SCR 1-SUPPORT ROADS/HOT SPRINGS LOOP ROAD  SENATOR GARY WILKEN, bill sponsor, explained the resolution was about more than just building a road. He used a map to show members the Steese Highway leading northeast from Fairbanks 130 miles to Central and Circle Hot Springs and the Chena Hot Springs Road leading east from Fairbanks about 60 miles to the Chena Hot Springs. Both hot springs are well developed and provide Alaskans and Alaska visitors a great deal of pleasure. To him this is an obvious loop road and the resolution supports looking at the feasibility of connecting the two. There are RS 2477 rights of way that have yet to be identified. This is the first time in the seven years he has been a legislator that there has been support for building roads. There are many roads around the state that individuals are asking this legislature to support. SCR 1 is the vehicle for the legislature to express their support to the Governor for building roads for economic development in Alaska. SENATOR COWDERY asked if there are any obvious engineering, construction or geologic difficulties associated with connecting the two roads. SENATOR WILKEN wasn't aware of any such difficulties. The Steese National Conservation Area lies between the hot springs so the road would have to go through or around that area. The area was studied in the 1980s but the study has not been located. CHAIR TAYLOR asked what the length of the road would be. SENATOR WILKEN replied it would depend on the route, but as the crow flies, it would be about 40 miles. SENATOR HOFFMAN asked if both hot springs are in the North Star Borough. SENATOR WILKEN said just the Chena Hot Springs is in the North Star Borough. SENATOR HOFFMAN asked whether the North Star Borough supports the resolution. SENATOR WILKEN replied he had every indication the assembly will support the resolution, but they haven't taken it up yet. SENATOR HOFFMAN asked which borough has jurisdiction over Circle Hot Springs. SENATOR WILKEN replied it is in an unorganized area of the state. CHAIR TAYLOR asked whether he would oppose an amendment adding the Bradfield Road. SENATOR WILKEN did not object. CHAIR TAYLOR introduced work draft 23-LS0228\H Utermohle 2/11/03 and said he would entertain a motion to adopt the same for discussion purposes. SENATOR COWDERY made a motion to adopt amendment 1, work draft 23-LS0228\H Utermohle 2/11/03 for discussion purposes. There being no objection amendment 1 was adopted. CHAIR TAYLOR said he didn't have a map, but the purpose of the amendment is to add that project to the bill. He thought the bill would grow over time. He said he would entertain a motion to amend to add the Knik Arm Crossing. SENATOR COWDERY made a conceptual motion to include the Knik Arm Crossing in SCR 1. There being no objection amendment 2 was adopted. SENATOR DYSON made a conceptual motion to include the road from Iliamna Bay to Pile Bay in SCR 1. A pioneer road runs from salt water on Cook Inlet to the northeast corner of Lake Iliamna making the river toward Lake Clark and the Kvichak River to Bristol Bay accessible. That road could be a major link to developing major gold and other minerals in the area as well as giving residents an alternative source for freight and fuel delivery. CHAIR TAYLOR asked about the length of the road. SENATOR DYSON replied it was just 15 miles. There being no objection amendment 3 was adopted. MAC CARTER, Central, Alaska representative, testified his community is very enthusiastic in its support of the resolution. The economic opportunity would foster new business and community growth. The bill speaks to the need for Alaska to expand its infrastructure. SIDE B 4:20 p.m. CHAIR TAYLOR asked for a motion. SENATOR COWDERY made a motion to move CSSCR 1 (STA) from committee with individual recommendations. There being no objection it was so ordered.