SENATE BILL NO. 203 "An Act designating portions of the Parks, Glenn, Seward, and Sterling Highways as a part of the State's Purple Heart Trail and relating to signage and informational displays for the trail." 1:14:26 PM EMMA TORKELSON, STAFF, SENATOR JOSH REVAK, explained the legislation. She detailed that since 1992, the Purple Heart Trail system of highway designations had extended across the nation honoring service men and women who had been wounded or killed in service to the nation. She elaborated that in 2008, former Senator Johnny Ellis's bill SB 216 designated the highway between the Alaska/Canada border to Fairbanks as the Purple Heart Trail. Since that time, signs along the highway stood as a thank you to veterans and as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals serving the United States. The bill would extend the Purple Heart Trail from Fairbanks to Homer, connecting the Purple Heart cities of North Pole, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Soldotna, and Homer. She highlighted that Alaska had a strong military tradition with an estimated 65,000 resident veterans and approximately 21,000 active duty military members. Signage drawing attention to the designation would be placed at appropriate intervals along the highway to stimulate thought and discussion amongst adults and children about the history of the country and individuals who had made significant sacrifices for the country. Co-Chair Bishop asked to hear the sectional analysis. 1:16:09 PM Ms. Torkelson reviewed the sectional analysis (copy on file): Section 1. Amends AS 35.40.210(a) to extend the Purple Heart Trail designation to include the ~590 miles of highway from Fairbanks to the End of the Road in Homer. With this extension, the Purple Heart Trail will, in its entirety, be made up of: ? the Alaska Highway from the Alaska-Canada Border to Delta Junction - existing ? the Richardson Highway between Delta Junction and Fairbanks - existing ? the George Parks Highway between Fairbanks and Wasilla - new ? the Glenn Highway between Wasilla and Anchorage - new ? the Seward Highway between Anchorage and the Seward-Sterling highway junction - new ? the Sterling Highway to its termination at the end of the Homer Spit - new Section 2. Amends AS 35.40.210(b) to require the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities erect appropriate "Purple Heart Trail" signage at the Veterans Memorial at Byers Lake, Wasilla, Anchorage, the junction of the Seward and Sterling highways, Soldotna, and Homer. Removes the existing language requiring signage be placed at points "halfway between" these locations and replaces it with language that allows the department to determine the most appropriate locations for additional signage. Section 3. Amends AS 35.40.210(c) to increase to six the number of required informational displays at pull- outs along the Purple Heart Trail. The Border to Fairbanks trail has three displays, so this will require that at least three displays be erected on the new portion of the Purple Heart Trail between Fairbanks and Homer. Section 4. Amends the uncodified law of the State of Alaska to ensure that DOTP&F has the authority to accept gifts, donations, and grants from a person or agency for the purpose of providing signage and informational displays required by AS 35.40.210(b) and (c). Section 5. Amends the uncodified law of the State of Alaska to clarify that DOTP&F has the flexibility to erect the signs and informational displays as funds are available, without waiting to receive all the funds needed to complete the entire project required by AS 35.40.210(b) and (c). 1:18:54 PM Co-Chair Bishop asked if the department agreed with the bill sections and that it could move quickly to make the changes proposed under the legislation. ANDY MILLS, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, explained that most signage took the department four to six weeks to craft. He noted that the sign design was already complete and was included in members' bill packets. He stated it would be an "easy lift" for the department to produce and install the signs. The department's fiscal note reflected the full amount detailed in the bill; however, general funds would be offset by donations if received. He added that any donations would be recognized as a contribution to the effort. Co-Chair Bishop moved to invited testimony. JOHN KNOTT, STATE COMMANDER, ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), relayed the Order of the Purple Heart had three chapters in Alaska. He spoke in support of the legislation and relayed it would mean tremendous pride for his organization, active duty military, and veterans in Alaska. He detailed that the signs reflected continued patriotism and showed respect for individuals who had sacrificed with blood and their lives. He elaborated that the signs brought up conversations and emotions. He stated the signs recapped everything people lived for in the United States: freedom. He pointed out that freedom was not free. He thanked the committee for hearing the legislation. Co-Chair Bishop thanked Mr. Knott for his testimony and service to the country. Co-Chair Bishop OPENED and CLOSED public testimony. Co-Chair Stedman suggested including the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and perhaps adding a plaque on each of the ferries. Co-Chair Bishop thought it was a good idea. He remarked that AMHS served some communities with the highest veteran population per capita. He noted that the amendment deadline was March 23 at noon. Co-Chair Stedman added there were many military members traveling from Bellingham to Haines [on the ferry] to reach their post in Fairbanks and Anchorage. He would discuss the idea with the bill sponsor. SB 203 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration. Co-Chair Bishop reviewed the schedule for the following day.