HJR 14-PORT MACKENZIE & NORTHERN RAIL EXTENSIONS  1:02:27 PM CO-CHAIR CARRICK announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14, Supporting the completion of the Port McKenzie Rail Extension and the Northern Rail Extension; supporting the increase in defensive capabilities at Fort Greely, Alaska; encouraging a renewed commitment by the Alaska Railroad to a community-minded approach to future rail expansion; and encouraging the development of critical Arctic infrastructure. 1:03:02 PM REPRESENTATIVE KEVIN MCCABE, as prime sponsor, reviewed HJR 14. He explained that the proposed resolution would endorse two key infrastructure railroad expansion projects: the Northern Rail Extension and the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. He expressed the opinion that the projects would strengthen Alaska's infrastructure and enhance national defense capabilities. He added that these projects would open the state to needed resource development. He said that his office has received a "huge" number of letters supporting the proposed resolution. 1:04:03 PM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES expressed support and questioned the cost of each component of HJR 14. REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE answered that railroad engineers have given an estimate of $290 million for the 32 miles of track from Port MacKenzie to just south of Houston. He stated that the Northern Rail Extension would be "significantly more," as a $200 million bridge has been built already. He expressed the understanding that because of the several billion dollars needed to complete the extension to Canada, the money would need to be federal funds. In response to a follow-up question concerning the exact beginning and ending of the Northern Rail Extension project, he deferred to a representative from the Alaska Railroad. 1:06:00 PM MEGHAN CLEMANS, Director, External Affairs, Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC), responded that the Northern Rail Extension would go 89 miles from the Eielson branch of the Alaska Railroad to Fort Greely and Delta Junction, but it would not reach the Canadian border. She said that the proposed line to the border crossing would follow the extension, so the extension would be an important step to reaching the border. In response to a follow-up question, she expressed uncertainty concerning the distance from Delta Junction to the Canadian border. She deferred to the chief engineer for ARRC. 1:07:29 PM BRIAN LINDAMOOD, Chief Engineer, Alaska Railroad Corporation, estimated that from Delta Junction to the Canadian border would be around 160 miles, depending on the route. 1:08:12 PM CO-CHAIR CARRICK opened public testimony on HJR 14. 1:08:24 PM MS. CLEMANS, on behalf of ARRC, expressed support for the proposed resolution, adding that ARRC supports the expansion of rail infrastructure in the state. She indicated that the railroad has hired an outside engineering firm to update the cost of completing the Port MacKinzie project, and it has submitted federal grant applications for this project and the Northern Rail Extension project. For the Northern Rail Extension project, ARRC has submitted a spending request to Alaska's Congressional Delegation. She stated that ARRC has been working with the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough, the Port MacKinzie staff, and Representative McCabe to identify potential customers and an anchor tenant for the Port MacKinzie project. In lieu of an anchor tenant, it has worked with stakeholders to develop a spending strategy, and ARRC plans to apply for a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant. She noted that the Mat-Su Borough would be submitting a Legislative Finance Capital Project Submission and Information System (CAPSIS) request for the needed 20 percent-nonmatching federal funds. MS. CLEMANS noted ARRC's ongoing engagement with stakeholders to advocate for both projects. She expressed the belief that these projects would add new transportation efficiencies to the state, unlocking opportunities, such as resource exports, energy solutions, and project development. Noting the large size of the projects, she maintained that the projects would require the involvement and support of railroad partners. She stated that the proposed resolution is important, as it would confirm support for these projects. 1:11:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES questioned why Ms. Clemans did not mention the [United States Armed Forces] during her testimony. She expressed the understanding that completing the projects would be a "huge boon" for the military. MS. CLEMANS answered that ARRC has had outreach with the military, especially concerning the Northern Rail Extension project. She pointed out the [Tanana Bridge] on the extension already provides year-round access to the Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson's (JBER's) training facility. She stated that the military had helped to fund the bridge. 1:12:17 PM REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE added that the military has been to Port MacKenzie over 20 times in the past year to conduct meetings with the Alaska Railroad, and it will be using the area around the port for training. REPRESENTATIVE STUTES, in a follow-up comment, suggested to "keep pushing" [the relationship with] the military forward. 1:13:37 PM CO-CHAIR CARRICK, after ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to testify, closed public testimony on HJR 14. 1:13:55 PM CO-CHAIR CARRICK announced that HJR 14 was held over.