HB 207-FIRE STATION GRANT PROGRAM  8:07:15 AM CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 207, "An Act relating to a matching grant program for fire station construction and renovation; and providing for an effective date." 8:07:37 AM }REPRESENTATIVE CALVIN SCHRAGE* Alaska State Representative* Juneau, Alaska* As prime sponsor, presented HB 207.{ as prime sponsor, presented HB 207. He paraphrased the sponsor statement [included in the committee packet], which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: House Bill 207 establishes the Fire Station Grant Program, promoting a robust partnership between local communities and the state to strengthen safety and security. This matching grant program provides funding for up to 50 percent of the total project cost for constructing or renovating fire stations, supporting communities in enhancing their emergency response infrastructure. Alaska faces unique challenges in emergency response, making it crucial for our fire stations to be well equipped and properly maintained. Many fire stations across the state are in desperate need of replacement due to their age and deteriorating condition. Replacing these facilities is essential to strengthening their operational capabilities, improving emergency response times, and ensuring that Alaskans continue receiving the highest standard of emergency fire services. Addressing these needs involves constructing new facilities, replacing outdated stations with new buildings when more economical than renovation, and upgrading infrastructure to meet current safety standards. It has been over a decade since the Legislature last dedicated substantial funding to support communities statewide for the construction, replacement, or major renovations of local fire stations. During that period, state assistance facilitated the development of approximately a dozen fire stations across Alaska, marking one of the most well-received capital programs in recent history. However, the need for such investments has only grown. Recognizing this critical need, the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association has identified nearly two dozen projects for the Legislature's consideration, underscoring the pressing need for this program. The Fire Station Grant Program seeks to invest in the safety of all regions of Alaska, while also ensuring support at the local level for these projects. Investing in these projects is not merely a matter of infrastructure it's a matter of public safety and preparedness for challenges of tomorrow. 8:10:39 AM CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether the sponsor envisioned... REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said yes, it would allow for long-range planning 8:11:33 AM }AMANDA DNEMO, Staff* Representative Calvin Schrage* Alaska State Legislature* Juneau, Alaska* Presented the sectional analysis for HB 207 on behalf of Representative Schrage, prime sponsor.{ 8:12:52 AM MS. DNEMO gave a PowerPoint presentation on HB 207 [hard copy included in the committee packet]. She gave an introduction, outlined the purpose of HB 207, and summarized the bill's key provisions. 8:14:58 AM }FORREST KUIPER, President& Alaska Fire Chiefs Association* Fairbanks, Alaska* Gave invited testimony during the hearing on HB 207.{ made key points in support of HB 207. REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE highlighted that ad-hoc funding requests have been received over the years. The bill would allow for a more open and transparent process. He offered to share examples of the conditions of fire houses across the state, highlighting significant need. CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT opened public testimony? 8:19:46 AM }CAROLE TRIEM, Intergovernmental Affairs Manager* Alaska Municipal League* Juneau, Alaska* Gave invited testimony during the hearing on HB 207.{ CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT closed public testimony? 8:21:13 AM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether the program is separate or whether REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he hopes that it would facilitate more communication REPRESENTATIVE PRAX observed that local efforts have not been coordinated REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE acknowledge that different needs should be considered, balanced, and prioritized. 8:26:38 AM REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked about the current status of funding for fire stations REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said there has been a diminishment of state support for fire stations 8:28:22 AM MR. KUIPER said they've exhausted all efforts to find funding, but capacity is limited for federal grants through the * ... There are also federal brick grants and others, but departments have been unsuccessful. REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND shared his understanding that fire stations are fairly integrated facilities and expressed concern about whether "fire station grants" puts too narrow a boundary on this REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE shared his belief that 8:32:01 AM REPRESENTATIVE HALL asked whether the 50 percent match is a traditional percentage; additionally she asked whether funding sources could be braided REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE shared his belief that yes, funding could be braided REPRESENTATIVE HALL restated her question, asking whether 50 percent match is traditional REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE offered to follow up 8:33:41 AM CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether MR. KUIPER yes, the list is the comprehensive list that's dynamic and constantly updated. It was first compiled last year but with new construction estimates its updates as they arise CO-CHAIR MEARS asked whether there is a need to cast the net wider to capture the needs of smaller communities MR. KUIPER said the list is a preliminary one to identify need 8:36:45 AM CO-CHAIR MEARS asked in identifying community needs for fire stations and facilities, whether this work is being done }SANDRA MOLLER* Director, Division of Community & Regional Affairs, Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development* City & State* { CO-CHAIR MEARS MS. MOLLER said if the program were enacted, 8:39:01 AM REPRESENTATIVE HOLLAND asked whether this work is currently catalogued MS. MOLLER said yes, there is a community database online that's fiarly robust; however at present, it does not track this work, but it could be added. MS. KUIPER said if the program were enacted, they would work with DPS and Ms. Moller to update the database 8:41:33 AM REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether DCCED has a capital improvements list from municipal governments MS. MOLLER answered no. 8:44:05 AM CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT likened the funding to the chicken or the egg and asked how the funding would be dispersed REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said as currently proposed, regulation would determine the disbursement of funding. CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT asked whether it would be similar to the harbor grant program REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE did not know the answer CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT said she would like some parity between urban and rural REPRESENTATIVE PRAX said another bill would establish mental health crisis services. He asked whether insurance companies had been talked to or whether CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT said when another state approves a capital project, they put aside 3 percent and asked whether that would feel like overreach REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he would want more information on the structure of that 3 percent CO-CHAIR HIMSCHOOT 8:49:33 AM [HB 207 was held over.]