HOUSE BILL NO. 96 "An Act relating to acquisition and development of the Jesse Lee Home; and providing for an effective date." Representative Ken Lancaster, Sponsor testified in support of HB 96. He explained that the legislation would allow the Department of Natural Resources to look at acquisition of the Jesse Lee Home. The home was built in Seward in 1925 to house children. It hasn't been occupied since the 1964 earthquake when it was severely damaged. The Alaska state flag was designed on the site and American soldiers were housed there during World War II. It is currently in the hands of the Kenai Peninsula Borough and is in the process of being given to the city of Seward. There is a $65 thousand dollar fiscal note for an architectural study and site assessment. The Jesse Lee Home was later moved to Anchorage and is still in operation. Representative John Davies clarified that the funds would go toward the study. He questioned if the city of Seward would donate the building. Representative Lancaster explained that the Department of Natural Resources would be expected to "make those assumptions". The city of Seward would be willing to donate the property or it could be retained by the city if the Department of Natural Resources wanted to manage the property or help fix the building. In response to a question by Representative Croft, Representative Lancaster explained that the facility was moved to Anchorage in the early 1960's after the earthquake. Representative Harris referred to the fiscal note and pointed out that an existing historic preservation grant program would cover half of the cost. JIM STRATTON, DIRECTOR, PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES testified via teleconference. He explained that the grant requires a 50 percent match. This is half of the consultant's costs. This would be matched with $35 thousand dollars in federal funds. Representative Moses clarified that Unalaska was the first site of the home. Representative John Davies noted that $70 thousand dollars would be spent on the architectural consultant. Mr. Stratton observed that the federal funds are authorized in the current operating budget through a historical grant program. JIM MALEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JESSE LEE HOME, SEWARD testified via teleconference in support of the legislation. The program is currently known as Alaska Children's Services, which is the oldest and largest childcare institution in Alaska. The original home was built as an orphanage in Unalaska in 1890. It was moved to Seward in 1925. He noted its historic value. He emphasized the home's service to Alaskan children. TIM SCZAWINSKI, SEWARD, testified via teleconference. He suggested that the move of the Jesse Lee Home was not a result of the earthquake damage as much as Alaska's move toward foster homes. He stressed the community's interest and involvement in maintaining this historical site. The City Council appropriated $50 thousand dollars to clear the adjacent land to make the site more presentable and protect against further damage. Representative John Davies MOVED to report HB 96 out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CSHB 96 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with previously published fiscal impact note (1) by the House Education and Social Services. CSHB 96 (FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with previously published fiscal impact note (1) by the House Education and Social Services. TAPE HFC 01 - 86, Side A