HOUSE BILL NO. 183 "An Act directing the identification and delineation of a transportation and utility corridor between Fairbanks and the Seward Peninsula for road, rail, pipeline, and electrical transmission purposes; and providing for an effective date." REPRESENTATIVE JEANNETTE JAMES provided members with a proposed committee substitute, work draft #8-LS0296\U, dated 1/18/94 (copy on file). She noted that page 1, line 7 removes "Northern region". She stressed the need to look toward the future transportation needs of the state. She emphasized that Fairbanks is the end of the railroad. She observed that she is not requesting funding for the corridor delineation at this time. Representative James referred to concerns by Co-Chair MacLean regarding the inclusion of "a road" in the contemplation of the corridor. She stated that she did not object to the deletion of "a road". Co-Chair MacLean stated that she supports the concept of the legislation. She explained that her reservations are that a road through the villages could have severe social impact. Representative Brown expressed concern with the inclusion of "an electrical transmission line". Representative James clarified that, currently, there is no intention to build a line. Representative Brown suggested that the inclusion of language identifying an electrical transmission line could provide undue momentum for the building of a line. She stressed that energy needs of the state should first look to the resources at hand and provide the least cost to the consumer. Representative James assured her that her prime interest is to assure that authorization exists for a corridor accommodating a railroad. She stressed the need to plan for the future. 6 Representative Hanley expressed concern that the Commissioner of Department of Transportation and Public Facilities could use the authorization to expend federal funds on the project without legislative appropriation. Members discussed the Commissioner's ability to spend federal funds. Representative James suggested that "subject to legislative appropriation" be added. Representative Therriault spoke in support of the retention of "an electrical transmission line." Representative Hanley clarified that the legislature must give authorization for the spending of federal funds. Representative Brown referred to the fiscal note by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. She noted that the fiscal note requests funding for FY 95 and FY 96. Representative James stated that she did not intend that there be authorization of money associated with the legislation. Co-Chair Larson suggested that language on page 1, line 9 through 14 be deleted from the committee substitute. Co- Chair MacLean added that "for road, rail, pipeline, and electrical transmission purposes;" would also be deleted from the title. Representative James expressed concern that the corridor meet the criteria needed to build a railroad. Co-Chair Larson pointed out that page 2, line 2 guarantees that "the railroad alignment and identification of a railroad right-of-way of not less than 500 feet shall guide the identification and delineation of the corridor". Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to AMEND, work draft #8-LS0296\U, dated 1/18/94 to delete on page 1, line 2 and 3, "for road, rail, pipeline, and electrical transmission purposes;" and to insert on page 1, line 7 "Subject to legislative appropriation" and to delete after "Peninsula" on page 1, lines 9 through 14. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Co-Chair MacLean expressed concern that potential negative social impacts of nearby communities be considered. She did not offer Amendment 2 which would have required that the Department consider these concerns. Representative Therriault clarified that impact of nearby communities would be considered under public input when construction is proposed. Co-Chair MacLean asked the significance of the AS 38.05 citation on page 2, line 29. 7 CLYDE STOLTZFUS, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES suggested that the citation would prevent the Department of Natural Resources from taking state land out of multiple use. Representative Brown questioned if the process authorized by the committee substitute would be handled outside of the normal land classification procedures outlined in AS 38.05. She asked if classification required public notice. Representative James assured her that no construction would take place without public input. Any project using federal funds would require an environmental impact statement. CSHB 183 (FIN) was HELD in Committee to allow further clarification of the citation to AS 38.05. HOUSE BILL NO. 183 "An Act directing the identification and delineation of a transportation and utility corridor between Fairbanks and the Seward Peninsula for road, rail, pipeline, and electrical transmission purposes; and providing for an effective date." Representative James noted that she had discussed the intent, by the drafter, for the inclusion of AS 38.05. She referred to page 2, line 14. She noted that after identifying the corridor the Department of Natural Resources will make the land available. She stressed that the language on page 2, line 29 is to assure that the process of reclassification of land for the corridor be excluded from AS 38.05 until construction is proposed. Representative Brown asked why language allowing the rejection of a corridor was included on line 17, page 2. Representative Parnell suggested that the language would allow the corridor to be rejected if it is not used in the future. Co-Chair MacLean suggested that the fiscal note by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities be zero. 9 Co-Chair MacLean MOVED to report CSHB 183 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with a zero fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSHB 183 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with "no recommendation" and with a fiscal impact note by the House Finance Committee