CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 76(FIN) "An Act making appropriations for the operating and capital expenses of the state's integrated comprehensive mental health program; and providing for an effective date." Co-chair Pearce convened the session and reviewed subcommittee report summaries. Senator Torgerson introduced the Department of Environmental Conservation budget summary. Following a brief explanation he moved DEC budget be adopted into HB 76 and HB 76. Commissioner Michele Brown, Director Janice Adair and Barbara Frank were invited to join the committee. Senator Adams said mine tailings should be regarded as solid waste and there should be a change in the statute requirements. He was also concerned about drilling waste, Delta Slaughterhouse, open dumping and the Juneau Lab. Senator Torgerson advised they were not looking to change the regulations. Commissioner Brown did note the Flexibility Act saying, "the policy choice is yours. Rural should not enjoy health protection like urban?" Co-chair Pearce noting the continued objection of Senator Adams adopted the Department of Environmental Conservation budget summary into HB 75 and HB 76. Senator Torgerson introduced and moved Department of Transportation and Public Facilities budget summary into HB 75 and HB 76. Referring to a chart used during subcommittee meetings he explained the amount of employees ratio in the department. Senator Phillips said it seemed the 879 employees in the Marine Highway System was too high. He was also concerned about the high rate of employees in design and construction. Senator Torgerson indicated one-third of the department was in design and construction. Senator Adams voiced his concern over road maintenance. Commissioner Joseph Perkins and Director Nancy Slagle were invited to join the committee. Commissioner Perkins advised the committee he had never seen the chart but that design was as important as those plowing snow. He went on further to explain what all design entailed. Certain programs changed, other projects went into design phase, right-of-way programs were working two years in advance and some projects were shelved. Senator Sharp voiced his frustration over the continuous change of commissioners which interrupted the five-year plans. Senator Adams asked about the complicated federal billing system. Nancy Slagle explained the information system, Title 23, Federal Code of Regulations. Commissioner Perkins also noted the extreme requirement in ISTEA but stated we were in compliance. Kurt Parkan was invited to join the committee and explained aviation. Senator Pearce noting the objection of Senator Adams adopted the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities budget summary into HB 75 and HB 76. Co-chair Pearce introduced Department of Labor budget subcommittee summary. Following a brief discussion with Arbe Williams, Senator Adams moved the Department of Labor budget be adopted into HB 75. Hearing no objection Co-chair Pearce adopted the Department of Labor budget summary into HB 75. Formal minutes of the meeting were not prepared as pertinent financial information is available in Conference Committee Reports on the FY 98 operating budget. The meeting was recorded and handwritten log notes were taken. A copy of the tapes and log notes may be obtained by contacting either the Division of Legislative Finance, P.O. Box 113200, Juneau, Alaska 99811-3200 (Phone: 907/465-3795) or the office of the Senate Finance Committee Secretary (Phone: 907/465-2618). ADJOURNMENT Senator Sharp outlined the evening schedule beginning at 6:00 p.m. He advised that the committee would break at 7:00 p.m. to take up closeouts. Co-chair Pearce adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m.