SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 96(STA) "An Act relating to acquisition and development of the Jesse Lee Home; and providing for an effective date." This was the second hearing for this bill in the Senate Finance Committee. SFC 02 # 14, Side B 11:59 AM JUDY BITTNER, Chief/State Historic Preservation Officer, Office of History and Archaeology Alaska Historical Commission, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, testified via teleconference from an off-net site to address the revised fiscal note. She noted the $30,000 general fund match would be used for the architectural assessment and that the $30,000 to $35,000 federal funds it secures is not reflected on the fiscal note because the Division has already received the funds. She explained the general fund reduction from $35,000 as indicated in the previous fiscal note is possible due to a grant already awarded to the City of Seward to perform the environmental assessment, which would be matched from the historic preservation fund. Ms. Bittner then explained the proposed Jesse Lee Home Commission was originally envisioned as a "stand alone" group with representation from Seward and other areas of the state. This, she stated would require a significant travel budget of $4,500 per meeting. She informed that instead, the Seward Historical Commission would serve as the core group working with the City of Seward "and enhance that as we see needed with certain expertise." As a result of this change, she noted the travel budget is decreased and general funds would be utilized for travel and Commission support expenses incurred by the Department of Natural Resources. Co-Chair Kelly asked how much the $30,000 general fund match would secure in federal funding. Ms. Bittner answered $30,000 to $35,000. Co-Chair Kelly asked specifically how those funds would be used. Ms. Bittner replied the funds would pay for the architectural assessment of the large building, which would provide an assessment of the structural condition as well as advice on appropriate uses and cost estimates for the facility. She noted it is the architectural assessment that would provide the information needed "to provide some good advice to Seward, to the state of Alaska, to the legislature, about some feasible options." Co-Chair Kelly asked if the $30,000 federal funds were already appropriated. Ms. Bittner affirmed and explained the State Historic Preservation Office has authorization to receive and expend these funds for grants. Amendment #2: This amendment inserts "if practical" on page 1, line 12 of the committee substitute. The amended language reads as follows. (c) It is the intent of the legislature that, if practical, the Jesse Lee Home and the real property on which it is located be preserved and managed in a manner that recognizes its place in the state's history… This amendment also inserts, "the possible" on page 2, line 9 of the committee substitute. The amended language reads as follows. …The department shall report to the governor, and the legislature by November 1, 2003, concerning its recommendations as to the procedures to be used and an estimate of costs involved for the possible preservation of the home, erection of an appropriate monument, … Co-Chair Donley moved for adoption. Representative Lancaster indicated no objection, stressing the intent of the bill is to determine whether the building is salvageable. Without objection the amendment was ADOPTED. Co-Chair Donley offered a motion to report SCS CS HB 96 (FIN) from Committee with $45,000 fiscal note from the Department of Natural Resources. There was no objection and the bill MOVED from Committee.