CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 294(TRA) am "An Act establishing the Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board and setting out its powers and duties; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." CLIFF STONE, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE PEGGY WILSON, explained that the bill started off as a quasi-independent authority board. A compromise was worked out with the House Transportation Committee and the Alaska Marine Transportation Advisory Board (AMTAB). The bill sets the Board into statute. Mr. Stone walked the Committee through the bill. On page 1, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities now has to consult with AMTAB. On page 2, the board makeup has been increased from 9 to 11 members in order to broaden the scope and create more advocates. On line 22, it was not the intent of the bill sponsors to create the impression that there were two union seats on the board. The Governor's office now understands the intent to have one position include someone with Coast Guard, Navy, or Merchant Marine experience. 7:01:24 PM Mr. Stone noted that at least one member from the Ketchikan Gateway Borough must be included on the board, and two members who are residents of areas not served by the Alaska marine highway also must be on the board. He explained that after the commissioner of the transportation and public facilities has considered one or more candidates for the position of director or deputy commissioner of the Alaska marine highway system, the commissioner shall confer with the board about the position. Mr. Stone highlighted the most popular part of the bill, "the board may establish volunteer regional advisory committees". The sponsors included this language to broaden the users of the marine highway system. There is language that a current AMTAB board member could be reappointed to the board. Mr. Stone said there was a zero fiscal note. Co-Chair Stedman asked how the rotation of the board works. Mr. Stone referred to Section 3 of the bill to explain initial appointments and length of service. Co-Chair Stedman commented that the seats are three-year terms and there is a staggered start up. Senator Huggins referred to page 3, line 15, and asked if any consideration was given for the location of the meetings. Mr. Stone said none was given. 7:04:30 PM Senator Elton had concerns about continuity throughout the bill. He asked about Section 1, page 1, the initial long- range plan. He wondered if the board would be involved in the update of the plan. He referred to page 3, line 30, where it says the commissioner shall confer with the board regarding the candidates. He voiced concern about the wording. On page 4, line 9, he addressed the wording "submit that plan to the department for its consideration". He voiced concerns about "lack of teeth" in the bill. 7:07:25 PM Senator Olson referred to the bottom of page 2, where a member of the Ketchikan borough is included. He asked why Ketchikan was singled out. Mr. Stone noted subsections A-E had specific seats for those communities. The sponsors felt it important to single out Ketchikan because it is a gateway to Alaska. 7:08:49 PM DAVE KENSINGER, PETERSBURG, stressed the importance of having a board that provides important policy direction to the marine highway system. He testified in support of the bill. 7:10:53 PM KATHY ROEMMICH, MARINE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD, testified in support of the bill. She said she prefers to see it for three years. The bill would provide a solid foundation. She especially liked the fact that it includes people in other parts of the state not located on the marine highway. She thought that having more communities involved would be a very positive thing. 7:13:50 PM MARY SIROKY, SPECIAL ASSISTANT, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, stated that the bill meets the needs of DOT. Senator Huggins wondered about the effective date of five years for the board. Ms. Siroky thought that the department would work with the AMTAB no matter how the bill was worded. CSSS HB 294(TRA) am was heard and HELD in Committee for further consideration.