HJR 28-ALASKA AIRLINES SERVICE TO WASHINGTON DC CHAIR KOHRING announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 28, Supporting the application of Alaska Airlines to provide air service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Number 0096 DENISE HENDERSON, Staff to Representative Pete Kott, Alaska State Legislature, came forth to present HJR 28 on behalf of the House Rules Standing Committee, sponsor. She explained that HJR 28 asks the Alaska State Legislature to support Alaska Airlines in securing a slot at the Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., in order to provide service from Anchorage. CHAIR KOHRING asked whether the federal Department of Transportation has control as far as doling out gates at national airports. MS. HENDERSON answered in the affirmative. CHAIR KOHRING asked why the state should request that preference be given to a certain business as opposed to opening the airport up for other carriers as well. MS. HENDERSON responded that on April 5, 2000, Congress enacted the William H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act, which stated that new entrance carriers and carriers serving the smaller and medium-sized cities should be given allocation preference. At that time there were 12 open slots. This Act is trying to expand services for the smaller and medium-sized carriers. Number 0299 REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH remarked that he would be more concerned if there were a competing airline in Alaska; since there isn't, he believes [the committee] should be supportive. REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI asked Ms. Henderson whether there is a plan for this to be a direct flight, and if not, whether there are slots at other airports. MS. HENDERSON offered her understanding that in case Alaska Airlines acquires the slot, it is working on a flight plan so that [passengers] would fly out of Anchorage, have one change in Seattle, and then fly nonstop to Washington, D.C. REPRESENTATIVE WILSON remarked that she thinks it would be a wonderful advantage for Alaskans if this were to come about. Number 0458 REPRESENTATIVE MASEK referred to page 2, line 7, and read: WHEREAS Alaska Airlines best serves the public interest in the District of Columbia airport market with a proposal to provide the first and only service between Anchorage and Seattle and then nonstop service to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; REPRESENTATIVE MASEK offered her belief that it would be a good market for Alaska and for people in the state who could get direct flights from Seattle to Washington, D.C. She said she is speaking in support because she knows how terrible it is to change planes all the time. REPRESENTATIVE WILSON commented that she is amazed at how many times people in her district [Wrangell] fly to Washington, D.C. CHAIR KOHRING asked how badly Alaska Airlines wants this. Number 0655 KIM HUTCHINSON (ph), Alaska Airlines, came forth to testify on HJR 28. He stated that [Alaska Airlines] has made application already, and is interested in these two slots. He noted that the resolution helps, but he doesn't think it is vital in the application. CHAIR KOHRING expressed concern about the market issue and whether it is proper for a government entity in Alaska to attempt to dictate how it would like the market [to be]. MR. HUTCHINSON responded that he doesn't think there are any other carriers Alaska Airlines' size that have applied for this. Further, he said there are no other airlines that serve Alaska; therefore, the State of Alaska wouldn't have any interest, for example, in pushing Southwest [Airlines]. Number 0768 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON moved to report HJR 28 out of committee with individual recommendations. There being no objection, HJR 28 was reported from the House Transportation Standing Committee.