Legislature(2009 - 2010)Anch LIO Conf Rm
06/29/2010 11:00 AM Senate TRANSPORTATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation on Statewide Aviation by Marc Luiken, Deputy Commissioner, Aviation Division | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
June 29, 2010
11:05 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Linda Menard, Vice Chair
Senator Bettye Davis
Senator Kevin Meyer
Senator Joe Paskvan, via teleconference
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Albert Kookesh, Chair
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Peggy Wilson, via teleconference
Representative Jay Ramras
Representative Craig Johnson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION ON STATEWIDE AVIATION BY MARC LUIKEN~ DEPUTY
COMMISSIONER~ AVIATION DIVISION
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
LEO VON SCHEBEN, Commissioner
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced the new deputy commissioner of
aviation.
MARC LUIKEN, Deputy Commissioner
Aviation
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a statewide aviation update.
JOHN PARROTT, Manager
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions fuel-related questions
related to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
FRANK RICHARDS, Deputy Commissioner
Highways and Public Facilities
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to highways and
funding.
VERNE RUPRIGHT, Mayor
Wasilla, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified to the need to connect the
Wasilla airport with the FEMA center.
JOE GRIFFITH, General Manager
Matanuska Electric
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information on the BuildAPlane
project in Talkeetna.
CHERYL HEINZE, Community Affairs
Matanuska Electric Association
POSITION STATEMENT: Described the BuildAPlane program and the
project in Talkeetna.
ACTION NARRATIVE
11:05:05 AM
VICE-CHAIR LINDA MENARD called the Senate Transportation
Standing Committee meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. Present at
the call to order were Senators Kevin Meyer, Joe Paskvan via
teleconference, and Linda Menard. Also present were
Representatives Peggy Wilson via teleconference, Jay Ramras, and
Craig Johnson. Senator Bettye Davis and Senator Meyer joined the
committee as the meeting was in progress.
^Presentation on Statewide Aviation by Marc Luiken, Deputy
Commissioner, Aviation Division
VICE-CHAIR MENARD said the business before the committee is an
overview of aviation by the new deputy commissioner of aviation,
Marc Luiken.
11:07:04 AM
LEO VON SCHEBEN, Commissioner, Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities (DOTPF), introduced Deputy Commissioner Marc
Luiken and highlighted his distinguished 29 year career in the
Air Force. A full copy of his resume may be found in the
committee file. He described Mr. Luiken as a pilot who also has
strong technical ties to aviation.
11:11:08 AM
MARC LUIKEN, Deputy Commissioner of Aviation, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), said he's pleased
to work with the dedicated group in what is the largest aviation
system in North America. Aviation is very important to the
people in this state and the economy. He related that this brief
will provide updates on the Alaska International Airport System,
the statewide aviation system, and what he intends to focus on
as the deputy commissioner of aviation.
He described the Alaska International Airport System as the air
freight gateway for trade and commerce between North America and
Asia. He noted that about five percent of the value of all U.S.
international cargo passed through Anchorage in 2008. That's
equivalent to about $41 billion in merchandise. International
freight lines refuel in Anchorage in order to maximize the cargo
transiting between Asia and North America. He displayed a chart
showing that the combined cargo and passenger landing accounts
have almost reached pre-recession levels. Of further note is
that the certified maximum gross take-off weight is equivalent
to the 2006 level.
A challenging issue is to be able to provide assurance of fuel
availability. Currently there is a shortage of reliable and
stable fuel, which has resulted in about 25 aircraft per week
overflying Anchorage. The recession caused one of the
significant discrete production units to be taken off line and
recovering demand hasn't justified sustained production at pre-
recession levels. This may continue for some time to come.
Interim measures that are being pursued include bringing up
Tower 3 at Flint Hills. Production started again this summer and
the Alaska Railroad is currently moving about 700,000 gallons
per day to support the operations in Anchorage. He expressed
intent to continue to work with fuel suppliers and buyers to
ensure adequate supplies through the winter.
SENATOR PASKVAN said he understands that that a consortium has
been formed in Anchorage to address the jet fuel shortfalls and
he'd like to hear what they've been able to achieve.
MR. LUIKEN deferred to John Parrott.
11:15:17 AM
JOHN PARROTT, Manager, Ted Stevens Anchorage International
Airport, informed the committee that the fuel consortium, which
has existed for a number of years, manages the storage and
piping of fuel for the consortium members. It does not control
fuel; it stores fuel that is under contract by the individual
carriers. It stores about 20 million gallons at Anchorage
International and the same amount at the Port of Anchorage. The
consortium is also responsible for the hydrant system at the
airport. He said the fuel shortage first became apparent in
November and since then he's been working to educate suppliers,
transporters, and users about what can be done
SENATOR PASKVAN mentioned the over flights due to the jet fuel
shortage and asked what pricing mechanism may be inhibiting the
full utilization of Alaska's petroleum resources as opposed to
importing, and what control the jet fuel consortium plays in
that process.
MR. PARROTT clarified that the consortium has no control or
input on the price of fuel. The consortium neither buys nor
sells fuel, but it does pay a fee for storage. What happened
with Tower 3 at Flint Hills was a demand issue, not a pricing
issue. At the end of 2008 and 2009 the annual demand for the
Alaska International Airport System dropped about $300 million
gallons per year, which is about equal to the production
capacity of Tower 3. It is now back on line and producing and
Flint Hills plans to continue to run it as long as there is
adequate demand or until the weather turns cold. At that point
there are technical problems associated with operating at
reduced capacity through the low-demand cold months or shutting
it down in mid cold season. Flint Hills is looking at these
issues and at the same time some companies are looking at
contingency plans to bring in tanker fuel. This doesn't use
Alaska resources but could conceivably meet the need of the air
carriers.
11:21:41 AM
MR. LUIKEN displayed a slide to show that construction activity
is nearly complete at Anchorage and Fairbanks. The new south
terminal and connector between the north and south terminals in
Anchorage and the new terminal and runway in Fairbanks are
complete and have been in use for about a year. Both airports
now have the capacity to handle the largest aircraft in world.
He noted that the gate and the access control improvements at
Fairbanks are both American Restoration Recovery Act projects.
Additional work includes runway work at Anchorage and repair to
the fire response facility at Fairbanks.
MR. LUIKEN highlighted marketing as an issue that's on his mind
and noted that cargo is one of biggest revenue drivers in the
system. They're working to expand that as they continue to
develop the air-cargo infrastructure. To that end they have an
air cargo summit planned in August to discuss the cargo transfer
advantages that Alaska law provides to carriers.
11:24:15 AM
CHAIR MENARD asked if their marketing budget is adequate.
MR. LUIKEN answered yes; the airports see this as a good
investment.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON noted that before he arrived on the job
there was concern about the use of office space at the Anchorage
airport and asked if that had been addressed.
MR. LUIKEN replied there is plenty of space for employees at the
Anchorage airport.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON said the issue was that too much space
was being used for employees and therefore space wasn't
available to rent and produce income.
SENATOR DAVIS joined the committee.
11:26:47 AM
MR. LUIKEN said the airport leadership is working to bring back
a marketing team and is working with the Department of
Administration to properly classify the positions so they can be
filled.
MR. LUIKEN directed attention to the handout he provided
detailing the various construction projects at the rural
airports statewide. He assured the committee that many of the
safety and regulatory needs throughout the statewide aviation
system have been addressed and those will continue to be a
priority. He highlighted that Bethel - the second busiest cargo
airport in Alaska - has a new runway and a new airport manager
who oversees the Bethel airport and 27 smaller community
airports in the region. He displayed a slide to show similar
successes in Southeast and noted that at this time there are no
current construction needs in Southeast.
Upcoming construction challenges include airports in the Yukon-
Kuskoquim Delta, the Aleutian Chain, and Akutan. These projects
will be more expensive because of material availability, soil
conditions, and access. Thus, he is looking at ways to foster
economic development, particularly in smaller communities that
are experiencing some growth. Right now there is potential in
Hooper Bay, Savoonga, and Talkeetna. He said he'll be looking to
the state and other sources for funding opportunities for these
projects and he noted that there are indications that the
federal government will expect the state to contribute a larger
share of the match.
11:31:36 AM
MR. LUIKEN displayed a list of the areas he intends to focus on
in the next few months. First, he will continue his
predecessor's priority, which was to focus on Alaska's rural
airports. He will work with the commissioner and the regional
directors to ensure that maintenance and operations projects are
adequately funded. The goal is to be good stewards of the
capital improvements that have already been made. He said he
also intends to look at the prioritization process in order to
continue to focus on the airports with the greatest needs.
One of the greatest challenges to the project prioritization
process is the FAA mandates. They define requirements for most
of the airports in Alaska including many of the rural airports.
For example, about $230 million of the airport incentive program
(AIP) funding over the last five years have been spent on runway
safety areas around the state. The most recent FAA mandate
relates to pavement condition so they'll probably spend between
$40 million and $50 million of the AIP funding on pavements in
FY11.
Another example of how they're interacting with federal agencies
is the 100 low-lead aviation fuel issue. They're involved in a
joint departmental effort responding to a proposed EPA rule
change that could significantly impact Alaska's economy and way
of life. His goal is to work with these agencies to provide a
common-sense approach in dealing with Alaska's airports to
continue to improve aviation safety.
He said he also intends to focus on communication both
internally and externally. He said he's already met with many
key stakeholders including the FAA, the Alaska Air Carriers
Association, the Alaska Airports Association, Lake Hood Advisory
Group, and others. One of the handouts he provided is a brochure
that tells the Alaska aviation story. The intention is to get
this message to the funding decision-makers so that they
understand what aviation means to communities in the rural areas
of the state.
11:35:17 AM
CHAIR MENARD asked if he'd gone to Washington D.C. to speak
directly to the decision makers.
MR. LUIKEN said he's looking forward to that opportunity. He
said they'll continue to update their website and provide
details on projects and the aviation system plan. He noted that
plan was last updated in 1996 and they're two years into the new
program. Updates on that will be forthcoming as they're
available.
He displayed a slide to demonstrate that 82 percent of the
state's communities are not on the road system and are therefore
very dependent on aviation for basic needs. This is a large
area.
11:38:50 AM
CHAIR MENARD asked if he feels that a lot of the FAA mandates
are not applicable to Alaska.
MR. LUIKEN replied that's probably true, but we have to work
with the FAA on each mandate to see if it makes sense.
CHAIR MENARD asked if the operation and maintenance on the 230
[255] state-operated airports is adequate.
MR. LUIKEN said he believes that one of biggest challenges is to
allocate funds to maintain the runways at a level that ensures
the margin of safety that air pilots expect.
CHAIR MENARD asked if he's comfortable that the Alaska
congressional delegation is doing what it can.
MR. LUIKEN replied he will continue to work with them.
SENATOR MEYER joined the meeting.
11:40:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CRAIG JOHNSON, noting that Alaska has a very
large and unique aviation population, asked if he has looked at
the relationship between private and commercial pilots.
MR. LUIKEN replied he's flown around the Anchorage bowl and he's
met with Lake Hood advisory council, but he hasn't gotten in-
depth feedback from the general aviation community. His
perspective is they've done a good job working with the FAA and
the airports to keep aircraft well separated.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON encouraged him reach out and open the
lines of communication earlier rather than later with the pilots
association because they typically won't say anything until
there's a problem.
11:43:51 AM
MR. LUIKEN said he's talked with Tom George from AOPA [Aircraft
Owners and Pilots Association] and Dee Hanson from the Alaska
Airmen's Association, but he will make it a priority to meet
with others.
CHAIR MENARD asked about his marketing plans to encourage a
cargo hub in Anchorage.
MR. LUIKEN replied they've been working with the U.S. Department
of Transportation to help interpret the transfer right rules
that apply to Alaska that are different from the rest of the
U.S. They hope that cargo carriers will recognize the huge
potential here in Alaska. Recently they heard that several
foreign international carriers didn't understand what these
rules meant to them.
CHAIR MENARD suggested he develop a short video that legislators
could distribute.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked if there are any state laws or duty
free areas relating to cargo transfer that the Legislature could
address to make Alaska's airports more attractive.
11:47:11 AM
MR. LUIKEN said he doesn't have an answer, but he'll do the
research.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked if the 25 over flights per week are due to
the jet fuel shortage, if it's possible to get them back, and
what volume they represent.
MR. LUIKEN surmised that at least a portion of the over flights
are due to perceived fuel availability so part of his task is to
get the word out that fuel is available in Alaska.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked if the imported jet fuel is cheaper.
MR. LUIKEN replied he doesn't know but he assumes it's not
cheaper because there is a cost associated to bring it in.
SENATOR PASKVAN referred to his earlier statement that the
certified maximum gross take-off weight was again equivalent to
the 2006 level and asked if we could expect to reach the 2008
peak.
MR. LUIKEN replied that will be dependent on the larger economy.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked how far below the peak they are currently.
MR. LUIKEN deferred to Mr. Parrott.
11:50:12 AM
MR. PARROTT replied they're up to the November 2009 level, which
is when they reached a limit they couldn't go above without
getting some production from Tower 3. That tower has been turned
on and is producing product so they're in good shape for the
next couple of months, but that doesn't help an air carrier that
wants a plan through the winter and into next summer. It's that
winter period that they're concerned about when the production
decreases more than the demand.
Responding to Senator Paskvan's previous question, he related
that the carriers have said that most of 25 over flights are due
to fuel. Because of the payload/range equation, they fully
recognize that it's worthwhile to stop in Alaska and they've all
expressed a desire to get those flights back into Alaska. We
want to help resolve this problem while they have that desire
and before they change their operations, he said.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked what percentage or volume the imported jet
fuel represents relative to the Flint Hill Tower 3 capacity to
produce. He said that gets back to his original question about
whether the imported jet fuel is cheaper for these 25 flights or
if instate is cheaper but there isn't enough demand.
MR. PARROTT said one of the problems is that the airport doesn't
have information about the price of fuel. The carriers and
producers set their contracts and determine the price of fuel
and that information is closely guarded because it's a
competitive advantage of one airline over another.
11:53:21 AM
SENATOR PASKVAN said that would be a relevant issue if the
Legislature were to fund storage capacity. He added that he's
trying to determine what needs to be done to sustain
availability of instate produced jet fuel.
MR. PARROTT acknowledged that is a legitimate concern. He noted
that during the peak days of 2007 they were maximizing the
instate production capability. To go above that threshold
additional storage capability will be necessary to handle out-
of-state product. Right now if there were additional storage
capacity there would be an economic battle. Furthermore, Flint
Hills has some physics issues that are making life more
difficult, he said.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked what impact the 777 will have.
MR. PARROTT replied the 777 has the capability to overfly Alaska
and depending on the business model of the carrier it could
"volume out" before it "weights out" and overfly. But if the 777
reaches the maximum total weight it cannot overfly Alaska and go
to cities in the Lower 48 without stopping. In large part it
depends on what the craft is carrying as to whether or not it
can overfly. The current Fed Ex business model allows them to
overfly when they're eastbound. This gives them an advantage of
being able to stay on the ground in Asia a few more hours and
then fly directly to Memphis. On the westbound flight flying
empty and into a headwind, the 777 often stops in Anchorage to
change crews. He summarized that the 777 changes the situation a
little, but it's not a drastic and immediate impact. He
anticipates seeing more 777s as they carry heavier weights.
11:57:16 AM
FRANK RICHARDS, Deputy Commissioner, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), said he has no
prepared remarks but he's available to answer questions.
CHAIR MENARD asked how things are going from his perspective.
MR. RICHARDS related that it's been a challenging year with the
stimulus money that came to the state for aviation and highway
and transit, but he's pleased to report that the department
responded in kind and put that money to work. They have projects
ranging from Ketchikan to Kotzebue to Anchorage and the results
are being seen. What he finds most beneficial is that the public
is calling with positive comments. Projects that have been or
are close to completion include: the Minnesota paving project in
Anchorage; the Glen Highway paving from downtown Anchorage to
downtown Palmer; paving from Big Lake to Anchorage; and the
Front Street work in Kotzebue.
This year the state received about $130 million additional
Federal Highway Program funds to use for projects within the
STIP. That combined with the additional $276 million from last
year represents nearly $400 million that the state will have to
put to use to address transportation issues statewide.
Department staff has worked hard to meet the associated federal
obligations, but the money has been put to good use and Alaska
will see the benefits of those projects over the next several
years.
12:01:07 PM
SENATOR MEYER asked for updates on the Knik Arm Bridge and the
safety improvements on the Seward Highway, particularly between
Potters Marsh and Portage Glacier.
MR. RICHARDS explained that the Seward Highway from Potters
Marsh to south of Girdwood is one of four designated highway
safety corridors in the state. The enabling legislation for
these safety corridors provided money for education,
enforcement, and engineering. Education includes improved
signage, an advertizing campaign to improve driving safety, and
providing information to kids in schools so they can influence
their parents. Enforcement - the Bureau of Highway Patrol within
DPS has new enforcement officers and patrol vehicles that are
patrolling that section of the Seward Highway. Engineering to
design near-term projects that can be put in place while they
plan, program, and acquire money for the other projects in that
windy corridor on the Seward Highway.
The long-term goal on these safety corridors is to expand the
highways from two lanes to four lanes, which will be expensive.
The estimate for the Seward Highway is in excess of $600 million
and that money isn't currently available.
12:05:49 PM
MR. RICHARDS related that the Federal Highways Administration
asked KABATA [the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority] to
complete a biological assessment of the beluga whale under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). That completed assessment will be
given to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and then that agency
has to work with the ESA and the Marine Mammal Protection Act to
come up with a biological opinion on the impacts of the bridge
on the beluga whale and the critical habitat in Upper Cook
Inlet. These formal processes must be complete before the
Federal Highways Administration will issue a record of decision
for the project. He noted that he will go to Washington D.C.
with the executive director of KABATA to help answer questions
that the fish and wildlife may have.
12:08:41 PM
CHAIR MENARD expressed optimism that the bridge would be built
by 2015.
SENATOR PASKVAN questioned where Alaska would be now without the
federal stimulus dollars for projects.
MR. RICHARDS said Alaska receives about $400 million annually
from the Federal Highway Administration to address highway and
road projects. Although the SAFETEA-LU authorization expired in
September 2009, the state has continued to receive these funds
through continuing resolutions.
SENATOR PASKVAN said he is specifically interested in the
stimulus dollars.
MR. RICHARDS said the stimulus dollars were above and beyond the
regular program dollars and were of great help in addressing the
backlog of projects statewide. They were icing on the cake, but
the state still has billions of dollars in needs in both the
rural and urban systems.
SENATOR PASKVAN asked how many stimulus dollars are at work this
construction season.
12:12:50 PM
MR. RICHARDS replied they received about $275 million for
airports, highways and transit.
REPRESENTATIVE PEGGY WILSON asked if projects that have been
waiting a long time will be addressed or just STIP projects.
MR. RICHARDS said the stimulus money has advanced projects that
have been waiting in the STIP. He clarified that part of the
Title 23 requirements is that a project that is going to use
federal highway dollars must be part of the STIP and it must
have been developed using federal highway procedures. These are
the environmental procedures, the right-of-way certification,
and the design processes. Projects that would have been funded
in 2011 or 2012 have been moved up to 2009 and 2010, which has
helped to get more work done than originally planned.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked if the stimulus money has to be
used for STIP projects.
MR. RICHARDS answered yes; the money came through the Federal
Highway Administration so DOTPF had to follow the Title 23
requirements.
REPRESENTATIVE P WILSON asked how many totally-state-funded
projects were completed as a result of receiving stimulus funds
for other projects.
12:16:13 PM
MR. RICHARDS answered they were able to advance between 15 and
20 highway-related projects with the stimulus funds that came to
Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE P WILSON said she'd follow up later.
VERNE RUPRIGHT, Mayor of Wasilla, informed the committee that
the Menard Sports Arena is the FEMA area. He highlighted the
need for just nine tenths of a mile of roadway that is related
to the following:
· Connectivity to the airport for supply/resupply and air
evacuation to the FEMA center in event of emergency.
· Economic development near the FEMA center.
· Relocation of the railroad station from downtown Wasilla.
· Lengthening of the Wasilla airport runway to 4,400 feet and
upgrading the navigation system to provide for commercial
traffic.
MAYOR RUPRIGHT emphasized the need to take care of citizens in
an emergency as well as the increasing air and road
transportation needs in the local area because the population
surge is going to the Mat-Su Valley He invited the deputy
commissioner to come talk to the Wasilla airport advisory
commission.
CHAIR MENARD asked how the capitol budget affected the aviation
plan this past year.
MAYOR RUPRIGHT replied they didn't get any funding, but they do
have "some money in the bucket." He again emphasized the need to
complete the nine tenths of a mile of roadway to connect the
airport to downtown and to the FEMA center.
12:26:00 PM
SENATOR MEYER agreed that the infrastructure hasn't kept pace
with the growth in the Mat-Su Valley. He asked for an update on
the plans for a ferry to provide transportation across Upper
Cook Inlet until the Knik Arm Bridge is built.
MAYOR RUPRIGHT said his understanding is that the ferry has been
built and will be stored in Southeast until the Mat-Su Borough
resolves the issues with the docking facility.
SENATOR DAVIS asked what his highest priorities are and what
he's doing to reach his goals.
MAYOR RUPRIGHT replied a top priority is to get connectivity on
South Mack road to the sports arena. It's been on both their
federal and state wish list to no avail. He opined that
attending this meeting possibly brought home to representatives
in other areas of the state that the Wasilla area and the
borough are becoming very crowded.
12:31:27 PM
SENATOR DAVIS questioned whether anyone in the room could speak
to the issue of completing the nine tenths of a mile of roadway.
CHAIR MENARD held the question in abeyance.
REPRESENTAIVE RAMRAS joined the committee.
CHAIR MENARD asked Joe Griffith and Cherty Heinze to brief the
committee on the new "BuildAPlane" program.
JOE GRIFFITH, General Manager, Matanuska Electric, credited
Cheryl Heinze for doing a lot of the work on the BuildAPlane
program. Basically, he said, Matanuska Electric provided a
facility in Talkeetna for three years and he gave the program
his airplane.
12:34:47 PM
CHERYL HEINZE, Community Affairs, Matanuska Electric
Association, highlighted Mr. Griffith's aviation accomplishments
and explained that the BuildAPlane (BAP) project is a forum to
teach the disciplines of math and science to kids, particularly
kids with an interest in aviation. Rebecca Fischer from
Talkeetna brought the idea forward and has enlisted the support
of 20 aviation-oriented volunteers in the Talkeetna area. The
FAA is a partner and Snap-On Tools provides tools at a 50
percent discount. FEDEX and UPS help move planes from the
donation point to the project site. Right now, Alaska has BAP
projects in Hooper Bay and Talkeetna.
MS. HEINZE said it's most impressive that the school board backs
the project and has incorporated an introduction to aviation in
this fall's curriculum. The kids can take this course and then
go to the donated building and learn how to build an airplane.
Without being asked, Mr. Griffith donated his canvas and metal
ground-loop Stinson. This is a win-win for everyone, she
concluded.
12:39:07 PM
MR. GRIFFITH thanked the committee for the opportunity to
spotlight the BAP project and reiterated that it's of value to
the kids and he's happy to take part.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON said she'll eagerly follow this project
and she hopes it will engender interest in math and science,
which will be reflected in improved scores.
MR. GRIFFITH said that's the intent. He added that the airplane
he donated will provide ample learning opportunities because he
delivered it disassembled and in boxes.
MS. HEINZE suggested that Representative Wilson look at starting
a BAP project in her area.
CHAIR MENARD said she asked for this particular briefing because
Alaska has more private pilots per capita than anyplace in the
nation.
12:43:34 PM
CHAIR MENARD asked Mr. Richards to address the question Senator
Davis asked earlier about completing the small section of
roadway to connect the Wasilla airport and the FEMA center.
MR. RICHARDS explained that DOTPF has had communication with the
city of Wasilla about the needs at the airport and the
connecting road. As he mentioned earlier, the department has
literally billions of dollars of needs on existing roads
throughout the state and new roads have to be nominated and
compete against those existing needs. Unless there is a specific
general fund appropriation to address that new road it won't
score well under the existing federal highway funding program.
Although he doesn't have specific information on this project,
it probably hasn't risen to the level of a STIP project because
it doesn't meet the criteria. Nevertheless, he said he is
willing to work with the community to address their needs and
help them through the process.
CHAIR MENARD commented that the fact that it will link the FEMA
center score some points.
SENATOR DAVIS suggested the mayor look at funding alternatives.
12:47:08 PM
MAYOR RUPRIGHT responded he's contacted the congressional
delegation and Senator Murkowski is trying to get $1 million for
the project. He articulated the frustration in having a FEMA
center that isn't connected to the airport and pointed out that
in the event of a catastrophic disaster the center couldn't get
resupplied if the road is shut down.
MR. RICHARDS suggested it may take a multifaceted, multi agency
approach to accomplish this project. He mentioned the FAA
options, the federal transit options, and potentially federal
highway and general fund dollars.
MR. RICHARDS informed the committee that he just learned that a
crane operating on the Barnett Street Bridge in Fairbanks
toppled this morning. Fortunately no one was seriously injured.
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS said he's interested in what authority
Alaska's U.S. Senators have to re-appropriate some of the
highway funds out of the $17 million community airport project
in Senator Hoffman's district to address the concerns that Mayor
Rupright has brought forward.
MR. RICHARDS said he recalls that the most publicized airport
project was in the small community of Ouzinkie where
approximately $12 million was appropriated. Those were American
Recovery Act funds and could only be spent on airports that were
"shovel ready." That project will be completed this fall and it
will have consumed all the funds available to it.
He noted that the FAA does have a pot of discretionary funds
available on a national basis and the local FAA office can
compete for those funds. This is in addition to the set
allocation that goes to each state annually based on population,
number of airports, and other criterion.
12:55:59 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAMRAS expressed interest in signing a block
letter supporting moving forward on getting discretionary funds
through the FAA.
MAYOR RUPRIGHT said he appreciates the help.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked Mr. Luiken if he could address the
major impact that the FAA reauthorization could have on tourism,
hunting, and fishing to Alaska.
MR. LUIKEN replied he isn't prepared to address this, but he
would like the opportunity to do so at a later time. He added
that he knows that the FAA is getting close to a version that
will be agreed to by both houses in Congress.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON said he wants this on the radar because
it will be a huge issue for this state.
CHAIR MENARD advised the committee that this is just the first
of several transportation overviews.
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Menard adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee hearing at 1:00 p.m.
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