Legislature(2025 - 2026)BUTROVICH 205
02/20/2025 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation(s): Winter Road Maintenance | |
| 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
February 20, 2025
1:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Chair
Senator Löki Tobin, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Mike Shower
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION(S): WINTER ROAD MAINTENANCE
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
ANDY MILLS, Special Assistant
Commissioner's Office
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Winter Road Maintenance.
BURRELL NICKESON, Manager
Maintenance and Operations
Central Region
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Winter Road Maintenance
JASON SAKALASKAS, Maintenance and Operations Chief
Northern Region
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Winter Road Maintenance.
CHRISTINE LANGLEY, Director
Data Modernization and Innovation Office
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Winter Road Maintenance.
BRAD BYLSMA, State Equipment Fleet Manager
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-presented Winter Road Maintenance.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:33:17 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:33 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Tobin, Kiehl and Chair Bjorkman. Senators
Shower and Stedman arrived shortly thereafter.
^PRESENTATION(S): WINTER ROAD MAINTENANCE
PRESENTATION(S): WINTER ROAD MAINTENANCE
1:33:58 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN announced the presentation Winter Road
Maintenance by Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities (DOTPF).
1:34:57 PM
ANDY MILLS, Special Assistant, Commissioner's Office, Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), Juneau, Alaska,
gave a brief overview of the presentation.
1:36:17 PM
MR. MILLS advanced to Slide 2 and discussed DOTPF maintenance
and operations. He noted that there are 11,894 lane miles and 80
maintenance shops across the state.
1:36:27 PM
SENATOR SHOWER joined the meeting.
MR. MILLS continued his discussion of Slide 2. He commented that
Alaska is lacking in infrastructure, particularly in remote
locations. He briefly discussed the ways DOTPF maintenance and
operations facilities are used by Alaskans, including as shelter
from winter storms. He noted that Starlink technology
initiatives are underway for areas where no other method of
communication is available.
1:37:50 PM
MR. MILLS advanced to Slide 3 and discussed winter road
maintenance priorities:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Road Priority Map
In 2022, DOT&PF reported, pursuant to legislative
intent language, on how the department establishes and
reviews winter road maintenance priorities.
1:38:06 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN joined the meeting.
MR. MILLS continued his discussion of Slide 3. He offered to
provide the committee with a copy of the report presented in
2022. He briefly discussed the variables considered when
determining winter road maintenance priority. Road type is the
primary consideration. Route efficiency is also a consideration.
1:40:57 PM
MR. MILLS advanced to Slide 4 and emphasized the importance of
maintenance and operations at airports across the state:
Maintenance and Operations Aviation
237 Airports
2 International
235 Rural of which 26 are Part 139 Certified
Rural Airport Maintenance (RAM) Contracts
Average $50.0 - $100.0 per airport
~82 percent of communities in Alaska rely on aviation
as their only means of access
1:42:52 PM
SENATOR TOBIN requested data related to the attrition rates
among DOT employees from 2001 to present.
1:43:27 PM
MR. MILLS said he previously looked at the previous ten years
and did not see significant reductions at that time. Instead, he
noticed an increase in overtime. He offered to investigate this
timeframe and report back.
1:44:17 PM
SENATOR TOBIN explained that her question is related to the
issue of employee retention as more long-term employees reach
retirement age, especially considering the changes to retirement
benefits for new employees.
1:44:38 PM
SENATOR STEDMAN asked about salary increases to retain or
attract operators and mechanics.
1:45:16 PM
MR. MILLS shared his understanding that a recent contract
resulted in a 14 or 15 percent salary increase. He offered to
get back to the committee with additional information.
1:45:46 PM
SENATOR SHOWER directed attention to education spending and
career and technical education (CTE). He requested data showing
DOTPF's CTE needs.
1:46:28 PM
MR. MILLS noted a recent project in Hughes that trained students
and emphasized the possibilities for remote areas of the state.
He said he would provide additional training data to the
committee.
1:47:23 PM
MR. MILLS advanced to Slide 5 and discussed the winter road
condition index:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Winter Operations
Category A: Good Winter Driving Conditions
• Bare pavement, good visibility, snow removed from
lanes and centerline, acceptable path widths
Category B: Fair to Good Winter Driving Conditions
• Some lane blockage, icy patches, snow cleared
from the traveled way, generally good traction
Category C: Fair to Difficult Winter Driving
Conditions
• Passable roads, standing water or loose snow,
patches may cover some lane markings, slow
traffic movement
Category D: Difficult to Very Difficult Driving
Conditions
• Challenging travel, moderate snow accumulation,
substantial traffic delays
Category E: Hazardous Winter Driving Conditions
• Travel not advised, considerable snow
accumulation, roads may be icy, poor traction,
extremely poor conditions
1:49:20 PM
MR. MILLS advanced to Slide 6 and discussed emergency responses
from July 2024 to January 2025. Slide 6 contains lists of
monthly emergency response incidents during this timeframe. He
emphasized that DOTPF addresses a variety of winter emergency
incidents. He noted a recent Homer Spit storm and an incident in
Ketchikan.
1:51:11 PM
BURRELL NICKESON, Manager, Maintenance and Operations, Central
Region, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOTPF), Anchorage, Alaska, advanced to Slide 7 and discussed
the Homer Spit storm in 2024:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Homer Spit Storm Damage November 16, 2024
Storm Impact
• Damaged by two storms
• High tides, strong winds, and high surf caused
rocks, debris, and erosion
Emergency Response
• Homer Police & DOT&PF closed the road and issued
public notifications
• Cleanup and repairs began immediately
Restoration Efforts
• Cleared debris and repaired roadway
• Placed riprap to reinforce the structural section
• Reopened to two-lane traffic after three weeks of
repairs
1:53:56 PM
MR. NICKESON advanced to slide 8 and discussed DOTPF's response
to the Rabbit Creek pedestrian bridge collapse in January 2025:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Rabbit Creek Pedestrian Bridge Response
January 12, 2025
Incident Overview
• 2:30 a.m. DOTPF maintenance worker reported
debris on Seward Highway
• DOTPF and Anchorage Police Department closed the
roadway for safety
Response Actions
• Removed fallen decking and caging from the
highway
• Used loaders and sweepers to clear debris
• Stationed personnel on-site to secure the area
Structural Assessment
• Bridge engineers inspected the superstructure
• Confirmed structurally sound and intact
MR. NICKESON noted that repair is expected to cost $2-$3
million. The bridge is currently closed; DOTPF has made every
effort to ensure no one accesses the bridge until it is
repaired.
1:58:15 PM
JASON SAKALASKAS, Maintenance and Operations Chief, Northern
Region, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, Fairbanks, Alaska, advanced to slide 9 and discussed
DOTPF's response to Thompson Pass storms in January 2025:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Thompson Pass Response
January 11 and 26, 2025
January 11 Storm Impact
• Over 108 inches of snow accumulated
• Crews conducted avalanche control to ensure
safety before reopening
Richardson Highway Milepost 18-46 Closure
• Closed: January 26
• Reopened: January 27
Snow and Avalanche Mitigation
• Cleared a naturally occurring avalanche (7-8 feet
of snow)
• Continued plowing operations to restore full
access
Two young Alaskans were stranded in the extreme
conditions in Thompson Pass during the storm.
Maintenance crews brought them to the camp for the
night to ensure their safety.
"I want to thank whoever was driving the
plow Cat that rescued my kid?"
MR. SAKALASKAS stated that the public was notified of the
Richardson Highway closures via call lists and 511. He
emphasized the importance of notifying the public of road
closures in advance.
2:02:55 PM
MR. SAKALASKAS advanced to slide 10 and discussed avalanches and
highway closures across the state, from January 1, 2024 to
December 31, 2024. Slide 10 includes infographics with avalanche
data and an image of a slide at that Parks Highway Milepost 219,
Jan. 2025. From January 1 to December 31, 2024, there were 32
avalanche road impacts, 292 avalanche occurrences, and 383.9
total road closure hours. He noted that all areas of the state
report to a central tracking mechanism. He pointed out that
these road closures can have a large impact on goods and
services and transportation.
2:05:38 PM
CHRISTINE LANGLEY, Director, Data Modernization and Innovation
Office (DMIO), Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities, Fairbanks, Alaska, advanced to slide 11 and
discussed DOTPF's new Data Modernization and Innovation Office
(DMIO):
[Original punctuation provided.]
Data Modernization and Innovation
Traffic and Safety Engineering & Operations
• Traffic Engineering
• Traveler Information
• Intelligent Transportation System
• Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
• Alaska Highway Safety Office
Research and Innovation
• Transportation Research
• Technology Transfer
• Workforce Development
• Process Improvement
Transportation Data
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• AASHTOWare Project
• Data Analysis and Visualization
Asset Management and Reporting
• Bridge and Pavement Condition Reporting
• Highway Performance Monitoring
• Performance Management
• Traffic Volume Monitoring
2:09:21 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed interest in civil rights complaint data
but said she was unable to find it. She asked where this could
be found. She wondered if DOTPF would make this information
available.
2:10:05 PM
MS. LANGLEY replied yes. She indicated that this information is
a part of the AASHTOWare reporting tool. This data is provided
in coordination with the DOTPF civil rights office. Additional
data will be available in the future and specific data could be
provided at the Senator's request.
2:11:00 PM
SENATOR TOBIN stated that this information is helpful for those
involved in efforts to reconnect communities. She surmised that
DOTPF is working to provide the public with more information.
2:11:26 PM
MS. LANGLEY affirmed that this is correct.
2:11:33 PM
SENATOR TOBIN said her constituents have asked about the
creation of DMIO. She noted that DMIO was formed 1.5 years ago.
She surmised that this office was created by reclassifying
positions, rather than with a budget request. She asked how many
positions were reclassified and how many employees the office
currently has.
2:11:54 PM
MS. LANGLEY clarified that DMIO was an idea in DOTPF for 1.5
years. DMIO became an official budget component during the
current fiscal year. She said DMIO currently has 52 positions
and 6 vacancies. She explained that DMIO is an aggregation of
sections throughout DOTPF. Some positions were reclassified, but
many individuals were already within the department. She offered
examples of the positions that transitioned into DMIO.
2:13:01 PM
MR. MILLS added that 4 years ago, DOTPF began to consider
bringing a data scientist onboard and this evolved into DMIO.
2:13:45 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked how many of the 52 positions were regional
positions that transitioned to statewide positions. She
expressed concern that regional communities may have lost access
to local expertise.
2:14:11 PM
MS. LANGLEY said she could provide this information. She said
that the majority of the positions were already statewide. Some
regional positions were expanded to have statewide impact, thus
maintaining local access.
2:14:49 PM
MR. MILLS explained that many DOTPF initiatives have repurposed
position control numbers (PCN) with vacancies over 18 months.
2:15:37 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked about DMIO's supervisor structure.
2:15:54 PM
MS. LANGLEY said that her position reports to the Deputy
Commissioner, who reports to the Commissioner.
2:16:05 PM
MS. LANGLEY advanced to Slide 12 and discussed how DMIO analyzes
sidewalk vs road priority. Slide 12 contains several Department
of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF) winter sidewalk
priority maps and a QR code for additional information. She
briefly described the process used to determine reasons for
sidewalk priority and whether sidewalk priority should differ
from roadway priority. She commented that this has been a useful
process and offered examples.
2:18:41 PM
SENATOR TOBIN drew attention to the Gambell-Ingra corridor in
the Fairview neighborhood in Anchorage, where many pedestrian
deaths have occurred. She pointed out that in many cases,
pedestrians are forced to walk in the roadway after heavy snow
events because sidewalks have not been cleared. She questioned
whether 48 hours is a reasonable timeframe for clearing
sidewalks in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic (as indicated
on the graphics on Slide 12).
2:19:24 PM
MS. LANGLEY differed the question.
MR. MILLS replied that snow storage is one issue and makes
clearing sidewalks difficult. DOTPF is working to procure
additional tools to aid sidewalk clearing. He explained how road
priority is determined and emphasized the importance of
communication with residents.
2:21:34 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed appreciation for this. She said that the
community of Fairview recently created a group - the Fairview
Snowfighters - to clear the sidewalks and keep residents safe.
She noted that money for Northwood snow disposal was recently
vetoed by the governor and asked whether DOTPF supported that
veto. She surmised that DOTPF needed that snow storage site.
2:22:05 PM
MR. MILLS replied that DOTPF is considering several locations
for snow storage and certain locations require additional
preparation. He indicated that he did not know the details
behind the veto and that DOTPF had not made a firm decision
regarding that location. Snow storage is part of the Complete
Streets policy.
2:23:07 PM
SENATOR TOBIN said she would like to discuss this further. She
noted that previous budget agreements related to snow plowing
and removal in Anchorage were not kept.
2:23:28 PM
MS. LANGLEY advanced to Slide 13 and discussed the winter
operations dashboard. The dashboard has three components:
internal fleet management, the public dashboard, and 511 -
audible alerting. She briefly described these components and
offered examples to illustrate their function and usefulness.
2:27:14 PM
MS. LANGLEY advanced to Slide 14 and discussed 511, which
provides roadway-related information to the public. There are
399,000 active users, with nearly 1 million total sessions. 152
incidents, events, and conditions were posted to 511 along with
504 roadwork events. DOTPF coordinates with Canada to cross-
display conditions to aid commerce transport from the Lower 48
to Alaska. 511 is used by community members and other state
departments, including the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and
the Division of Alaska State Troopers. 511 also provides school
bus and bridge height information.
2:30:11 PM
MS. LANGLEY advanced to slide 15 and discussed future DPIO
enhancements:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Future Enhancements
Enhancing Real-Time Data Collection
• Mobile Road Weather Information Systems
Improved monitoring of conditions
• Traffic Condition & Movement Tracking Increased
situational awareness
• Avalanche Detection & Mitigation Proactive
safety measures
• Smart Work Zones Optimized traffic flow &
worker safety
Key Objectives
• Real-Time Decision Making Faster, data-driven
responses
• Automated Alerting Streamlined information
sharing
• Advanced Traffic Management System Coordinated
statewide efforts
• Joint Operations Center Unified emergency and
traffic management
Goal: A Safer & More Reliable Transportation System
for Alaska
2:32:18 PM
MR. SAKALASKAS advanced to slide 16 and discussed storm event
response:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Responses are Adaptable to Severity of Storm
• Roadways are plowed based on statewide roadway
priorities and further refined into individual
plow routes to maximize efficiency and
consistency
• Contractors, overtime, and shared personnel are
utilized to adjust responses based on storm size,
severity, and location
Key Factors in Storm Response
• Equipment availability (downtime impacts
response)
• Type and rate of precipitation, asphalt
temperatures, wind, and duration
• Temperature trends before, during, and after the
event
• Traffic volumes affecting plowing operations
• Snow haul sites availability for clearing
• Emergency calls impacting resource allocation
2:34:51 PM
MR. SAKALASKAS continued with his discussion of Slide 16. He
explained the key factors in storm response and offered
examples.
2:37:38 PM
SENATOR TOBIN expressed appreciation for the work DOTPF does to
clear winter roadways in the Northern region. She directed
attention to intent language in the 2024 budget related to
moving away from reliance on contractors and toward reliance on
department staff. She shared her understanding that DOTPF plans
to disregard this language and continue to rely on contractors.
She asked whether DOTPF plans to provide updated language around
this issue.
2:38:40 PM
MR. SAKALASKAS deferred the question.
MR. MILLS responded that he was involved in conversations
related to this issue. He explained that the intent language in
question was specific to the Anchorage area. The appropriations
for this were vetoed by the governor. He explained the FY 2025
supplemental contracts, which DOTPF uses when additional
resources are needed. He shared his understanding of the intent
language. He emphasized that DOTPF's MO is the core resource,
and the supplemental contracts are only utilized when and where
it is necessary.
2:40:38 PM
SENATOR TOBIN noted that other individuals involved in
discussions have indicated a different interpretation. She
suggested a conversation to follow-up on this issue.
2:40:53 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN shared various reports from constituents who
observed DOTPF clearing roads when it seemed unnecessary. He
asked about decisions to clear snow in these instances.
2:42:18 PM
MR. MILLS replied that each situation is unique and determining
factors vary. He pointed out that, while weather improvements
may be forecast, there is always a degree of uncertainty. He
opined that no snow or warmer weather in the forecast is not a
reason to put off snow removal in the present. He added that,
without specific examples, it is difficult to explain resources
and reasoning. He offered an example to illustrate how an
outside perspective may not be an accurate interpretation of
events.
2:44:10 PM
MR. MILLS advanced to Slide 17 and discussed variable snowfall
requires variable response. Slide 17 contains 4 graphs
displaying [Anchorage] snowfall data for 2021-2025. He noted
recent record snowfall events. This data is useful in preparing
for future weather events. He emphasized that the weather is
variable, and it is impossible to determine future weather with
certainty. He reiterated that contractors are used when extra
resources are needed.
2:48:22 PM
MR. SAKALASKAS advanced to Slide 18 and discussed winter
operations staffing. Slide 18 contains a chart displaying data
on statewide maintenance districts, total equipment operator
positions, and vacancy rates between January 29, 2024 and
February 3, 2025. He contrasted areas of improved staffing
levels with those where staffing levels remain a challenge.
There has been an overall decrease in equipment operator
vacancies statewide; however, challenges remain. He provided
examples to illustrate how DOTPF is addressing these vacancies,
including contracting and overtime.
2:51:06 PM
MR. SAKALASKAS advanced to slide 19 and discussed partnerships
and other resources:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Partnerships and Other Resources
Collaborative Efforts Across Alaska
• City of Fairbanks Roadway responsibility swaps
for improved maintenance
• Municipality of Anchorage Transfer of
Responsibility Agreement (TORA)
• City and Borough of Juneau Enhanced priority
for Fish Creek Road
• ROW Trespass Agreement Assistance Resolving
Right-of-Way issues efficiently
• Signalization Work Optimizing traffic signals
to enhance resource sharing
Contract Support for Winter Operations
• Fairbanks Priority 3 and 4 roads (4th year of
contract support)
• Fairbanks Pedestrian facility maintenance &
snow haul trucking
• DNR Support Clearing downed trees and snow
removal
• Anchorage Addressing Priority 3 and 4 roads
(2nd year of contract support)
• Anchorage Expanding sidewalk maintenance
• Juneau Partnering with City and Borough of
Juneau to improve pedestrian access
• Emergency Assistance Contractor support for
heavy storms
2:54:01 PM
BRAD BYLSMA, State Equipment Fleet Manager, Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities, Anchorage, Alaska,
advanced to slide 20 and discussed the state equipment fleet:
[Original punctuation provided.]
State Equipment Fleet
51 Maintenance Shops Statewide
125 Mechanic Positions
Over 7,500 pieces of state equipment and vehicles
• Executive branch
• University of Alaska
• Other state agencies
Primary Focus October-March: Snow and Ice Removal
Equipment
2:55:22 PM
MR. BYLSMA advanced to slide 21 and discussed equipment mechanic
staffing. Slide 21 contains a chart displaying data on various
maintenance districts, heavy equipment mechanic positions, and
vacancies for 2024 and 2025. He noted that the vacancy rates
have increased overall. Some individual districts have high
vacancy rates.
2:56:36 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked what techniques and tools DOTPF is using to
keep the heavy equipment on the road in light of the high
vacancy rates for heavy equipment mechanic positions.
2:56:48 PM
MR. BYLSMA asked to hear the question again.
2:56:55 PM
SENATOR KIEHL repeated the question.
2:57:08 PM
MR. BYLSMA said that DOTPF moves resources to different regions
and operators may assist with equipment maintenance when
available. He added that partnerships also help.
2:58:05 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN said that he has heard that it can be difficult
to receive approval for equipment repair and asked for more
information.
2:58:42 PM
MR. BYLSMA said he is unable to provide a specific answer;
however, he stated that getting approval for repairs is not an
issue. He explained that there is a dedicated staff and
processes are in place to ensure that equipment remains
available and on the road. He suggested that the issue might be
related to funding and said he could look into this and provide
additional information.
2:59:31 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN shared his understanding that some individuals
feel there are administrative constraints related to local
resources. He indicated that this is a funding issue and offered
examples. He commented that some individuals may feel frustrated
with what they perceive to be a misuse of funds. He suggested
that the next presentation could address these issues.
3:01:09 PM
MR. MILLS agreed to return and discuss this and other issues at
the committee's request.
3:01:16 PM
CHAIR BJORKMAN said he would also like to address Seward Highway
maintenance and other issues.
3:01:34 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Bjorkman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 3:01 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Snow Operations SEF 20250220 CORRECTED.pdf |
STRA 2/20/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Winter Snow Operations |
| (S) TRAN Committee 2-20-25.pdf |
STRA 2/20/2025 1:30:00 PM |
Responses to Committee Questions |