HB 171-AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF RAILROAD LAND   9:12:36 AM CO-CHAIR HERRON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 171, "An Act authorizing the transfer of two parcels of land from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to the Municipality of Anchorage; and providing for an effective date." 9:12:38 AM REPRESENTATIVE NANCY DAHLSTROM, Alaska State Legislature, speaking as sponsor of HB 171, characterized HB 171 as a simple bill. The proposed land swap would benefit the quality of life for residents of the Government Hill neighborhood as well as the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC). 9:13:22 AM LAURA PIERRE, Staff, Representative Nancy Dahlstrom, Alaska State Legislature, speaking on behalf of the sponsor of HB 171, informed the committee that AS 42.42.085 sets out the guidelines regarding the ARRC swapping any land and specifies that the legislature must approve a land swap by ARRC. The proposed land swap is between the Municipality of Anchorage and ARRC. She noted that the committee packet should include a map illustrating the parcels to be swapped. She highlighted that the entrance into Government Hill Elementary School is curvy and unsafe for children, and thus would be redeveloped and redesigned such that there's a safer entrance into the school. The land ARRC will receive from the municipality is land that flanks the land already owned by ARRC. Section 1 of HB 171 sets out the two parcels of land ARRC will transfer to the municipality. Ms. Pierre related that the Municipality of Anchorage, Government Hill Community Council, and members of the community are in support of HB 171. 9:15:26 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER, referring to the map, inquired as to the significance of the orange lines. 9:15:38 AM WENDY LINDSKOOG, Assistant Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Alaska Railroad Corporation, Department of Commerce, Community, & Economic Development (DCCED), specified that the orange lines delineate ARRC property lines. In further response to Representative Gardner, Ms. Lindskoog pointed out that the school is located with several little roads coming into it as well as the entrance to Elmendorf Air Force Base. The access in the area is difficult, she said. 9:17:04 AM REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS inquired as to ARRC use of the property designated in red. MR. LINDSKOOG stated that it's used for parking and she predicted that ARRC would continue to use it for parking in the near future. By ARRC owning the entire parcel, it would be easier for those interested in leasing the property. She added that once these properties are in the hands of a third party, the property goes on the tax rolls for the municipality. In further response to Representative Harris, Ms. Lindskoog noted her agreement that the parking provides leasing income for the property. 9:18:15 AM REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS, returning to the orange lines on the map, inquired as to whether the residential area is ARRC property. MR. LINDSKOOG specified that the larger blue block within the orange line is the residential development. Therefore, the city owns the land within the orange lines and the municipality [owns the land outside the orange lines]. She then acknowledged that the land on the port with the tanks is ARRC property. REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS then asked if the port is ARRC property. MS. LINDSKOOG clarified that there is a certain area [by the port] where the port owns part of the land and ARRC owns other parts of the land. 9:20:28 AM BOB FRENCH, Co-Vice President, Government Hill Community Council, informed the committee that community councils in Anchorage serve as the most basic form of local government. There are 39 community councils in Anchorage, ranging from Eklutna to Girdwood. While the community councils have few powers, the municipality does seek advice and guidance from the community councils on many local issues. Government Hill, he related, is proud to be Anchorage's first and oldest neighborhood. He pointed out that Government Hill is surrounded by land that's owned by various entities, including ARRC, Elmendorf Air Force Base, and the Port of Anchorage. Mr. French expressed support for HB 171 as it will have a very positive impact on the neighborhood. As noted earlier, Government Hill is probably one of the only areas in the state where so much ARRC land is mixed in with privately and municipally owned land. The proposal by HB 171 tries to simplify the convoluted property ownership issues. Mr. French highlighted that the Government Hill Elementary School hosts a Spanish immersion program that attracts folks from all over the Anchorage Bowl. Furthermore, since it's a magnet school, it brings in lots of traffic every morning and afternoon. He then proceeded to review the lack of safety at the Government Hill Elementary School area, and pointed out that ARRC's parcel has proven to block a safe and accessible entrance into the Government Hill Elementary School. In conclusion, Mr. French related his support for HB 171. 9:24:03 AM REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM reiterated that this issue impacts many people as the Government Hill Elementary School is attended and accessed by folks from all over the Anchorage area. She noted that even for those who know where they're going, the area is confusing to travel. Representative Dahlstrom requested the committee's support for HB 171. 9:24:55 AM REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS moved to report HB 171 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.