HB 26-STATEWIDE PUBLIC & COMMUNITY TRANSIT PLAN  1:06:47 PM CO-CHAIR EISCHEID announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 26, "An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and relating to a statewide public and community transit plan." [Before the committee was CSHB 26(CRA).] 1:07:50 PM REPRESENTATIVE MINA, as prime sponsor, gave a recap of CSHB 26(CRA). She stated that it would update the responsibilities of the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) to enact a statewide transit plan in coordination with community stakeholders. She stated that the proposed legislation would help update the multimodality work DOT&PF is currently doing, as it would ensure public transportation is there for those who do not drive. 1:08:53 PM CO-CHAIR EISCHEID opened public testimony on HB 26. 1:09:45 PM BRIDGER REED-LEWIS, Board Member, Alaska Mobility Coalition, stated that he is an advocate for those with disabilities in Alaska. He shared that he is originally from Palmer, but he had to move because of the lack of para-transit opportunities. He shared that in Anchorage he can access AnchorRIDES. He recommended that the proposed legislation be amended to allow for two roundtrip Taxi or Uber rides for individuals who are on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). He clarified that this would be for a ride to a store within a 15-mile radius. He argued that many individuals with disabilities cannot carry bags onto a bus; therefore, they are limited to shopping at expensive convenience stores. He outlined the idea for a future bill that would allow free transportation for everyone. He spoke about how transportation should be a right for everyone, as this would allow more access to jobs and stores. 1:13:15 PM MICHELE GIRAULT, Executive Director, Hope Community Resources, Chairman, Key Coalition of Alaska, stated that Hope Community Resources provides disability support in six regions of the state and the Key Coalition of Alaska is a statewide group supporting Alaskans with disabilities. She pointed out that Alaskans with disabilities face many challenges, but transportation is at the top of the list. She noted that the proposed legislation would improve access to community-based services and give a voice to those who are not often heard. She expressed her support of HB 26. 1:14:46 PM GERRY HOPE, Government Relations Director, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, noted that the proposed bill is a part of the Alaska Mobility Coalition's multiyear effort to improve public, Tribal, and community transit programs in the state. He stated that during his experience as the Transportation Director for the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, it had been difficult "getting a seat at the table" with DOT&PF; therefore, on behalf of the Sitka Tribe of Alaska he expressed support for the proposed legislation. 1:16:36 PM BRITTANI ROBBINS, representing self, shared that she is a "lifelong, remote Alaskan" and the Civic Engagement Coordinator [for Alaska Community Action on Toxics]. She listed several past community positions she has also held. She expressed support for the proposed legislation, explaining that living on a remote island reinforces the lack of public transportation in the state. She highlighted the importance of viable transportation within the education system, especially for sports teams. She noted that when she had been a student, schools used the Alaska Marine Highway System as reliable transportation for student athletes, as it is more financially viable than flying. She pointed out that now only a couple of ferries a week service Wrangell. She stated that some federal funding has helped the situation, and this is important for her as she travels often to the Lower 48 because of medical disabilities. She argued that a transportation system needs to be in place for every Alaskan. 1:19:47 PM JASON NORRIS, representing self, expressed his support for HB 26. He explained that Anchorage is in a crisis for pedestrian safety, and this is because transportation planning has focused on motor vehicles. He argued that transportation for Alaskans who have different needs should be prioritized because this would improve quality of life and be better for the economy. He stated that if individuals are given the opportunity to move around, they will choose to do so, even in winter cities, and he cited examples. 1:21:30 PM CYNTHIA LONG, representing self, stated that she is a lifelong public transportation user. She stated that she is testifying on behalf of herself and her husband, who is no longer able to drive. She stated that on the Kenai Peninsula, the Central Area Rural Transit System [CARTS] takes people to the doctor, the store, and more, and this helps members of the community not to be isolated. She opined that a larger transportation system could allow residents of the Kenai Peninsula to work in the Anchorage area. 1:22:51 PM CO-CHAIR EISCHEID, after ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 26. 1:23:25 PM CO-CHAIR CARRICK requested a clarification on the stakeholders not included in the proposed legislation. REPRESENTATIVE MINA responded that metropolitan planning organizations are one of the stakeholders that are not included in the proposed bill. She explained that these are separate entities outside of local governments and other community organizations. 1:25:08 PM ANDY MILLS, Legislative Liaison, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Department of the Commissioner, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, in response to a follow-up question from Representative Mina, clarified that there is a difference between the use of "coordination" and "cooperation" in the proposed legislation. He stated that the choice of wording was intentional, as the department had been advised by its legal counsel on specific usage in the Alaska Railroad Act of 1982 (ARTA). He pointed out that the term "coordination" has been used in CSHB 26(CRA). He discussed that this relates to [the concept of the Three Cs of transportation planning: continuing, comprehensive, and cooperative, as guided by federal law]. 1:26:14 PM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES commented that Kodiak has a local transportation service provided to the community by the senior center. She shared that her nephew has a disability, and the ability to ride the bus has made a difference in his life. She expressed support for the proposed legislation. 1:27:18 PM CO-CHAIR EISCHEID commented on how AnchorRIDES improves the quality of life for the elderly. He made closing comments. [CSHB 26(CRA) was held over.]