SJR 12 AM - CONSTRUCTION OF ALASKA HIGHWAY Number 258 CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS stated the next order of business is SJR 12 AM, "Relating to reconstruction and paving of the Alaska Highway." Number 280 SENATOR RANDY PHILLIPS stated that the resolution requests congress to appropriate $95 million to pave the Shakwak or the North Alaska Highway, which is the link outside the Alaska-Canada border to just outside the Haines Junction. He stated that it is the last link that has to be paved. This is an agreement that the U.S. Government and the Canadian Federal Government had agreed on, in 1977. He stated that there would be no tolls charged on either side of the border and it does not affect Alaska's state allocation as far as federal highway monies are concerned. Number 359 REPRESENTATIVE JOHN COWDERY asked if his understanding was correct that no other projects will suffer as a result of SJR 12 AM. Number 373 SENATOR PHILLIPS replied that is correct. It is separate from our allocation from the Federal Highway Administration. He stated it will not have any affect on the allocations internally in the state. Number 395 REPRESENTATIVE COWDERY asked if American firms are supposed to bid on the contract. Number 420 SENATOR PHILLIPS responded that the agreement is, we give Canada the money to build the road and they take over the maintenance, operations in perpetuity. He stated that the reason is there are 350,000 visitors coming through the panhandle or through the mid- section of Canada visiting Alaska. Number 470 SENATOR MACKIE stated that it would improve access to the capitol city and to communities like Haines. It would allow people to drive into the interior and into Alaska. He stated that the U.S. State Department put out a travel advisory stating that this is one of the most dangerous roads in the world because there aren't any gas stations. He stated that it has a tremendous affect on tourism in Alaska for people traveling the highways if they get these travel advisories, that say this is a dangerous road because it is not paved. He stated that the ramifications of the one section of the road has far reaching implications on tourism. He stated that he wanted to add his support to SJR 12 AM. Number 548 REPRESENTATIVE BILL HUDSON asked what amendment was made from the time it was put in. Number 562 SENATOR PHILLIPS replied that it seems to him that the amendment, would not tie the state to have any responsibilities as far as administrating. He stated that it was a concern brought up by Commissioner Perkins, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, and Senator Duncan had offered the amendment to clarify who will do what with the road. He stated that the road is basically a Canadian responsibility. Number 607 REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON stated that it would separate our responsibility from liability or maintenance of the highway. He stated that there is a study going on to build a road out of Juneau and they have identified a source of funds and it is his understanding that none of the funds interact with the funds for SJR 12 AM. He stated that he is supportive of this resolution. Number 648 SENATOR PHILLIPS stated that there is a delegation going over to Whitehorse on March 15, 1997 and he would like to have it passed to show Alaska's mutual concerns and willingness to work together on common problems. Number 693 REPRESENTATIVE HUDSON made a motion to move SJR 12 AM, with individual recommendations, zero fiscal notes and asked unanimous consent. Number 700 CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS asked if there was an objection. Hearing none SJR 12 AM was moved out of the House Transportation Standing Committee.