP)
PRESENTATION: MODERN STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN
(STIP)
10:00:35 AM
CHAIR MCCABE announced a presentation on the Modern Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
10:01:02 AM
RYAN ANDERSON, Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Anchorage,
Alaska, delivered the presentation on the Modern Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). He began by introducing
himself and the other presenters.
10:02:44 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON explained that every four years the
federal government requires the Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities (DOTPF) to prepare a new Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). The STIP is the
department's vision for moving transportation in the state
forward using federal funds over the next four years.
10:04:40 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON reviewed slide 4, What is the Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program?
Modern, Resilient, Agile: DOT&PF and the STIP
What is the Statewide Transportation Improvement
Program?
The Statewide Transportation Improvement
Program (STIP)
49 U.S.C. 5304(g) State Requirements
• Staged, multi-year, intermodal program:
• Supports Economic Vitality
• Increases Safety and Security
• Increases Accessibility and Mobility
• Protects and Enhances the Environment, promotes
energy conservation, and consistency in
application
• Enhance Connectivity across modes
• Promote Efficient System Management
• Emphasize Preservation
Improve Resiliency and Reliability
10:05:39 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON reviewed slide 5, Why Change Now? which
displayed an image of a bar graph titled "STIP DASHBOARD BY
CENSUS AREA OR BOROUGH. He said that the department is
recognizing the need to understand where investments are made.
For example, healthy contractor communities are important for
quick response time when solving problems. Analyzing investments
through different lenses is important and now the department has
modern tools with which to do so.
10:07:07 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON reviewed slide 6, How Was the Draft 2024-
2027 STIP Built? He said this STIP reveals plans beyond the
four-year period, as far as 2030, based on available funding and
what the department hopes to accomplish in the next seven years.
10:07:55 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON reviewed slide 7, 2024-2027 STIP:
Opportunities and Challenges He stated that in the last year
the department has discussed transportation goals for the next
five years. The recurring topics center on being modern,
resilient, and agile. Focusing on these attributes will take
transportation in the state to the next level and clarify the
areas that need investments to ensure safety, economic vitality,
and reliability across transportation modes, resiliency, and
sustainability. He said there will also be greater focus and
investment in rural and urban aspects of transportation, surface
corridors, and waterways.
10:10:09 AM
KATHERINE KEITH, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the
Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, Anchorage, Alaska, participated in the Modern
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) presentation.
She began on slide 8, The Modern STIP, New Tools for
Understanding, explaining that she would be discussing tools
the department has developed to aid public understanding and
interaction with the transportation vision. In the past, there
were many projects in the STIP that lacked revenue to fund
progress. In hindsight, the department has reevaluated to
strategically move forward. The department wanted tools that are
conducive to project management, analyzing program-related
fiscal factors, and forecasting workforce demand along with
critical challenges to statewide infrastructure.
10:12:06 AM
MS. KEITH referred to the State of Alaska DOT&PF 2024-2027 STIP
website (https://publicinput.com/stip/) and spoke about the
various tools newly available for the public to use to learn
about ongoing transportation programs and projects.
10:14:39 AM
CHAIR MCCABE recognized Representative Andy Josephson.
10:14:52 AM
MS. KEITH continued explaining about how the public can dive
deeper into the department's projects and plans by using the
website.
10:17:06 AM
MS. KEITH navigated to the DRAFT STIP 2024-2027 Project
Summaries, and spoke to interactive dashboards on the webpage,
in lieu of slide 10, "Modern Tools: A Tutorial.
10:20:46 AM
MS. KEITH advanced to slide 9, "Modernizing the Statewide
Transportation Improvement Plan. She mentioned that Shannon
McCarthy would be speaking about community engagement. The
department wanted the ability to get high directional feedback
from the public. Through an interactive GIS-enabled map on the
website, citizens can troll spatially around the state to view
various transportation projects and interact via comment
threads. The comments are transparent, and the department's
responses are publicly visible.
10:21:42 AM
MS. KEITH reviewed slide 11, "New Tools: Our Transportation
Needs and Our Funding. One goal of the STIP is to seek a better
way to combine the statewide legislative budget process with the
federal funding allocation in order to merge the two seamlessly.
The goal with the STIP is to have maximum flexibility and allow
for the capital budget to have line item allocations for the
ongoing project over the last couple years. There are about 45
different fund programs that were balanced by year and by fund.
There are more projects than the budget allows, and the
department is vying for more federal funds to put towards
projects.
10:24:14 AM
MS. KEITH reviewed slide 12, "Our Dynamic Transportation System:
How We Invest Matters. One component that is different about
the STIP is general simplification. Projects have been
consolidated to facilitate a strategic approach and leverage
projects together.
10:25:57 AM
MS. KEITH moved to slide 13, "Our Big State Where we invest
matters." She said that through the tour of available online
tools filters can help show where money is invested
geographically around the state. Online tools also indicate the
strategic investment areas within the following areas:
waterways, urban, rural, corridor, and Alaska-wide.
10:27:27 AM
SHANNON MCCARTHY, Communications Director, Office of the
Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, Anchorage, Alaska, participated in the Modern
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) presentation,
advancing to slide 14, "Modern Tools for Engagement Listening to
Alaskans.
10:27:34 AM
MS. MCCARTHY reviewed slide 15, "Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act: Transportation Departments":
Modern Tools for Engagement
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Transportation
Departments
• Public Opinion Surveys
• Presentations
• Mentimeters
• Listening Sessions
• Meeting the people where they are at townhalls,
neighborhoods, work, ferries, social media
• Using new modern platforms to allow them to engage
via phone, text, email, meet virtually or in person.
10:29:41 AM
MS. MCCARTHY reviewed slide 16, "Engagement Best Practices":
Modern Tools for Engagement
Engagement Best Practices
Best Practices:
• Connect with the public on multiple levels
• Establish feedback loops
• Provide information across multiple channels
• Meet with people In person, virtually or
telephonically
Good Engagement:
• Is Community-Centered
• Is Culturally Sensitive
• Is Ongoing
• Is Transparent
10:31:28 AM
Representative Sumner joined the meeting via TEAMS.
CHAIR MCCABE recognized that Representative Maxine Dibert joined
the meeting via TEAMS.
10:31:40 AM
MS. MCCARTHY reviewed slide 17, "Public Comments: How are we
doing?" She expressed excitement about website traffic and
public interaction. The website has been promoted on multiple
platforms and has had over 10,000 views. Thread capability has
generated 258 comments and many more are expected at the last
minute. She mentioned that their press releases were opened over
6000 times. The planning staff has been working with tribal
communities and reaching out to advocacy groups. She said the
focus has been on improving and expanding outreach.
10:33:06 AM
MS. MCCARTHY reviewed slide 18, "Path Forward: An Agile Plan":
Modern Tools for Engagement
Path Forward: An Agile Plan
First Round:
• Earned Media
• Regulatory Notice
• Legal Ads
• Social Media
• Public Meetings
Second Round:
Adjusting to public's needs
• Meetings with MPO's EDs and RPO's
• Tutorial videos and how to guides
• Direct contact with local government
via email, phone calls and briefings
• Tribal consultation
• Radio PSA's
What's next?
10:34:40 AM
MS. MCCARTHY reviewed slide 19, "Next Steps: After the Comment
Period":
Modern Tools for Engagement
Next Steps: After the Comment Period
DOT&PF encourages comment positive or negative
Staff is reviewing content as it comes in we are
listening
Once comment closes department reviews, makes
adjustments, and
responds with transparency.
Public dialog does not stop with the end of the STIP
comment period we will still accept comments and
inquiries as we move forward with the plan, projects
and programs.
10:35:37 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON stated that he was proud of the work that
Ms. McCarthy and her team did regarding community engagement.
10:36:09 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON introduced the discussion on Program and
Project Highlights.
10:36:55 AM
MS. KEITH reviewed slide 21, "Consolidated Programs":
Programs and Project Highlights
Consolidated Programs
Data Modernization and Innovation
• 2024-2027: $64M
• 14 Independent Programs
Pavement and Bridge
• 2024-2027: $506M
• 3 Independent Programs
Highway Safety Improvement Program
• 2024-2027: $305M
• 4 Independent Programs
ADA Program
• 2024-2027: $27M
• 3 Independent Programs
10:40:19 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON mentioned that the governor said, "don't
be a dodo," suggesting the need to keep up with modern times. He
said the department is establishing exciting new programs. He
reviewed the first sections of slide 22, "New Programs":
Programs and Project Highlights
New Programs
Frontier Roads, Trails, and Bridges
Surface Transportation Links for Alaska's Frontier
• New State Specific Road Standards
• Ice Roads, Snow Roads
• Frontier Style Gravel Roads; Hardened Trails
• Bridges
• Waysides
Rural Community Connections
Community Connections that Reduce the Cost of Living,
Stimulate Economic Development, and Increase the
Quality of Life
• Community Connection Inventories
• Beyond Moving People, Fuel, and Freight
Rural Housing Roads
Helping to Solve Alaska's Housing Crisis
• Basic Infrastructure to Bring Down Costs
He deferred to Ms. Keith to speak to the waterways program.
10:44:17 AM
MS. KEITH reviewed the following section from slide 22, "New
Programs":
Waterways
Connecting Alaska's Multi Modal Transportation Network
M-11 National Marine Highway Designation
• Supporting freight corridors through infrastructure
10:46:13 AM
MS. KEITH reviewed slide 23, "Safer Seward Highway." She
introduced the new Transportation X (TrX) Pilot Program, which
will utilize techniques through all phases of project delivery
that will help reduce costs, reduce time, and enhance the
project where possible. One example is the Seward Highway
Milepost project that will improve safety, correct roadway
deficiencies, and reduce congestion.
10:47:43 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON reviewed slide 24, "Bridge Investments":
Program and Project Highlights
Bridge Investments
2024-2027 Bridge Highlights:
Approx. $1B in bridge work
Alaska Highway Bridges ($170M)
• Johnson River Bridge Replacement
• Gerstle River Bridge Replacement
• Robertson River Bridge Replacement
Juneau Creek Bridge ($165M)
• Highest Crossing in the State at 285'
• Longest Single Span
Other Bridge Replacements:
• Steese Highway Milepost 5 (Fairbanks)
• Gold Creek/Tatalina (Tokotna)
• Ward Creek (Ketchikan)
• Hoadly Creek (Ketchikan)
• Hammond River (Dalton Highway)
10:49:18 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON reviewed slide 25, "West Susitna Access":
• Construct approx. 18 miles of frontier road
• Access to state lands west of Susitna River
• Recreation, agriculture, forestry, and mining
• Public roads
2024-2027 Draft STIP: $82.5M
10:50:19 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON announced that Craig Tornga would be
presenting on the Alaska Marine Highway System.
10:50:40 AM
CRAIG TORNGA, Director, Alaska Marine Highway System, Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities, Ketchikan, Alaska,
participated in the Modern Statewide Transportation Improvement
Plan (STIP) presentation, advancing to slide 27, "Federal
Program Summary":
Alaska Marine Highway System Highlights
Federal Program Summary
Federal financial strategy we are working under and
pursuing
• Federal Highway Authority (FHWA)
• Federal Transit Authority (FTA)
• Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG)
• Maritime Administration (MARAD)
• USDOT Multimodal Grant (MPDG)
10:51:22 AM
MR. TORNGA reviewed slide 28, "New Vessel Construction":
Alaska Marine Highway System Highlights
New Vessel Construction
Tustumena Replacement Vessel
2024 - $70M
• 2025 - $280M
Mainliner Replacement Vessel
• 2024 - $26.8M
Hybrid No-Low Emissions Ferry
• 2025 - $45M
10:53:06 AM
MR. TORNGA reviewed slide 29, "Upgrades to Existing Fleet:
Alaska Marine Highway System Highlights
Upgrades to the Existing Fleet
Tazlina Addition of Crews Quarters: 2024 - $25M
Columbia Upgrade Controllable Pitch Propellers: 2024
- $13.7M
Kennicott EPA Required Emission Upgrade: 2024
$13.9M
Matanuska Regulatory safety required improvements:
2024 - $36M
Current projects modernizing our tools: installation
of Starlink, a Vessel Management System, and a
Computerized Maintenance Management System.
10:55:35 AM
MR. TORNGA reviewed slide 30, "Operations, Maintenance &
Repair":
Alaska Marine Highway System Highlights
Operations, Maintenance & Repair
Terminal Refurbishment 2024-2027: $2M annually
Fleet Condition Surveys 2024-2027: $400K annually
Shipyard Repairs - 2024-2027: $500K annually
Vessel Overhauls 2024-2027: $22M annually
10:57:43 AM
MR. TORNGA reviewed slide 31, "Dock Upgrades and Replacements
Highlights":
Alaska Marine Highway System Highlights
Dock Upgrades and Replacements Highlights
Cordova Terminal Upgrade 2024-2025: $6.5M
Tatitlik Terminal Upgrade 2026: $11M
Chenega Terminal Upgrade 2025-2026: $13.7M
Pelican New Terminal 2026: $13.8M
Angoon Terminal Upgrade 2026: $4.6M
Facility Surveys 2024-2027: $240K annually
11:00:43 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON advanced to the wrap up portion of the
STIP presentation. He introduced Andy Mills.
11:01:07 AM
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Juneau,
Alaska, participated in the Modern Statewide Transportation
Improvement Plan (STIP) presentation, stating that he would
close the presentation.
11:01:29 AM
MR. MILLS reviewed slide 33, "Investing to Move the Needle":
Goal in all of this...
The capital budget and the projects in the STIP work
together to provide needed infrastructure for
Alaskans, good-paying jobs for our workforce, and
provide access for commerce, medical, and recreational
activities.
He stated that beyond infrastructure and access, it is important
to consider training and workforce development. Each district
has constituents running the spectrum of trades needed for STIP
projects; the STIP can additionally be viewed as a workforce
plan. From year to year, the department tracks progress in three
regions. He established that training and workforce development
funding in the STIP is specifically used to ensure on-the-job
training, which encourages Alaskans to step into trades that the
department employs.
11:03:10 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON continued reviewing points on slide 33. He
said that one thing they have learned about workforce
development in rural Alaska is that community members want to
receive training in their home locations. He shared an example
project in which the community built a simple cemetery road. The
department has limited resources but if communities are willing
to step up and do these kinds of projects. This can be a model
for the future.
11:05:41 AM
MR. MILLS referenced the pie charts on slide 33, which were
generated using the AASHTOWare Project, a software suite by the
American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials
(AASHTO). The software uses project information to provide
insightful tools for STIP projects, that aid in communicating
needs to the contracting community to better prepare the
workforce for new projects.
11:06:54 AM
MR. MILLS reviewed slide 34, "Discretionary Grants and Match
Wrap up
Discretionary Grants and Match
We must be "Creative and Aggressive"
RECENT GRANTS AWARDED:
~$285M Alaska Marine Highway (FFY22 FTA, vessels and
terminals)
~$35M Culvert APO (FHWA, Fish-Passage)
~$2M ARROW (FAA, rural drones)
2023 GRANTS SUBMITTED (PENDING):
~$261m FTA Rural Ferry Program
~$968m MPDG Submitted
Mega ($413m)
Infra ($315m)
Rural ($240m)
~$43m PROTECT
11:11:31 AM
MR. MILLS reviewed slide 35, "Discretionary Grants and Match
Wrap up
Discretionary Grants and Match
Transportation funding flows directly to entities (not
necessarily through DOT&PF) and BIL changed the
requirements for those projects to be represented in
the STIP.
Example of non-DOT&PF projects in the STIP:
• Community-Driven Illustrative: 23 projects
$260,814,416
• Congressionally Delegate Spending (CDS): 3 projects
$42,595,793
• Tribal Transportation Projects: 121 projects
$410,198,570
Direct Recipients of Discretionary Grants Through
7/7/2023
• Total Transportation-Related Awards for Alaska:
$654,408,121
• Direct Recipients: $365,862,124
• DOT&PF: $288,545,997
11:13:17 AM
MR. MILLS reviewed slide 36, "Working Across Boundaries:
Federal, State, Local
Wrap up
Working Across Boundaries: Federal, State, Local
Coordination and Transparency:
• Infrastructure Coordinator
• Federal Partners
• Congressional Delegation
• Associations and Businesses
• Public
• Legislature
• MPOs/Local Gov't
• Tribal Partners
• Unions
11:16:13 AM
MR. MILLS reviewed slide 37, "Please Contribute!"
Wrap up
Please Contribute!
Policymakers and public alike being engaged is what
results in action, through consensus.
Our actions prove...
We're not satisfied with status quo.
We aim to be:
More Modern
More Resilient
More Agile
Critical questions for Continuous Improvement:
• What do you like about the Modern STIP?
• What do you want to see changed/improved?
• What can DOT&PF do better and HOW do we do that?
11:17:38 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON made some closing comments regarding the
STIP presentation. He said that in Alaska this year DOT&PF
requested over $100 million and that given their success with
previous redistribution, the department is ready for the extra
funds.
11:18:38 AM
CHAIR MCCABE thanked the presenters and segued to questions.
11:19:10 AM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed her appreciation for the informative
online tutorial. She mentioned that her committee members had
read the Fairbanks Area Surface Transportation (FAST) and the
Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Solutions (AMATS)
comments. She asked for insight into those involved in the
selection process and the criteria for projects in the
development of the STIP.
11:19:55 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON answered that those involved are all
partners of DOT&PF. He said coordinating STIP projects can be
challenging but the department wants to do things right,
maintain transparency, and address concerns as they arise.
11:20:35 AM
MS. KEITH said that the department has a large STIP team
supporting the development process, meeting with FAST and AMATS
representatives to address comments. The department's regional
planners have been working with Municipal Planning Organizations
on a daily basis. The STIP is likely to have a time extension in
order to finesse the execution of certain projects.
11:23:12 AM
SENATOR KIEHL expressed surprise that the past STIP was
overprogrammed. In regard to reducing the number of projects
programed, he asked how the department is doing with the project
pipeline and whether the state would be in the position to get
additional funding and spend everything.
11:24:05 AM
MS. KEITH answered that the pipeline of projects was one of the
reasons the department wanted full transparency in the out years
(2028-2030). The department is short on revenue while the
projected plans require $12 billion between now and 2030. The
department can move projects from one year to another within a
four year timeline as needed. The project pipeline is secure,
given that there is a $5.2 billion reserve of revenue that can
stretch if needed. The department will push to have shovel-ready
projects.
11:26S:01 AM
SENATOR MYERS said his understanding was that the department
found that economic impact is difficult to measure unless there
is a natural resource project already in the regional pipeline.
He asked how the department calculates economic impact for
specific projects.
11:26:55 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON answered that the department does not have
a quantifiable way to measure economic impact in numbers. He
said from a holistic view, there is a certain type of wayside
that fosters access to the outdoors, which consequently attracts
people to the state. Safety projects and repair projects foster
economic vitality in providing that access. Beyond that, the
department is committed to seeking tangible measurement of
economic vitality but that it will take time.
11:28:18 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE sought clarification on the Culvert
Replacement, asking whether all the culverts are fish friendly.
She asked how the replacement project is being funded.
11:29:01 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON replied that the recent discretionary
grant was based on fish passage; the culverts are constructed
with fish passage in mind which is a manual standard for DOT&PF.
11:29:37 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE mentioned that recent news regarding the
Cooper Landing Bypass Project indicated that the project would
cost double the original amount. She asked for the original
thought process and justification for the project.
11:30:33 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON replied that the Cooper Landing Bypass
Project was the longest environmental impact statement (EIS) in
the nation. The project started in 1976. Moving forward the
project has value in that a main component is safety. Inflation
and wildlife are factors for the increase in cost as well as
best practices expected by agency. The department is fiscally
constrained every year and consequently needs to stretch out the
project over time, increasing the cost of labor. The department
is considering how to bring costs down. The goal is to get major
projects completed that the public can use.
11:32:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE commented that the project was started
before she was born. She said she looks forward to hearing more
updates.
11:33:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES referenced the match for federal dollars
for the Mainliner vessel. She asked whether the match would
consist of federal dollars.
11:33:44 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON responded that the strategy for the match
is toll credit; credit for investments the department makes go
through the system and return as toll credits.
11:34:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES expressed alarm at that use of federal
dollars. She recently met US Senator Lisa Murkowski and
Secretary Pete Buttigieg who both said that federal dollars
cannot be used to match receiving federal dollars. As the state
matches, the opportunity to receive more federal money increases
exponentially. She reiterated her concern for the legitimacy of
the department's funding strategy.
11:35:20 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON said that there can be further discussion
on the topic.
11:35:49 AM
CHAIR MCCABE stated that he would like to be kept in the loop on
those conversations.
11:36:04 AM
SENATOR KAUFMAN asked whether the improvement project was funded
organically within the department's normal operations.
11:36:33 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON replied that DOT&PF traditionally
practices on-the-job training so thats how some of these
projects would be done. Some of these initiatives would make the
most of federal funding, and as far as overall improvement the
department's approach is integrated, applied and directed
through back routes. He deferred further comment to Ms. Keith.
11:37:27 AM
MS. KEITH said that these tools often are cheaper than
prepackaged proprietary software that is often used by state
departments. She spoke to costly programs in development such as
the STIP manager.
11:38:32 AM
SENATOR KAUFMAN commented that using organic funding is
preferable. He said that one of the biggest questions from
constituents is, what does DOT do? He pointed out that the
theme around transparency is a long time coming. He relayed his
own experience that an appropriate approach might be front-end
engagement: concept development time would be followed by a
weighted scoring system as the project progresses and should be
an objective criteria. He asked how far along the department is
on a similar objective planning system.
11:40:46 AM
MS. KEITH answered that per the establishment of the STIP
database the next step is performance such as project management
metrics which will reveal progress, provided by the same
dashboard system used in planning. The department is considering
how to measure the outcome, such as economic vitality.
Evaluating success rates will inform how to adjust plans moving
forward. She said the department is launching new statewide
projects in the years ahead, and that process will provide live
updates to the public.
11:42:35 AM
SENATOR KAUFMAN commented that there are a couple of
underpass/overpass projects in his district and community
interest is rising regarding whether the projects are right-
sized. He put forth the expectation that those concerns be
addressed.
He referenced slide 17 and the Alaska Marine Highway System; he
asked what is being done strategically to ensure that everything
is aligned appropriately for a higher level of operations in
terms of cost and performance.
11:43:56 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON answered that the department is
modernizing, such as with the implementation of Starlink in the
ferry operational system. He deferred comment about reliability
to Mr. Tornga.
11:44:44 AM
MR. TORNGA said that much of the funding goes into keeping the
fleet running but the department is working on long range fleet
replacement plans. The fleet needs newer vessels to break the
cycle of spending to keep the older models running.
11:45:51 AM
SENATOR KAUFMAN asked about the timeframe for the long range
strategic vision.
11:46:03 AM
MR. TORNGA said that the department is focused on securing a
three-year budget in phase one. Phases two and three are tied to
larger DOT&PF plans that will be submitted by August 2024. The
marine highway plan will be adjusted accordingly thereafter.
11:47:00 AM
CHAIR MCCABE said he had several questions regarding the Alaska
Marine Highway System. He mentioned that the Alaska Marine
Highway Operations Board received a letter from Alaska Marine
Highway personnel regarding issues with how the organization was
running. He asked what the department found in its investigation
of the matter and how the issues will be addressed.
11:48:07 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON clarified that there were two different
letters submitted to the Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board
and to local legislators. The letters included concerns about
management and concerns about the commissioner. He said that
some concerns related to a worry that the department was
outsourcing the Alaska Marine Highway system which was not true.
He mentioned that recruitment and retention are national
problems. He expressed his belief that employees should go
through a regular line to voice their complaints instead of
whistleblowing. The letter contained general concerns of a
former employee. He said that the department values all of its
employees and contractors. He asserted that the department is
focused on recruitment for needed positions and that there is a
lot of work for Alaskans right now. Out of respect for both
those making accusations as well as those accused, he would not
speak further on that topic.
11:50:24 AM
MR. TORNGA pointed out that there is change that comes with new
management and people should get in line with the new vision.
There are open positions that need filling. He further explained
the problem of recruitment and the effects on existing staff.
11:52:24 AM
CHAIR MCCABE brought up Commissioner Anderson's comment that
employees should go through the normal chain. He clarified that
the normal chain would be through the director to Commissioner
Anderson. He requested that certain emails deemed inappropriate
be forwarded to the legislature so they can work to find a way
to move forward. Personnel matters and circumventing the chain
of command is not the appropriate way to handle concerns.
11:53:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA said she had two topics to address. First,
the STIP has to be developed with fiscal constraint, which
includes looking at committed or available revenue sources and
ensuring that these are adequately operated and maintained. She
mentioned that last winter there were many maintenance issues
and people with disabilities had adverse issues during that
time. She asked how the department assesses maintenance of these
projects vs existing roads which are the main arteries of the
state.
11:54:41 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON recalled a fair share of complaints during
that time. The department considers needed changes when
investing in infrastructure in a northern climate. Mr. Mills is
taking the lead on having have a Snow Summit with representation
from all regions of the state. Another step is the "complete
street policy" which looks at how roads can work for all users.
Things like aesthetic niceties hinder winter maintenance. The
department is looking at how to increase efficiency and is
comparing Alaska to other cold snowy states looking for
solutions. Additional they are preparing for more mass weather
events, and considering how to bring on additional resources
when Alaska is overwhelmed.
11:57:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA said that she appreciates the ability to see
public comments as they come in on the dashboard. Constituents
are vocal about access. She asked how the department integrates
public comment into the STIP in time for federal approval.
11:58:10 AM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON acknowledged that they may need more time
to understand and respond to a large volume of comments.
11:59:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA asked if there is a way for the public to
use the dashboard to view the number of highway and road
projects. She expressed concerns from her constituents for
cyclists and pedestrians.
12:00:16 PM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON deferred the question to Ms. Keith.
12:00:28 PM
MS. KEITH said that the department can probably create a couple
of different mechanisms to illustrate work type such as
significant construction or modification to a roadway.
Incorporating existing safety planning might also create the
solutions Representative Mina suggested.
12:01:45 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked whether there was an effort to partner with
tribes and access tribal transportation funding.
12:03:20 PM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON said that the department has had success
partnering with tribes, such as providing grants to tribes in
the winter trails program. Tribal partnership is project-based
on a case-by-case basis. Project bundling would be resourceful
and impactful. He deferred to Ms. Keith to respond to Senator
Kiehl's question.
12:04:29 PM
MS. KEITH stated that the information compiled on the tribal
transportation program is derived from the federal registry; the
funds coming through the state are primarily discretionary
grants. Through the STIP the department is required to include
tribal programs and projects, which allows for a better view of
transportation infrastructure so that resources can be
coordinated efficiently. Contractors can work together when
there are different fund sources and the community will benefit.
The biggest challenge is the labor of research and data entry.
12:06:18 PM
SENATOR MYERS referred to the concepts of workforce and
construction as a well-paid occupation. He said he appreciates
the notion of the cemetery road project doubling as a workforce
training project, but is concerned about the planning side of
such projects. He expressed concern about executing projects
just to employ people.
12:07:43 PM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON stated that there is no intent to run just
a jobs program; the focus is providing education and experience
to enter qualified people into the workforce. Those involved in
the project are interested in the next steps to further their
experience and find work in the field. The majority of these
projects are in rural areas, where maintaining infrastructure is
challenging. He said he recognizes the worker crisis in Alaska.
12:09:45 PM
SENATOR MYERS said he preferred to choose projects for long-term
development.
12:10:30 PM
CHAIR MCCABE asked how competitive Alaska is in the
discretionary grants arena.
12:11:06 PM
COMMISSIONER ANDERSON deferred to Ms. Keith but answered that
the department is using every resource it has.
12:11:32 PM
MS. KEITH spoke to the funding programs, stating that Alaska
th
received $1.9 billion in discretionary grants up to July 7, out
of the $52 billion awarded nationwide. She said that the
department thinks it can do better and wants to aim for every
possible funding opportunity by submitting as many grant
applications as possible. Being competitive is challenging for
Alaska. The department can be more competitive with more money
to work with. Nationwide criteria is shifting and the department
is looking at programs it has not yet applied for, focusing on
those with a high success rate.
12:14:17 PM
CHAIR MCCABE said he had more questions but would ask them
offline. He thanked the presenters.
12:14:48 PM
SENATOR KAUFMAN thanked the presenters.
12:15:14 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair McCabe adjourned the meeting of the Senate and House
Transportation Standing Committees at 12:15 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 8.22 DOTPF Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan.pdf |
STRA 8/22/2023 10:00:00 AM |