Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
05/04/2023 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB128 | |
| SB129 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 128 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 127 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 129 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
May 4, 2023
1:47 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator James Kaufman, Chair
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Robert Myers
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator David Wilson, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Kiehl
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 128(TRA)
"An Act relating to the operation of a tank vessel or oil barge
as an oil terminal facility; relating to the definition of 'oil
terminal facility'; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 128(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 129
"An Act naming the Matt Glover Bike Path."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 127
"An Act relating to vehicle rental taxes; relating to the
issuance of subpoenas related to tax records; and providing for
an effective date."
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 129
SHORT TITLE: MATT GLOVER BIKE PATH
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) MYERS
04/14/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/14/23 (S) TRA
05/04/23 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: HB 128
SHORT TITLE: OIL TERMINAL FACILITY
SPONSOR(s): TRANSPORTATION
03/22/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/22/23 (H) TRA
03/30/23 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
03/30/23 (H) Heard & Held
03/30/23 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/18/23 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/18/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/18/23 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/20/23 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM BARNES 124
04/20/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/20/23 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/25/23 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM DAVIS 106
04/25/23 (H) Moved CSHB 128(TRA) Out of Committee
04/25/23 (H) MINUTE(TRA)
04/26/23 (H) TRA RPT CS(TRA) NEW TITLE 7DP
04/26/23 (H) DP: STUTES, MINA, SUMNER, C.JOHNSON,
MCKAY, VANCE, MCCABE
04/26/23 (H) TRA CS ADOPTED Y38 N1 E1
04/28/23 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
04/28/23 (H) VERSION: CSHB 128(TRA)
05/01/23 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
05/01/23 (S) TRA
05/02/23 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
05/02/23 (S) Heard & Held
05/02/23 (S) MINUTE(TRA)
05/04/23 (S) TRA AT 1:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE, District 30
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of HB 128.
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SB 129.
THERESA WOLDSTAD, Staff
Senator Robert Myers
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional analysis for SB 129
on behalf of the sponsor.
ERIC TROYER, Treasurer
Fairbanks Cycle Club
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 129.
ARIANE GLOVER, representing self
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 129.
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information during the initial
hearing on SB 129.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:47:05 PM
CHAIR JAMES KAUFMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:47 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Tobin, Myers, and Chair Kaufman.
HB 128-OIL TERMINAL FACILITY
1:47:55 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL
NO. 128(TRA) "An Act relating to the operation of a tank vessel
or oil barge as an oil terminal facility; relating to the
definition of 'oil terminal facility'; and providing for an
effective date."
He noted that this was the second hearing. He invited the
sponsor to make final comments.
1:48:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE, District 30, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that he was carrying HB 128
on behalf of the House Transportation Standing Committee. He
explained that the bill seeks to clarify the definition of "oil
terminal facility" and the requirements for vessels that are
conducting ship-to-ship fuel transfer or are enroute to
conducting those operations. The bill makes three substantive
changes: 1) it clarifies that tank vessels are oil barges with
approved prevention procedures and contingency plans for oil
discharges; 2) it meets the requirements for an oil transfer
facility, clarifies that tank vessels are oil barges with
approved proof of financial ability, and satisfies the
requirement for an oil transfer facility; and 3) conforms the
definition of oil transfer facility. He noted that the bill has
an immediate effective date to ensure that fuel deliveries [to
villages] can take place this season.
CHAIR KAUFMAN discerned there were no questions or comments and
solicited a motion.
1:49:57 PM
SENATOR TOBIN moved to report HB 128, work order 33-LSO634\U,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
CHAIR KAUFMAN found no objection and CSHB 128(TRA) was reported
from the Senate Transportation Standing Committee.
1:50:36 PM
At ease
SB 129-MATT GLOVER BIKE PATH
1:51:52 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 129 "An Act naming the Matt
Glover Bike Path."
1:52:12 PM
SENATOR ROBERT MYERS, District Q, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 129, introduced the legislation by
speaking to the sponsor statement.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (DOTPF) is currently working on a paved
bicycle/pedestrian path along the Richardson Highway
starting near the intersection of Airport
Way/Richardson Highway to the Badger Road/Old
Richardson Highway intersection. This project will
connect two existing paths to create a continuous path
between the two cities. For decades, there has been no
way for pedestrians to walk or bike safely between
Fairbanks and North Pole. This path, referred to as
the MP 357-362 Bicycle/Pedestrian Path, will finally
connect these two cities and increase pedestrian
safety. Currently DOTPF staff are surveying and
clearing the project limits, and the project is
planned to be done by the fall of 2024. With support
from the Fairbanks Cycle Club, this legislation
proposes to name the MP 357-362 Bicycle/Pedestrian
Path after the late Matt Glover who was an avid
cyclist and member of the cycling community. Matt
Glover participated in many local rides including the
Nenana-Rama, the Chena Hot Springs Bicycle Classic,
the Tour of Fairbanks, the Brown Leaf Classic series,
the Tanana River Challenge, and the annual Women on
Wheels "Butterfly Ride." He inspired many fellow
cyclists by traveling to these organized cycling
events by bike, participating in the rides, and then
cycling back home. His fellow cyclists described him
as kind and caring, with a witty sense of humor. He
traveled through rain and snow, logging thousands of
miles a year traveling between his home in North Pole
and work in Fairbanks. Tragically in 2022, Matt Glover
passed away after a vehicle collision while on his
bike. We believe naming the MP 357-362
Bicycle/Pedestrian Path after Matt Glover will
continue to inspire Interior cyclists and foster
pedestrian safety on the new continuous pedestrian
path between the city of North Pole and Fairbanks.
1:54:38 PM
THERESA WOLDSTAD, Staff, Senator Robert Myers, Alaska State
Legislature Juneau, Alaska, provided the sectional analysis for
SB 129.
Section 1: Legislative Intent
Establishes that it is the intent of the Legislature
that the Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities shall create and erect signage dedicating
the bike path built in Fairbanks between Airport Way
and Badger Road during a future project.
Section 2: Dedication of bike path between Airport Way
and Badger Road
Establishes that the bike path shall be named the Matt
Glover Bike Path and the Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities shall create and erect signage
dedicating the bike path.
CHAIR KAUFMAN remarked that the Fairbanks and North Pole
communities support the renaming, and the future project will
cost the state nothing.
SENATOR MYERS confirmed that the department will absorb the cost
the signage when it is installed next year.
CHAIR KAUFMAN moved to invited testimony.
1:56:02 PM
ERIC TROYER, Treasurer, Fairbanks Cycle Club, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 129. He spoke about his community's
sadness upon learning about Mr. Glover's death. He stated that
Matt Glover impressed and inspired many people with his
dedication to biking. He noted that Mr. Glover bike-commuted
daily from his home in North Pole to work in Fairbanks. He
remarked that weather rarely deterred his bike commute, which
inspired many people. Matt organized many challenging bike rides
beginning in Fairbanks. He described Matt Glover as kind,
caring, quiet, and a good listener.
1:58:35 PM
ARIANE GLOVER, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, spoke in
favor of SB 129. She delivered the following prepared statement:
My name is Ariane Glover, and I am from North Pole,
the wife of Matt Glover, representing myself. When I
think of bike paths in Alaska that are named after
individuals, I think of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
or the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail in
Anchorage. Both are trails that I've ridden and riding
these trails prompted me to find out more about the
individuals to which I owed the pleasure of an
afternoon ride, a safe path where I did not have to
worry about distracted drivers or motorists
encroaching on my lane. As you know, my husband wasn't
a governor as Tony Knowles was and he wasn't appointed
by a governor as a member to lead the trails and
recreation board as Lanie Fleisher was. And while I
think it is important to remember and honor those who
have played a role in our history and how they have
shaped our state and our communities, I also think it
is important to remember those that are a part of our
present too.
To say my husband was an avid cyclist would be an
understatement. For over 20 years he made the commute
from North Pole to Fairbanks on his pink steel-framed
road bike or his green steel-framed touring bike,
respectively dubbed the Pink Panther and Dr.
Frankenstein. By weeks end, his commute alone totaled
over 100 miles and he would often add additional miles
picking up our groceries, the mail, or running other
errands in town, sometimes stopping to fill a growler
of cider or stout to take home to enjoy after dinner
at the start of his weekend.
When I came to Alaska in 2013, I met Matt through the
Fairbanks area hiking club. My first hike was his
first as well and he was a noteworthy site in early
May, in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and his five-fingered
shoes. For a Fourth of July picnic with the hiking
club, the group took a bike ride down Farmer's Loop
and up McGrath Road and Matt commented on my pink bike
like his and kept pace with me as I huffed and puffed
my way up the hills that I was unaccustomed to having
just moved from Florida several months ago. Shortly
after learning that we both lived in North Pole, he
invited me for a bike tour of the town. We stopped at
the Santa Claus House to see the reindeer and we ended
up at his home for a delicious dish with salmon from
Chitina, greens out of his garden and homemade ice
cream with wild strawberries that were picked straight
from his yard. He embodied things that are unique to
Alaskans; hunting for moose, dip netting at Chitina
and picking berries to make homemade jam. He was no
stranger to thrift stores or the transfer site
platform. He would marvel at a perfectly good set of
wool bibs that he found, things that were trash to one
and treasure to another. His first gift to me was from
the transfer site, I didn't know it at the time, but
that North Face windbreaker and orange Patagonia
sweater, I still wear on late summer evenings and cool
fall days.
Matt rode because he loved it. There was no place my
husband would have rather been than on two wheels
whether rain, snow, or cold, even after fixing more
flat tires from debris on the road than you could ever
imagine he would simply fix his flat, debate the
benefits of switching to tubeless tires, which he gave
into last fall, and get back on the road. He never
made excuses for himself. He was the kind of person
who lived his life, by example, through his actions,
without saying anything. He would never brag about how
many miles he rode or tell people that they needed to
ride more or that because he rode to work everyone
else should ride to work too. He simply showed up on
two wheels to work, to social events, to rides or
hikes and he was a quiet reminder of what we all can
do.
Often the hardest part is just getting started, but
once you are out there on your bike, no matter the
weather or the temperature, when you are done, you are
always glad you rode. He was an inspiration to others,
not by his words or trying to convince them that they
should ride their bikes more, but by simply showing up
on his bike. Since his accident, I have heard
countless stories from folks who said they would see
him every morning on their commute to work and would
smile to themselves or wave as they went by. Folks who
said they could tell how early or late for work they
were based on where he was on the road because, like
clockwork, my husband would rise around 4:00 a.m. and
build a fire to keep me warm, he would pack his lunch
and then his bike and kiss me goodbye before he left.
And then push off into the quiet morning to begin his
day. Of course, I'd give anything in the world not to
be here today, to discuss naming a new bike path in
memory of my husband. The one thing I want is for him
to come home, walk through our door, and have me
complain that he needs to leave his stinky bike
clothes in the garage. I know that isn't possible but
naming this new connection from Badger Road to Airport
Way, Steese Junction is. And so, I ask for your
support in moving SB 129 forward. In his memory, let
his name and his rides be an inspiration to others.
Thank you.
2:04:58 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN appreciated getting to know Matt via Ms. Glover's
sincere and compelling testimony.
SENATOR TOBIN appreciated naming the bike path for a passionate
and inspirational cyclist. She stated that the bill has her full
support. She expressed her condolences to Ms. Glover.
2:05:46 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked about the timeline required to procure the
signs.
ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison, Department of Transportation
and Public Facilities (DOTPF), Juneau, Alaska, responded that
the proposed path was slated for completion in the fall of 2024.
He anticipated ample time to install the signage as part of the
project in 2024.
2:07:34 PM
At ease
2:08:13 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN reconvened the meeting.
SENATOR MYERS appreciated the bill hearing.
SENATOR TOBIN stressed the need for bike safety.
CHAIR KAUFMAN held SB 129 in committee.
2:09:50 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kaufman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 2:09 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 129 Sponsor Statement 4.24.23.pdf |
STRA 5/4/2023 1:30:00 PM STRA 1/23/2024 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |
| SB 129 Sectional Analysis v. A 4.24.23.pdf |
STRA 5/4/2023 1:30:00 PM STRA 1/23/2024 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |
| SB 129 v. A.PDF |
STRA 5/4/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |
| SB 129 Fiscal Note DOTPF 4.28.23.pdf |
STRA 5/4/2023 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |
| SB 129 Supporting Document FNSB Bikeway Paths 2022 4.24.23.pdf |
STRA 5/4/2023 1:30:00 PM STRA 1/23/2024 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |
| SB 129 Support Letter Fairbanks Cycle Club 4.25.23.pdf |
STRA 5/4/2023 1:30:00 PM STRA 1/23/2024 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |
| SB 129 Testimony Received as of 5.15.23.pdf |
STRA 5/4/2023 1:30:00 PM STRA 1/23/2024 1:30:00 PM |
SB 129 |