CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 203(FIN) "An Act designating the Alaska marine highway system and portions of the Parks, Glenn, Seward, and Sterling Highways as a part of the State's Purple Heart Trail and relating to signage and informational displays for the trail." 3:02:40 PM Co-Chair Merrick discussed the agenda for the meeting. She indicated that Vice-Chair Ortiz had joined the meeting. EMMA TORKELSON, STAFF, SENATOR JOSH REVAK, introduced the legislation. She explained that the original Purple Heart Trail was established in 1992 as a national project to designate portions of the interstate highway system as "The Purple Heart Trail System," reminding Americans of the sacrifices made by men and women in service to the nation. In 2008, the Alaska Military Order of the Purple Heart worked with Senator Johnny Ellis, to adopt SB 216 [Purple Heart Trail, CHAPTER 23 SLA 08, 05/03/2008] that designated the Alaska and Richardson Highways from the Alaska-Canada Border to Fairbanks as the Purple Heart Trail. Senate Bill 203 extended the Purple Heart Trail highway designation from Fairbanks to the End of the Road in Homer and on the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) routes. Doing so will complete a continuous 4,500-mile land and ocean stretch of Purple Heart Trail from the Alaska-Canada Border, down to the End of the Road, and then on the ferry routes of the Alaska Marine Highway, connecting the Purple Heart Cities/Boroughs of Fairbanks North Star Borough, North Pole, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Soldotna, Homer, and Skagway. Alaska's has a strong military tradition; we have an estimated 65,000 resident veterans, approximately 21,000 active-duty military. Signage drawing attention to the designation was placed at appropriate intervals along the highways and on each active AMHS ferry to stimulate thought and discussion among adults and children alike about the history of our nation and those who have made significant sacrifices for it. 3:04:48 PM Co-Chair Merrick OPENED public testimony. Co-Chair Merrick CLOSED public testimony. Co-Chair Merrick asked the department to review the fiscal notes. ANDY MILLS, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, reviewed the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT) published fiscal impact fiscal note (FN2 (DOT) appropriated to Administration and Support. He indicated that it reflected the full cost if no donations were received in the amount of $255.6 thousand and would pay for signage and kiosks along the extended highway trail system. He noted that language in this bill calls for the option of third-party donations to pay for signage along the extended trail. The donations would be used to offset the Undesignated General Funds (UGF) expended and the remaining unused UGF would lapse back to the state. Representative LeBon asked if there was currently a campaign rolling out soon to gather contributions from interested parties including citizens. Ms. Torkelson replied that the sponsor was discussing the matter with the military organization to gauge its interest in collecting donations. She relayed that the organization was ready to send out information to its members and request donations. Part of the process had been gathering legislative intent regarding passage of the legislation and with passage of the bill they would proceed with implementation. 3:08:34 PM Representative LeBon asked if the effective date of the bill was upon passage of the legislation. He asked whether the bill required regulations. Mr. Mills answered that lacking an effective date there was a 90 day window. He indicated that the window granted time for the organization to collect donations and then DOT would begin its work. Representative LeBon asked if the idea was to implement the signage changes the following year. Mr. Mills responded there was no timeframe for the type of legislation. He reported that the bill was more extensive than typical naming legislation and the department would discuss what timeframe was necessary for the organization to collect the donations and would work around those needs. 3:10:50 PM Co-Chair Foster was interested in hearing the amendment during the meeting. He wanted to move the bill from committee. Representative Carpenter was concerned about the price tag. He was more comfortable using donations as opposed to state funds. Co-Chair Merrick set and amendment deadline for the following day at noon. CSSB 203(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration. 3:11:44 PM AT EASE 3:13:31 PM RECONVENED