SB 170-MARINE HIGHWAY CORPORATION  1:37:34 PM CHAIR MYERS announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 170 "An Act relating to the Alaska highway system; establishing the Alaska Marine Highway Corporation; and providing for an effective date." 1:37:44 PM CHAIR MYERS opened public testimony on SB 170. 1:38:11 PM SHANNON ADAMSON, Alaska Regional Representative, Masters, Mates and Pilots (MMP), Juneau, Alaska, stated that MMP represents the licensed deck officers with the Alaska Marine Highway System. She said she was also speaking on behalf of the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA), which represents the licensed engineering officers for AMHS. She provided her background, indicating that she sailed with AMHS as a licensed deck officer for seven years; and served on the Marine Transportation Advisory Board and Southeast Conferences AMHS Reform Steering Committee. She stated that many provisions in the bill would create a stronger and more reliable marine highway system, including the public comment period for service or schedule changes, the creation of a long-term comprehensive plan that has provisions for vessel replacement after 30 years of service, and the section regarding performance reporting and transparencies. 1:39:14 PM MS. ADAMSON expressed concern about some provisions in the bill, including the board composition that lacks a designated union seat, that this board would prevent more than one union member from serving. She offered her view that MMP and MEBA believes that the more engagement that the board receives from those working on vessels would better inform the board. The unions also have concerns regarding the language that requires each sailing to show that anticipated incremental revenue meets or exceeds the cost of providing the service. MMP and MEBA are concerned that this may be unrealistic for all routes. She stated that some routes will make more money than others which would offset the costs of the routes that provide necessary service to rural communities and villages. The language regarding the rates for tickets could mean that ticket prices would be set above market value, which seems prohibitive, particularly for village runs where service is a necessity. She suggested that rates could be determined by the corporation or a third-party company, similar to Washington states rate setting. She thanked members for the opportunity to testify and expressed optimism that this bill would create positive change. CHAIR MYERS closed public testimony on SB 170. 1:40:47 PM CHAIR MYERS held SB 170 in committee.