CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 235(TRA) "An Act authorizing the exchange of land between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and Eklutna, Inc., between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the United States Department of the Army and the United States Department of the Air Force, between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and Chugach Alaska Corporation, and between the Alaska Railroad Corporation and the Municipality of Anchorage; authorizing the transfer of land between Alaska Railroad mileposts 133 and 134 from the Alaska Railroad Corporation to certain named individuals; and providing for an effective date." SENATOR LEMAN, as sponsor to this legislation recommended the adoption of the work draft to SB 235, version "1- LS1282\S." He explained that this legislation authorizes land exchanges between the Alaska Railroad, the Air Force and the Army through the base and post at Elmendorf and Fort Richardson, as well as Eklutna, Inc. closer to Eagle River, the Chugach Alaska Corporation, near Seward and the Municipality of Anchorage. He continued that this legislation included a railroad track-straightening project, with the overall goal of maintaining a safer railroad while at the same time implementing upgrades that will reduce the travel time between Anchorage and Wasilla. Senator Leman continued that this project would cost from $45 to $60 million dollars. He noted that the Senate Transportation Committee included a provision in the legislation that provided for the conveyance of slightly over five acres to private landowners in the Chugach area. He pointed out that these individuals would have received this land under federal law, but this legislation would accelerate this transfer. He added that Article 2, on page 4, was the proposed section providing for transfers between the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and the railroad, primarily for the Potter to Girdwood section improvements including avalanche prevention upgrades. Senator Leman made a motion to adopt SB 235, version "1- LS1282\S as a work draft. Hearing no objection this version was ADOPTED. WENDY LINDSKOOG, Alaska Railroad Corporation went on record to state that the railroad was in favor of SB 235. She added that the railroad would like to commence construction this year. Senator Leman asked if there was some federal legislation that was necessary to authorize these changes as outlined. Ms. Lindskoog confirmed that this was the case and that this federal legislation was moving along. She noted that this legislative appropriation was expected to pass, while the railroad received a very positive vote on Proposition 2 at the municipal level also. Senator Leman made a motion to move SB 235, version "1- LS1282\S" from Committee with individual recommendations and a zero fiscal note from the Alaska Railroad Corporation. Hearing no objection SB 235 was MOVED FROM COMMITTEE.