CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 151(FIN) "An Act amending the termination date of the statewide boating safety and education program; providing for an effective date by amending the effective date of secs. 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, and 27, ch. 28, SLA 2000, as amended; and providing for an effective date." CS HB 151(FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with attached fiscal note 2 by the Department of Natural Resources. 11:18:11 AM REPRESENTATIVE MARK NEUMAN, SPONSOR spoke in support of the legislation, which would continue the program to put lifejackets at boat launches, and teach children to swim through school programs. JAMES ELLIS, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE MARK NEUMAN, explained that the legislation would extend the Alaska Boating Safety program. Under the legislation's current form, the program would be extended for one year. The program began in 2000 and is funded through a mix of federal grants and license receipts. The program will terminate before the next session due to a conflict with the federal fiscal year grant cycle if the legislation is not passed. The program has taught boating safety to over 63,000 children and over 14,000 adults and has 104 instructors across the state. Training is also provided to state troopers and other law enforcement officers. The program has distributed over 20,000 kids don't float life vests at 514 stations in 153 communities in partnerships with local organizations. He concluded that there has been a 20 percent decrease in boating fatalities and increased compliance with basic boating standards and rules. Seventeen children have been rescued while wearing these life vests. Senator Huggins noted that the provision had been in place for eight years and commented on the lives saved. Co-Chair Stedman commented on the importance of protecting children in coastal communities. Co-Chair Stedman observed that the legislation has one attached fiscal note for $364.5 thousand for FY 10 and FY 11. 11:22:11 AM JEFF JOHNSON, MANAGER, ALASKA BOATING SAFETY PROGRAM (testified via teleconference) offered to answer questions. JAMES KING, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION testified via teleconference in support of the legislation. He pointed out that the fiscal note would be funded by boater registration fees. The rest of the program would be funded through a federal grant. He described the success of the program and emphasized the decline in deaths resulting from boating. 11:24:27 AM Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to report CS HB 151(FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. CS HB 151(FIN) was REPORTED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with attached fiscal note 2 by the Department of Natural Resources. 11:24:54 AM ^PRESENTATION: STAMPEDE STATE RECREATION AREA Senator Thomas, Sponsor, presented an overview, "SB 108- Stampede State Recreation Area," (copy on file). Senator Thomas noted that Stampeded Road corridor is northwest of Healy and flanked on three sides by the Denali National Park and is a traditional place for Alaskans to pursue recreational activities: · Hunting and trapping · Dog mushing · All-terrain vehicles · Watercraft use · Snowmachining · Horseback riding · Dog sledding · Camping Senator Thomas explained that legislation would preserve the traditional use of the area by creating the Stampede Recreation Area. Several years ago former Governor Murkowski proposed a road through the area, which was vehemently opposed by residents and recreational users. The Denali Borough Assembly designated the corridor as the Stampede State Recreational area with a strong emphasis on self determination by the residents and users of the area for its protection. The current use includes off road and all terrain vehicle use, hunting and trapping, dog mushing, watercraft use, hiking, bicycling, snow machining, horseback riding, cross country skiing, dog sledding, camping, wildlife viewing and photography. All these activities would be protected and preserved. Recreational users come from Fairbanks, Denali Borough, Anchorage, and Matsu. Tourists and adventurers travel to the area from across the globe. The area supports several tourism businesses including several lodges, and road touring companies. The legislation has wide support. 11:29:25 AM Senator Thomas explained that the area contains a RS2477 trail, which existed before statehood and is considered public domain. The trail provides access to Denali Park by horseback or snow machines (in the winter). Co-Chair Stedman noted the issue would be addressed in the future. 11:32:43 AM RECESSED 3:21:37 PM RECONVENED