SENATE BILL NO. 160 "An Act making and amending appropriations, including capital appropriations and other appropriations; making appropriations to capitalize funds; and providing for an effective date." 5:05:11 PM PAT BRANSON, MAYOR, CITY OF KODIAK, testified on behalf of the city of Kodiak's Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). She pointed out that the $2.5 CIP for pier three was Kodiak's number one priority. She also requested $5 million for the pedestrian improvement CIP, $1.75 million for synthetic surfacing and establishing a baseball field in Baranof Park, and a $400,000 request for a fire engine truck pump. 5:08:39 PM JAY SUTHERLAND, MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ALASKA MOOSE FEDERATION, expressed his support for funding to the Alaska Moose Federation and discussed the value of the services that it provided. He stated that record snowfalls this year had resulted in a significant amount of moose salvage and pointed out that the diversionary program was resulting in less vehicular accidents. 5:09:54 PM DR. JOHN N. DAVIES, SR. RESEARCHER, COLD CLIMATE HOUSING RESEARCH CENTER(CCHRC), testified in support of the $750,000 Capital Project Improvement and Information System (CAPSIS) request for CCHRC and stated that the interior of Alaska needed more affordable energy solutions; energy efficiency was part of that solution. CCHRC was achieving 30 to 50 percent energy savings with their retrofitting and 50 to 90 percent energy reduction in new construction projects. 5:12:14 PM LARRY DEVILBISS, MAYOR, MAT-SU, urged support for Mat-Su's rail extension to Port McKenzie and the Knick Arm Bridge and Toll Authority (KABATA) bridge. He mentioned that the two transportation projects would be very beneficial to the state and that he anticipated that the rail extension alone would be producing $300 million a year in royalties and revenue for the state. 5:14:11 PM JUDI ANDRIJANOFF, STATE LIBRARY ADVOCATE, expressed her support for funding the State Library Archive Museum (SLAM) project. She noted that over the last two legislative processes, the state had invested over $30 million in public libraries; the SLAM project would increase the number to $50 million. She expressed her thankfulness for the state's effort. 5:15:42 PM PEG FOSTER, BOARD MEMBER, FRIENDS OF THE TALKEETNA LIBRARY, testified in support of funding for a library in Talkeetna and asked for state matching construction funding for the Talkeetna, North Pole, Juneau, and Sitka libraries. 5:16:13 PM CURT LEDFORD, CHAIRMAN, SITKA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, testified in support of the library projects in Talkeetna, Juneau, North Pole, and Sitka. He stated that the libraries were not fighting amongst themselves, but that the association wanted funding for all the library projects. 5:16:58 PM PAUL BROWN, PROJECT DIRECTOR, ALASKA LEADERS SERIES, expressed his support for funding of the Alaska Leaders Series and stated that the project participants told the stories of pioneering Alaskan leaders. He pointed out the large amount of attention that former Senator Ted Stevens was receiving and urged that a national film about the senator would benefit Alaska's image. 5:20:04 PM ALYSON COOPER, COACH, GIRL SCOUTS ROBOTICS TEAMS, testified in support of funding for the FIRST Robotics program and the Juneau Economic Development Council. She explained that FIRST was an international organization that tried to make math, science, and engineering as "cool" and as much fun as sports. She spoke about the merits of the program and how it taught children valuable life skills. She introduced her troop as follows: Jordan Cooper, Meg Kurland, Andyn Mulgrew-Truitt, Jessica Cooper, and Sona Mulgrew-Truitt. 5:23:35 PM BILL HOWE, MAINTENANCE MANAGER, TANANA VALLEY STATE FAIR, expressed support for funding the Tanana Valley State Fair fair's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) funding request in the capital budget. He pointed out that there had been an accessibility report by the Wall Busters Advocacy Group and that the fairgrounds needed funds to address handicap accessibility issues. 5:25:52 PM JEFF WELTZIN, SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR, TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE, testified in support for funding for 38 CIPs that the Tanana Chiefs Conference Region had submitted to CAPSIS. He stated that the CIPs would target health clinics, multi-purpose facilities, and other public safety infrastructure. He pointed out that the projects would leverage a considerable amount of federal and private foundation dollars. 5:27:18 PM LINDA WYNNE, PRESIDENT, ALASKA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, expressed the Association's support for full funding of the SLAM project. She spoke about the importance of the preserving native historical documents, information, and regalia. She noted that the new building would provide improved services to rural, as well as urban areas. She observed that there was a wealth of information and history in the state archives, libraries, and museums. She warned that the important records and history of Alaska could be lost if the building was not constructed. 5:30:19 PM KATE TROLL, SELF, testified in support of the $2.7 million for the University of Alaska Fairbanks' (UAF) research for ocean acidification. She pointed out that the funds had originally been in the university's budget, but did not make it into the capital budget. The funding would be aimed at teaching the industry to adapt to the changing conditions brought on by ocean acidification. 5:31:40 PM JOAN O'KEEFE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDEPENDENT LIVING (SAIL), testified in support of increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to $3 million and discussed the services that SAIL provided. She stated that public transportation was very important to the 1,500 elders and people with disabilities that SAIL served and that an additional $2 million in state funds could generate up to $10 million in federal matching funds. 5:33:58 PM DELANA JOHNSON, MAYOR, CITY OF PALMER, voiced her support for funding Palmer's top five CIPs: $2.8 million for replacement of a steel water main, $780,000 for two fire station roof repairs and a new fire tanker, and $318,000 for city facilities improvements and the final phase of the events center expansion. 5:36:26 PM FERN SPAULDING, TALKEETNA BUILD-A-PLANE, testified in support of funding for Talkeetna Build-A-Plane. She pointed out that the program encouraged young kids to be interested in aviation, science, technology, engineering, and math. 5:38:24 PM PEGGY BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA NETWORK ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, spoke in support of the Alaska Housing Corporations $1.3 million incremental request. She shared that the funding would be used to establish housing assistance to approximately 150 domestic violence victims for one year and shared the importance of safe affordable housing for victims of domestic violence. 5:39:43 PM Co-Chair Stedman reminded the LIOs that testimony would be limited to two minutes per testifier. MICHAEL HAWFIELD, BOARD MEMBER, ALASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, HOMER (via teleconference), urged his support of funding the SLAM project. He observed that libraries, archives, and museums contained precious documents, items, and photographs. He pointed that the disrepair in facilities had led to extensive damage to the state's collections. 5:41:59 PM DAISY LEE BITTER, ALASKA PEONY GROWERS ASSOCIATION, HOMER (via teleconference), expressed her support of funding for the association's Peony Cut Flower Industry Development Initiative. She noted that the federal government had removed the agricultural research services from Alaska and stated that Alaska was now the only state that did not have the services. She pointed out that the peony growing conditions were unique in Alaska and that peony farming made good economic sense. She mentioned that a survey by the association showed that peony growers had expended over $1 million doing business on the Kenai Peninsula. 5:43:52 PM SUE PAULSEN, SELF, PETERSBURG (via teleconference), testified in support of fully funding the SLAM project. She applauded the state's efforts in assisting small towns with 50/50 funding and spoke about how the new SLAM building had been making steady progress towards completion. She warned that the state's cultural heritage, historical archives, and museum holdings were in danger due to deteriorating buildings 5:45:38 PM BILL FOSTER, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), urged for full funding of the library construction grants for the Talkeetna, North Pole, Juneau, and Sitka libraries. He pointed out that the libraries were the heart and soul of the community and that the library in Sitka was running out of space. Co-Chair Stedman stated that it would be helpful for testifiers to summarize if they were speaking to capital projects that had already been addressed by prior speakers. 5:48:28 PM AT EASE 5:52:55 PM RECONVENED 5:53:19 PM BRENDA STANHILL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERIOR ALASKA CENTER FOR NON-VIOLENT LIVING, testified in support of funding for the upgraded computer/security system and the housing program building repairs CIPs for the Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living. She discussed the services that the center provided. She also spoke in support of Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's appropriation for public housing in support of domestic violence and sexual assault victims. 5:55:44 PM MICHAEL HORTON, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIRECTOR, COPPER RIVER NATIVE ASSOCIATION, expressed support for the $8 million request for a combined health facility for the Copper River Native Association and pointed out that the current facility was very old and was no longer adequate. He mentioned that the Association was putting in $11 million, which brought the total up to $19 million. 5:57:30 PM PAULA VRANA, CEO, COPPER RIVER NATIVE ASSOCIATION, testified in support of the $8 million increment for the Copper River Native Association and clarified that it was already in the governor's request. She stated that the project would provide up to 36 new positions in the Glennallen area and would boost the economy in the region. She spoke about the services that the Association provided and its importance to the region. 5:59:00 PM MARIE DARLIN, SELF, expressed support for increased funding for the SLAM project and thanked the committee for the support that the project had received so far. She related that construction costs were currently low and thought that getting the project farther along during the current year would save money in the long run. 6:00:44 PM DOUG BRIDGES, BOARD MEMBER, ALASKA MOBILITY COALITION, testified in support of increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to $3 million. He stated that the additional $2 million would allow communities across the state to access up to $10 million more in federal funding. 6:02:43 PM JONAS LAMB, SELF, JUNEAU, urged support for full funding of the Library Construction and Major Matching Expansion Grant Program this cycle and stated that the program had done great things. He spoke about the importance of libraries to Alaskan communities and pointed out that a facility at Diamond Park would increase the property values and the quality of life for residents of the Mendenhall Valley area. 6:04:16 PM MICHAEL SLONE, SELF, NOME (via teleconference), spoke in support for restoring the $2.7 million for ocean acidification research at UAF and shared the negative effects that ocean acidification had on marine life. 6:05:14 PM ALAN ROCKWOOD, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in support of funding the Black Sands Beach trail and stated that the trail was very well used, but was only accessible by boat. He observed that the estimated cost for the trail was around $600,000. 6:06:23 PM RICK HAUVER, STATE PARKS ADVISORY BOARD, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), spoke in support of the Black Sands Beach trail and added that the trail would meet ADA standards because it would be accessible by motorized scooters and wheelchairs. 6:07:41 PM RUTH DULIN, SELF, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), urged support of increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to $3 million. She stated that the services were limited and did not extend very far out of Ketchikan. 6:08:46 PM KEVIN GADSEY, INDEPENDENT LIVING ADVOCATE, SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDEPENDENT LIVING, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in support of increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to $3 million. He felt that $3 million was needed to kick- start transportation opportunities and that it would help the state access additional federal funding. 6:10:27 PM BESS CLARK, COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Community Connections building for services and operations. She remarked that significant funding for the project had already been secured. 6:11:20 PM JIM SAMPSON, FAIRBANKS PIPELINE TRAINING CENTER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center. He stated that the center would provide training and employment opportunities for Alaskans. 6:12:10 PM MIKE SEXTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS OF FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of additional funding for the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center. He pointed out that the Mechanical Contractor of Fairbanks currently had members working on pipeline jobs on the North Slope. He concluded that the center would provide training and employment opportunities throughout the state. 6:13:06 PM MARIE SCHMIDT, DIRECTOR, FAIRBANKS TENNIS ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed support for funding the association's request for new tennis courts. She mentioned that the six outdoor courts that were currently in Fairbanks were not adequate. 6:14:42 PM MARIANN HOFFMAN, FAIRBANKS TENNIS ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for new tennis courts in Fairbanks and added that the association's programming for youth tennis would be in jeopardy without the construction of new courts. 6:15:21 PM GLENN JUDAY, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding the Boreal Alaska Learning, Adaptation, and Production project. The project was designed to help communities use forests to improve the quality of life. He stated that demand for biomass energy had exploded and that the project would establish sustainable practices to meet the need. 6:17:09 PM Co-Chair Stedman handed the gavel over to Senator Thomas. 6:17:18 PM TOM GRANT, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support for the Boreal Alaska Learning, Adaptation, and Production project and stated that it would use existing research and education projects to update the state's understanding of biomass and how to implement it on a larger scale. 6:17:59 PM JAN DAWE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the education and outreach portion of the Boreal Alaska Learning, Adaptation, and Production project. She spoke about the One Tree program, which would provide the model for education and outreach in the CAPSIS proposal. The project taught students about sustainable forest management to bring economic empowerment to rural communities. 6:19:51 PM SEAN LEE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). He pointed out that engineering enrollment had increased over the past five years and observed that it had become harder for Alaska to retain engineers; the facilities would help Alaska produce and retain qualified engineers. 6:21:14 PM TRAVIS ECKHOFF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. 6:22:25 PM DONALD PITTS, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ENGINEERING FACILITY, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to provide funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. He pointed out during his seven years as a student at UAF, student enrollment in the engineering facility had nearly doubled; the facilities were no longer big enough to meet the needs of the university 6:23:33 PM MARVIN HASSEBROCK, OLNES POND, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding the Olnes Pond and Whitefish campgrounds and pointed out that 900 residents had signed a petition to keep the areas open. He mentioned that budget cuts had been detrimental to the amount of users and the safety of those that visited the two campgrounds. 6:25:51 PM DR. ALEX HILLS, PROFESSOR OF ENGINEERING, CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, PALMER (via teleconference), testified in support of funding the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. He had observed that the engineering teaching facilities at UAA were less than adequate. 6:27:38 PM DIANNE CHRISTIANSEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DANCE THEATRE FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the $500,000 funding request for Dance Theatre Fairbanks and shared that the funds would be used to hire contractors with equipment and expertise for energy efficiency construction. She concluded that a more efficient building would help the theatre achieve long-term sustainability. 6:30:45 PM DAVID LEVY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA MOBILITY COALITION (via teleconference), spoke in support of increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to $3 million. He stated that the $1 million that was added last year had a huge impact on the state. 6:31:45 PM MARK LUTTRELL, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), testified in support of the Cooper Landing Walkable Communities Project and shared that the community of Cooper Landing had initiated the program to address safety concerns. He furthered that the amount of money needed for the project was small and would directly benefit the safety of the community. 6:34:14 PM ANN GHICCUDUS, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke in support of the Cooper Landing Walkable Communities Project and related how heavily trafficked Cooper Landing was year round; the project would enhance the enjoyment and safety of the area. 6:35:14 PM JUDY BRAKEL, SELF, GUSTAVUS (via teleconference), testified in support of the $2.7 million for oceanic acidification research that was originally in the University of Alaska's budget. She pointed out that the National Science Foundation had included only $21 million for all of the U.S. and that Alaska would get a very small percentage. She observed that determining the effects of ocean acidification on fisheries and other economic sectors required an area by area assessment and related that the requested funding would be used for ocean buoys and chartering fishing vessels. 6:38:09 PM SUE KENT, SELF, SOLDOTNA (via teleconference), testified in support of the Alaska Peony Growers Association's Peony Cut Flower Industry Development project. 6:39:08 PM DANIEL O'HARA, MAYOR, BRISTOL BAY BOROUGH, NAKNEK (via teleconference), testified in support of the $10 million in the governor's budget request for the second phase of the Bristol Bay Borough dock and stated that the borough had $6 million of the $16 million needed to complete the phase. He furthered that the engineering part of the project was close to being completed. He observed that the harbor serviced 30 communities during the salmon runs and that the dock was around 30 years-old. 6:40:48 PM VERNON BOYLES, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced support of the $5 million CIP request for the Heavy Oil Solutions program and stated that new solutions technology would help transition heavy oil into the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The funding would be used for the design and construction of a pilot plant that would be used to make heavy oil more transportable in TAPS. He referenced the need for more oil in TAPS and related that there were an estimated 33 billion barrels of heavy crude oil on the North Slope. He concluded that new technology in heavy oil would benefit the oil industry and Alaskans. 6:43:05 PM DAVID KASSER, VISIT ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the $1.5 million in funding for the Anchorage centennial celebration. He mentioned that the increment included funding for the Alaska Railroad Amphitheatre and a documentary film. He noted that all Alaskans would benefit from the event and concluded that the funding would enable Visit Alaska to attract tourism and economic opportunities to the state. 6:45:08 PM EUGENE PAUL, TRIBAL CHIEF, HOLY CROSS TRIBAL COUNCIL, HOLY CROSS (via teleconference), testified in support of the $300,000 in CIPs for the City of Holy Cross for its multi- purpose building. He pointed out that the new building would be used for social, wellness, and safety programs; the building would also serve as a community center and would raise money on its own to pay for heating costs. Co-Chair Stedman asked testifiers to identify themselves for the record and address the subject matter as succinctly as possible. 6:47:54 PM JOY HUNTINGTON, TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE, TANANA (via teleconference), expressed support for the Tanana Chiefs Conference regional community projects and mentioned that the conference had worked closely with residents to establish a priority list of projects. She stated that the requested projects were critical for the health, energy, and infrastructure of the area and that energy costs were a particular concern for the 41 villages in the region. 6:49:24 PM CARL LARE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NATIVE VILLAGE OF FORT YUKON, FORT YUKON (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the multi-purpose community building and an elder assisted-living facility in Fort Yukon. He pointed out that the new multi-purpose building would be used by the tribe, the school district, and possibly the village corporation. 6:50:58 PM ELANA RATH, VOLUNTEER, ALASKA BRAIN INJURY NETWORK, KETCHIKAN (via teleconference), expressed support of increasing the governor's proposed matching funds for public transportation from $1 million to $3 million and noted that the funding would help sustain transportation operations throughout Alaska. She observed that the prior year Ketchikan had utilized about $86,000 of required match for vehicles and thought that $3 million would go a long way. 6:51:58 PM RON ELLINGWORTH, PRESIDENT, ALASKA PEONY GROWERS ASSOCIATION, NORTH POLE (via teleconference), testified in support of full funding for the Peony Cut Flower Industry Development project. He shared that peony farming in the state made economic sense because Alaska was the only region in the world where peonies were commercially harvested during July, August, and September. He stated that the peony industry in Alaska employed dozens of workers, had no competition, and had unlimited potential. He pointed out that the funding would be used for three years of peony crop improvement research, an economic study for determining the best practices for a distribution system, and developing a national marketing strategy. 6:54:18 PM SHERYL CHARLY, MINTO VILLAGE COUNCIL, MINTO (via teleconference), testified in support of the Elder Independent Living Housing project in Minto and stated that there was need for senior housing in Minto and Fairbanks. She explained that the $200,000 request would be used as a match to secure federal funding. 6:55:24 PM PATRICIA PARTNOW, ANTHROPOLOGIST AND EDUCATOR, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged for an increase in funding for the SLAM building and related that the $20 million that was currently in the budget would not be enough to complete the $94.5 million project. She related that the state's libraries, archives, and museums contained irreplaceable collections that were well used. 6:56:21 PM BLYTHE MARSTON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the $1.5 million in funding for the Anchorage centennial celebration. She pointed out that although the request came late in the legislative session, the process for vetting the project was thorough. She stated that the funding would go towards launching the four legacy projects in time for the centennial and that failing to fund the projects now would restrict opportunities to increase tourism and economic growth. 6:57:58 PM MEGAN BUNCH, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the $5 million request for the Heavy Oil Solutions project and said that the funding would be used for the construction of a pilot plant to utilize heavy oil on the North Slope. She stated that heavy oil would provide opportunities for employment and would allow her generation to reside, work, and raise families in Alaska. Co-Chair Stedman reminded the testifiers to introduce themselves for the record and to be succinct in their testimony. He reiterated that testifiers need not explain projects that had already been thoroughly addressed by prior testifiers. 6:59:30 PM CHRISTOPHER BUNCH, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the $1.5 million in funding for the Heavy Oil Solutions project. 6:59:47 PM COLIN UNDERWOOD, COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBER, HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS SOCIETY (via teleconference), voiced support of $3.8 million in funding for the Health Information Exchange (HIE) in Alaska. He stated that it was a good information exchange and furthered that it would allow access to medical information while traveling outside Alaska; he explained that this function would help insure that a potentially fatal treatment was not administered in the event of a medical emergency. He concluded that an HIE was good for overall public health and would hopefully lead to lower health care costs. 7:01:07 PM Co-Chair Stedman handed the gavel over to Senator Ellis. 7:01:22 PM DOUG JOHNSON, DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, OCEAN RENEWABLE POWER COMPANY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA, the UAF CIP request, and the East Foreland Tidal Energy project. He shared that good engineering facilities were needed to graduate quality engineers and related that the UAF CIP request would address river debris mitigation. He stated that river debris mitigation was vital to the development of the hydro-kinetic industry in Alaska and could be applied to other river systems worldwide. He pointed out that the East Foreland Tidal Energy project would provide jobs for graduating engineers and increase the university's applied research capacity. He observed that Cook Inlet tidal energy would be available long after the oil and gas were depleted. 7:03:26 PM RICHARD DOWLING, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, GCI ALASKA (via teleconference), testified in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. He related that GCI had hired many University of Alaska engineering graduates and that they had been among GCI's best engineers. He further explained that Alaskan engineering graduates possessed the skills necessary for the growth and success of Alaska-based technology companies. He noted that the university had doubled its enrollment over the last 10 years, but had not significantly increased its engineering facilities. 7:04:46 PM AVES THOMPSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the $350,000 million request for the Port of Anchorage Expansion project and funding for the Alaska Moose Federation projects. He stated that trucks made an estimated 240,000 trips through the Port of Anchorage each year. He related that it was important for port facilities to be equipped to handle traffic efficiently and be prepared for the next generation of larger ships. He said that moose collisions with trucks were wasteful and expensive and that he supported the Alaska Moose Federation's efforts for highway deterrence and salvage. 7:05:45 PM BRUCE PARHAM, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COOK INLET HISTORICAL SOCIETY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged support of funding the SLAM building project. He requested an additional $74.5 million on top of the governor's proposed $20 million in order to fully fund the building construction and related concerns that building costs were going up. He furthered that acting now could save millions of dollars in building costs and operations budgets. He shared that SLAM would protect Alaska's irreplaceable records, historical heritage, and artifacts and that the request was supported by the Alaska Historical Society, the Alaska Library Association, and Museums Alaska. 7:07:08 PM ORSON SMITH, ENGINEER, SEWARD (via teleconference), expressed support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. He shared that Alaska needed engineers and that funding the construction of new engineering education facilities would help accomplish that. 7:08:01 PM DAVID PATTERSON, STATE-AFFILIATE PARTNER, FIRST ROBOTICS PROGRAMS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support for the First Robotics statewide capital budget request and shared that the request would support the state's infrastructure for all four First Robotics programs for students in K-12 education. He pointed out that Alaska led the nation in per capita participation for FIRST Lego League and First Tech Challenge and shared that the programs motivated students to improve their skills in science, engineering, math, communication, team work, and problem solving. He noted that six teams would represent Alaska at the World Championships in St. Louis. 7:09:41 PM TERRI DRAEGER, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support for the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA and the University of Alaska as a whole. She stated that the engineering department needed updated facilities to maintain high standards. 7:10:03 PM CATHERINE CALL, MEMBER, ADVISORY BOARD, UAA SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), voiced her support for the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAF and UAA. She shared that graduates of the university's engineering programs would contribute to the growth and development of the economy, had a will to stay in the state, and had an understanding of local climate issues that impacted development in Alaska. 7:10:59 PM JOHN CREWS, CHAIRMAN, ALASKA VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL CENTER STATEWIDE INDUSTRIAL ADVISORY BOARD (via teleconference), expressed his support of funding for the Alaska Institute of Technology's (AVTEC) campus. He related that a new applied technology shop and student dormitory were included in the request and that AVTEC's current dormitory was noisy, cold, and had high heating and maintenance costs. He mentioned that the current applied technology shop was a temporary structure that had been erected 40 years prior and that AVTEC needed a newer, more modern shop. He concluded that AVTEC graduated skilled technicians who were building Alaska's future. 7:12:43 PM ARVIND PHUKAN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support for University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA. He shared that he had 14 years of experience teaching engineering at UAA and six 6 years at UAF. He supporting the initiative for the three following reasons: congestion and lack of space per student, inadequate teaching facilities, and the University of Alaska needed more modern, state of the art programs and facilities. 7:14:40 PM RYAN BUCHHOLDT, PRESIDENT, STUDENT BODY, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support for University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF. He mentioned that the space was especially limited for UAA engineering students and that better facilities were needed. 7:15:12 PM LOIS EPSTEIN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in opposition of funding the road to Umiat. She shared that Alaska spent millions of dollars on roads and bridges without plans to complete the projects and that the state had spent $133 million of mostly federal dollars on five projects, one of which was the Umiat road. She stated that the KABATA and Gravina bridges' planning efforts were funded around 90 percent by the federal government; In contrast, $35 million in state dollars would have been spent on the Umiat road, should the $10 million for the road remain in the governor's budget. She concluded that the funding could be used for increasing road safety, education, and municipal revenue sharing and that private industry had not contributed anything to project. 7:17:17 PM HEATHER ARNETT, STATEWIDE ADMINISTRATOR, ASSOCIATION OF ALASKA HOUSING AUTHORITIES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support of fully funding the $100 million for the Weatherization and Energy Rebate Programs and urged to fully fund the $13.064 million for the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation's Supplemental Housing Development Grant Program. She pointed out that regional housing authorities had weatherized 872 homes throughout Alaska in 2010 and that the weatherized homes were seeing cost savings of 30 to 40 percent. She cited that the Aleutian Housing Authority had reported an average yearly savings of $3,000 per household. She mentioned that the governor had requested $7 million for the Housing Development Grant Program and stated that full funding would result in the construction of 222 new homes and 223 rehabilitated homes in communities throughout Alaska. 7:20:03 PM ARLISS STURGELEWSKI, SHELDON JACKSON BOARD, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed her support for continued funding to the SLAM project. She referenced the closing of Sheldon Jackson College and shared that the state libraries, archives, and museums were working very closely with the Sheldon Jackson Board to provide a safe place to store 130 years of records for the Sheldon Jackson College. She stated that Alaska's libraries, archives, and museums were in disrepair and strongly urged for continued funding to that area. 7:21:50 PM LINDSEY WHITT, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS, PORT OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Port of Anchorage Dock Expansion project and the Anchorage centennial celebration. She remarked that in the interest of time, additional letters of support for the Port of Anchorage would be submitted. 7:22:29 PM WES VANDERMARTIN, VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, ALASKA BASIC INDUSTRIES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support of funding for the Port of Anchorage Dock Expansion project. He explained that Alaska Basic Industries was a major supplier of cement throughout the state and that the company's cement was transported through the Port of Anchorage. He stated that Alaska Basic Industries had been in collaboration with the Port of Anchorage regarding construction of new storage facilities for cement. The storage facilities would allow for the entry of larger ships that required a deeper draft; the new dock would be deep enough to accommodate the larger ships. 7:24:33 PM MILLIE JOHNSON, CHAIRMAN, VOYAGE TO EXCELLENCE (via teleconference), testified in support of full funding for the Voyage to Excellence program. She pointed out that Voyage to Excellence had received 597 letters of support statewide. She shared that the program was a statewide junior and high school program that served 250 students annually. She concluded that the funding would be used to expand facilities. 7:25:09 PM PETE STOKES, CONSULTING PETROLEUM ENGINEER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support for the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and related that the university's enrollment had grown by 50 percent in the last 4 years. He pointed out that while enrollment had increased, there had been no meaningful expansion of facilities. 7:26:37 PM LINDSAY HAJDUK, SIERRA CLUB, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified against the Port McKenzie Rail extension and the Roads to Resources program. She stated that rail extension represented $110 million in the budget and Roads to Resources reflected $28.5 million. She pointed out that the programs did not have solid business plans, put local communities at risk, and should not be prioritized in the budget. She concluded that the Sierra Club supported maintaining the infrastructure the state currently had. 7:29:33 PM SEAN RUDDY, PRESIDENT, KACHEMAK SHELLFISH MARICULTURE ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), expressed strong support of funding for ocean acidification research at UAF and the Seed Security Initiative requested by the Alaska Shellfish Growers Association. He remarked that the Kachemak Shellfish Mariculture Association had expected a "seed" of 3 million oysters last year, but that they only produced a seed of 1 million. He stated the low seed number was a direct result of ocean acidification's impact during the larval state of the oysters. 7:30:50 PM JACK COLONELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF. He stated that the engineering facilities at UAA and UAF were in serious need of upgrades to meet the increasing demand for Alaskan engineers. He concluded that young engineers were an essential component of the state's future and that new facilities were needed to produce quality graduates. 7:31:55 PM SANDRA MORRIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF. 7:32:18 PM Senator Ellis handed the gavel over to Senator Thomas. 7:32:32 PM DEE LONGENBOUGH, SELF, JUNEAU, expressed strong support for the SLAM project. 7:33:31 PM BECKY HASSENBROEK, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed her support for funding the Lower Chatanika State Recreation Area and shared that the state parks department issued a directive to remove the existing improvements in the Olnes Pond and Whitefish campgrounds. She also mentioned that vehicular access would be restricted and pointed out that the public was not properly made aware of the directive. In addition to 900 petitioners, resolutions of support for the two campgrounds were issued from the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Northern Area Alaska State Parks Citizens Advisory Board, the North Star Borough mayor, the Haystack Community, the Farthest North Girl Scout Council, Alaska state garden clubs, and many other organizations. She concluded that the campgrounds provided a positive outdoor experience and that shameful neglect had led to disrepair to the improvements in the campgrounds. 7:35:14 PM GRACE AMUNDSEN, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF. She stated that UAA was growing quickly and needed some investment. 7:35:36 PM ROWLAND POWERS, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and pointed out that an upgrade would be well utilized. 7:36:01 PM JOSEPH STRIBRNY, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and shared that the program would help maintain the high standards that engineering students at the university strived for. 7:36:28 PM TY WARDDELL, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke in support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF. He shared that the program would provide more room for storage and would greatly increase accessibility to equipment. 7:37:08 PM GLENN VILLENEUVE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed his opposition to building new roads in northern Alaska. He shared a personal story about subsistence life in the Brooks Range and related that the balance between humans and other life forms had been lost. He noted that cultures based on subsistence hunting were devastated when new roads were built through the area and urged that the state needed to live with more respect for nature. 7:38:50 PM RON IWOUYE, FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA MUSEUM, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed his support for full funding for the SLAM project. He reminded those listening that the state archives had flooded on August 17, 2009 and shared concern that the state's heritage was being neglected. He stated that the Friends of the University of Alaska Museum had passed a resolution supporting SLAM. He mentioned that representatives of the Alaska Historical Society and the Tanana Yukon Historical Society were also in full support of SLAM, but had left before they were able to testify. 7:39:52 PM JENNIFER JOLIS, PRESIDENT, BREADLINE INC., FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed her support of $150,000 in funding for a building project for Breadline Inc. She related that Breadline Inc. had been serving hot meals for 27 years and stated that the funding would be used to renovate a building to serve as a headquarters. She concluded that the project was expected to cost around $400,000, but the request was for $150,000 as almost $100,000 of the total had already been pledged as donations. 7:41:22 PM MITCHELL HALVERSON, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed his support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and shared that the space provided at university facilities was inadequate. 7:41:47 PM SAMUEL DYE, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), voiced his support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and stated that there was not enough space in the machine shop. He felt a new engineering building would increase space and safety in the machine shop. 7:42:36 PM PATRICIA JINX WHITAKER, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the $2.54 million for the Raven Landing Community Center and stated that the construction of the center would be an economic boost to Fairbanks. 7:43:58 PM JOHN LYSEN, CHAIRMAN, ALASKA STATE PARK NORTHERN REGION CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD (via teleconference), expressed support of funding for Olnes Pond and Alaska state parks CIPs in general. He said that Olnes Pond was a great campground that had fallen into disrepair and that funding was needed to make the park safe for all user groups again. He concluded that there was a public health and safety concern at Olnes Pond that needed to be addressed. 7:44:53 PM MICHAEL GOLUB, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed his support for the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF. He related that there was very little lab space available at UAF and that the funding was needed this year. 7:45:49 PM LISSA HUGHES, NORTHERN ALASKA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in opposition to the $28.5 million in funding for the Roads to Resources program and pointed out that none of roads had been justified based on economic returns. She felt that the state should not gamble with its general funds and that Roads to Resources took focus and capital away from other statewide priorities. 7:46:53 PM MARY NORDALE, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed support of the retirement community facility in Raven Landing and pointed out that it would be available to residents of Fairbanks as well. She stated that the facility would provide food services, meeting places, and would fit a "niche" in the community that would serve a multi-purpose function. 7:48:49 PM KAREN LANE, GENERAL MANAGER, 2014 ARCTIC WINTER GAMES HOST SOCIETY (via teleconference), testified in support of an amendment that increased the governor's appropriation for the Arctic Winter Games from $500,000 to $1 million. She stated that the arctic winter games provided life changing experiences for youth living in in Northern Alaska through competition and cultural exchange. She pointed out that the games would have an estimated $13 million in economic impact and would be volunteer driven event. 7:49:37 PM SUSAN KESSLER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA CENTER FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS, FAIRBANKS (ACCA) (via teleconference), expressed support of the ACCA Facility Expansion and Upgrade project. He shared that the ACCA provided disability services in Fairbanks, the North Slope, Delta Junction, and Copper River regions of the state. She noted that the funding would enable the ACCA to continue providing services outside of the Fairbanks region. She stated that ACCA was a local facility provider and partner for statewide organizations that needed to expand outreach into more remote areas of the state and that it was looking at expanding facilities to provide support to parent organizations. 7:51:21 PM JOMO STEWART, PROJECT MANAGER, FAIRBANKS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (via teleconference), spoke in support of a $32.9 million request to continue work on the development of gas distribution infrastructure for the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) and stated that the request was supported by the three FNSB mayors, the local chamber of commerce board, and the borough assembly. 7:52:01 PM MIKE SHUTETZ, FACILITIES PROJECT MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of full funding for the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and related that the new buildings were needed. 7:52:57 PM GARY LAURSEN, DIRECTOR, HONORS PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the Honors Program. He stated that the University of Alaska had sent 361 letters of support for the Honors Program and urged the continued funding of the program. 7:54:01 PM MIKE POWERS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FAIRBANKS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND DENALI CENTER (via teleconference), testified in support of the $2.54 million in funding for the Raven Landing project. He stated that the facility would minimize state Medicare dollars and would lead to healthier lives among the senior community. 7:55:02 PM JOHN RINGSTAD, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the $2.53 million in funding for the Raven Landing project. He shared that the project had the support of local governments and that $500,000 in local contributions had been raised so far. 7:55:49 PM STEVE MITCHELL, VICE PRESIDENT, FAIRBANKS DRAMA ASSOCIATION AND CHILDREN'S THEATRE (via teleconference), testified in support of the $25,000 funding request for a heating system upgrade to the Fairbanks Drama Association. He related that the association had worked to refurbish a converted warehouse into the Riverfront Theatre and that it was fundraising at all times. 7:56:54 PM PEGGY FURGESON, FAIRBANKS DRAMA ASSOCIATION AND CHILDREN'S THEATRE (via teleconference), expressed support of the $25,000 funding request for a heating system upgrade for the Fairbanks Drama Association. She stated the association was able to heat the theatre house, stage, and lobby, but were unable to adequately heat the scene building area and administrative offices. She mentioned that there were 500 volunteers who worked at the Riverfront Theatre annually. 7:58:03 PM JEFF JACOBSON, CHIEF OF STAFF, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH (via teleconference), spoke in support of increasing the governor's appropriation from $500,000 to $1 million for the Arctic Winter Games Host Society. He also requested $2 million for the Voluntary Woodstove Change-out Program in order to meet federal mandates. He voiced support of $750,000 for Pioneer Park deferred maintenance. He supported funding for the Fairbanks road service areas and spoke in support of funding the Carlson Center cold storage facility. He requested $1.6 million for Birch Hill improvements and supported the Noel Wien Regional State Library major maintenance projects. He asked for an additional $3.6 million to match the $3 million in local funds that was being used to address major maintenance and energy improvements. He asked for the funding of two artificial turfs to extend the playing seasons for interior Alaska. 8:00:27 PM JACK WILLARD, FIRE CHIEF, CHENA GOLDSTREAM FIRE AND RESCUE (via teleconference), testified in support of the $100,000 in funding for the maintenance project and remodel of Chena Goldstream's station 4. He related that the facility was used by many different local interests and also served as an emergency command post and briefing area in the event of a natural disaster. He mentioned that the funding would be used for a roof replacement and meeting ADA accessibility standards. She pointed out that volunteers to the project had put in over $10,000 in volunteer labor, but that contractor work was needed. 8:02:18 PM KENT KARNS, NORTH SKI CLUB OF FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of funding the Birch Hill Cross Country Ski Center improvements and stated that the improvements were a great way to keep people involved in outdoor activities. He pointed out that the funding would go towards a maintenance facility, new technology, and parking upgrades. 8:03:05 PM EMILY ANNIS, FAIRBANKS RESOURCES AGENCY, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of the Fairbanks Resource Agency's two funding requests to assist in developing and maintaining affordable and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities. She stated that the Fairbanks Resources Agency currently had 72 units and would begin construction of another 8 unit housing complex; $200,000 had been requested for the completion of the project. The second request for $47,934 would be used for window replacements and adding heat recovery ventilation units to the existing assisted living homes. She observed that the assisted living facility was unable to build up adequate reserves for deferred maintenance because the rent was so affordable. 8:05:57 PM GREGORY NEWBY, DIRECTOR, ARCTIC REGION SUPERCOMPUTING CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), testified in support of High Performance Computing for Alaskan Research that was in the University of Alaska's budget. He related the expanding roles that the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center (ARSC) and other university partners were engaged in. He stated that ARSC would be providing data and forecasting capabilities to schools, businesses, decision makers, and the general public. He discussed a central website where the outputs of university research, observations, and forecasts would be available. He stated that the funding request was for more than computing and would be used to broaden the utility of Alaska's intellectual outputs. 8:06:57 PM GERALD MEYERS, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke on behalf of funding for the Heavy Oil Solutions request and stated the need to put new oil into TAPS. He pointed out that North Dakota was an example of what new technology could do for a state and concluded that heavy oil solutions new technology could be a "game changer" for Alaska. 8:07:46 PM STEWART FERGUSON, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, ALASKA NATIVE TRIBAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), expressed his support for funding the $3.8 million request to complete the statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE). He mentioned that there were many stand-alone health records in the state and observed that the Alaska Native Medical Center had recently invested over $20 million to establish an electronic health exchange. He pointed out that the HIE was the only viable option to connect the multitude of databases and to leverage them to their full potential. He stated that the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium would be unable to meet their commitments to quality healthcare without the addition of an HIE and concluded that it would solve the problem of inaccurate or incomplete medical records. 8:09:50 PM JIM BARNETT, PRESIDENT, COOK INLET HISTORICAL SOCIETY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified on behalf of the $1.5 million in funding for the Anchorage centennial celebration and supported full funding of the SLAM project. He stated that the Cook Inlet Historical Society was one of the largest and oldest historical organizations in the state and that during the past six months it had helped plan the Anchorage centennial. He stated that the $1.5 million in funding would be matched "many times over" by federal and private funds. He concluded that the effort would be a three-year event that all Alaskan's could take great pride in. 8:11:04 PM JIM BOLTZ, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MINES ADVISORY AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed support of the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF. 8:11:30 PM BOB HENRY, CHAIRMAN, ALASKA MOOSE FEDERATION (via teleconference), expressed his support of funding for the Alaska Moose Federation. 8:11:49 PM GLORIA CHYTHLOOK, SELF, GIRDWOOD (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Girdwood Health Clinic and related that it was the only provider of medical care and urgent care services in the Turnagain Arm area. She stated that an investment by the state would provide for long-term financial sustainability and that the funds would be used to qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement, federal funding, and obtaining a community health clinic designation. She pointed out that the area had been certified by the federal government as a "health shortage service area" and stated that the request was about basic medical care for the 2,500 residents in the area. 8:13:50 PM SUE LINFORD, CHAIR, COMMISSION FOR THE PORT OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed her support for $350 million in funding for the Port of Anchorage's expansion. She referenced an Alaska World Affairs Council report that concluded that the focus of Alaska should be on ports and education. She shared the need to keep the Anchorage Port usable and vibrant. 8:15:34 PM GARY OLSON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of continued funding for the Alaska Moose Federation and stated that record snow falls in the Mat-Su had resulted in over 450 moose collisions this winter. He pointed out that the salvage program had harvested 24 moose in its first week of operation and that 17 moose had been salvaged in one day on February 2. 8:16:23 PM KIMBERLY WOODY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANGELUS MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), urged for continued funding of the $500,000 request for the Angelus Memorial Park Cemetery. She pointed out that the generous funding would enable the memorial park to sustain a non- profit status and serve the community. 8:17:45 PM MARCH RUNNER, GALENA BIOMASS COMMITTEE, GALENA (via teleconference), testified in support of Galena's Biomass Heating project and stated that Galena had lost 60 percent of its utility revenue when the air force had left the area. She pointed out that Bio fuel was the most efficient way to eliminate Galena's heating fuel issue and related that the committee had been working with Alaska Energy Authority. She observed that the committee was dedicated to a responsible and renewable use of the forest and that the project consisted of three portions. Equipment had been purchased to begin processing wood. She concluded that the project would result in lower utilities, increased jobs, and would make the community more sustainable. 8:20:17 PM ROBERT BALDWIN, ALASKA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of full funding for the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and urged support for the Cooper Landing Walkable Community project. He stated that there was a strong public safety justification for the Walkable Community project. 8:21:18 PM CONNIE SNIPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR COMMUNITY, SITKA (via teleconference), expressed support of increasing the governor's budget request of $1 million in state match for public transportation to $3 million. She stated that federal operating grants required 43 percent match for every dollar and that state match was needed. She shared that public transit in Sitka had experience a 25 percent increase in use over the last year. 8:22:36 PM DREW MORRIS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), testified in support of full funding for the University of Alaska Undergraduate Engineering Expansion Initiative to appropriate funding for engineering facilities at UAA and UAF and related how the engineering department at UAA had added civil and mechanical engineering to course offerings. He shared that there was need for new engineering facilities and that local engineers were important for Alaska. 8:23:47 PM LEXI FISH, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference), expressed her support for full funding to the University of Alaska's original request for $2.7 million for ocean acidification research and monitoring. She stated that the future of fishing economies would rely on sound scientific research and that cuts to research of ocean acidification were irresponsible. 8:25:11 PM LOUANNE STONE, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), testified against the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat and stated that the residents of the Anaktuvuk Pass region would be directly affected by the road. She stated that the road was being built on assumptions. 8:26:04 PM ESTHER HUGO, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), urged against the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat and stated that that it would alter the fall migration routes of the caribou in the area. She spoke about the importance of protecting subsistence lifestyles and expressed concern that native peoples were not consulted when projects like these were planned. LEE KARASIEWICZ, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), strongly opposed the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat. CHELSEA MORRY, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat and stated concerns that the road would impact caribou migration. She also voiced concerns about the change that road would bring to the way of life, culture, and heritage of the village of Anaktuvuk Pass. He observed that the funding could be used for other areas in the state. AUDREY SHELDON, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), urged her opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat and shared concerns that the road would negatively impact caribou migration. JAMES NAGEAK, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), testified in support for new administrative buildings at Anatoovik Pass and funding for Ilisagvik College. He also urged for financial assistance to rural villages. He observed that Ilisagvik College was the state's only tribal college and related the high costs of fuel, transportation, and general costs of living in rural Alaskan villages. DR. LISA KORONKIEWIEZ, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), urged opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat. DEVLIN MEKIANA, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat. He explained that the road would negatively impact caribou migrations and the way of life at Anaktuvuk Pass. JALEN SHELDON, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), testified in opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat and related that he did not want to see a lifestyle change in the area. FREIDA RULLIND, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat and pointed out concern that the road would negatively impact caribou migration. JUST JENSEN, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), testified in opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat. COLBY ROOT, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), expressed opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat. JOSIE MEKIANA, SELF, ANAKTUVUK PASS (via teleconference), testified in opposition to the $10 million in funding for the road to Umiat. DR. TOM NICEWONDER, Self, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), expressed his support for funding the statewide Health Information Exchange and stated that it was "impossible" to see patients safely without the right information. 8:48:40 PM JANETTE CADIEUX, WALKABLE COMMUNITY PROJECT COMMITTEE, COOPER LANDING (via teleconference), testified in support of the $600,000 for the Raven Landing Walkable Community Project. She stated that the section of road was very congested and that the project would benefit the entire area. 8:50:25 PM LINDA BEHNKEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA LONGLINE FISHERMAN'S ASSOCIATION (via teleconference), expressed support of full funding for ocean acidification research at UAF and stated that there were local vessels in Sitka that were eager to engage as platforms of opportunity for collecting data. She concluded that the research would help ensure the future productivity of Alaska's fisheries. 8:50:15 PM DORENE DEATON, SELF, BEAVER (via teleconference), spoke in support of the Tanana Chiefs Conference Region's CIPs and shared that the projects included energy efficiency improvements, building new clinics, or assisting elders in returning to their home communities. 8:51:05 PM BEN MCLUCKIE, SELF, HOONAH (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the First Robotics CIPs and the Juneau Economic Development Council. He related that the FIRST program gave science and engineering as much prestige as sports. He shared that that the program had no regard for gender, ethnicity, or socio-economics, and that the number of students in the program was growing fast. 8:52:49 PM ANGEL BOND, COOPER LANDING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, COOPER LANDING (via teleconference), testified in support of the Cooper Landing Walkable Community project and stated that it would give visitors and the community safe, year-round trails. She related that there were approximately 10,000 people a day that trafficked through Cooper Landing and that the resulting conditions were unsafe. 8:53:41 PM RHONDA HUBBARD, SELF, SEWARD (via teleconference), spoke against the $5 million in funding for the Destiny Home in Seward. She stated that costs associated with the project were uncertain and that she wanted the funding pulled until the project was defined and vetted better. 8:55:28 PM JUSTIN FLOWERS, AVTEC STUDENT, SEWARD (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for constructing dormitories on the AVTEC campus and funding for AVTEC's Applied Technology Department budget. He stated that the current dormitories were old, in poor condition, had unusable showers, and contained asbestos. He shared that the applied technology's pipe welding shop had leaks in the roof, poor ventilation, and no heating. 8:57:08 PM JOSEPH PRIMO, AVTEC STUDENT, SEWARD (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for constructing dormitories on the AVTEC campus and stated that the facilities on campus were in shambles and inadequate. He urged that the funds were necessary for the success of Alaska's domestic workforce and pointed out that many AVTEC graduates worked in jobs that benefitted the state. 8:58:07 PM DAVID STORY, SELF, COOPER LANDING (via teleconference), expressed support for the Cooper Landing Walkable Community project and stated that the project would improve conditions for non-motorized traffic, protect the Kenai watershed, relieve vehicle congestion, and would improve the flow and safety for traffic on the Sterling Highway 8:59:25 PM STEVE HICKS, ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in support of $1.5 million in funding for the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts and stated that the districts provided the Department of Natural Resources technical assistance through soil surveys and wetland determinations. He pointed out that the association also provided mitigation to the mining industry in the areas of conservation planning, invasive plant surveys, and land reclamation. He observed that an erosion survey was being completed on the Kuskoquim River and that the conservation districts had been instrumental in conducting invasive plant surveys and providing assessments to land users. He concluded that the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts could facilitate the conservation and orderly development of Alaska's land and water resources through local self-government. 9:01:50 PM DICK ZOBEL, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), expressed his support for the $1.5 million in funding for the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts and reiterated previous caller's testimony. 9:02:40 PM CHARLES PARKER, ALASKA VILLAGE INITIATIVES, MAT-SU (via teleconference), testified in support of funding for the Alaska Moose Federation and urged for increased funding to include proactive safety measures in conjunction with the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. 9:03:40 PM PETE WEDIN, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference), testified in support of the $2.7 million for ocean acidification research at UAF. 9:04:10 PM DARIUS KASPRZAK, OWNER AND OPERATOR, F/V MARONA, KODIAK (via teleconference), expressed support of the $2.7 million for ocean acidification research at UAF. He thought that ocean acidification was the gravest threat to the future of the state's commercial, subsistence, and sports fisheries and pointed out that the research was strongly needed.