HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE April 21, 1999 1:40 P.M. TAPE HFC 99 - 93, Side 1 TAPE HFC 99 - 93, Side 2 TAPE HFC 99 - 94, Side 1 TAPE HFC 99 - 94, Side 2 TAPE HFC 99 - 95, Side 1 CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Therriault called the House Finance Committee meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. PRESENT Co-Chair Therriault Representative Foster Co-Chair Mulder Representative Grussendorf Vice-Chair Bunde Representative Kohring Representative Austerman Representative Moses Representative J. Davies Representative Williams Representative G. Davis ALSO PRESENT Sharon Barton, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Administration; Michael A. Conway, Division of Air and Water Quality, Department of Environmental Conservation; Kevin Brooks, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Fish and Game; Karen Rehfeld, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Education; Juanita Hensley, Legislative Liaison, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Public Safety; Mark Badger, Director, Information Technology Group, Department of Administration; Tom Lawson, Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Commerce and Economic Development; Percy Frisby, Director, Division of Energy, Department of Community and Regional Affairs; Peter Freer, Director, Southeast Regional Office, Department of Community and Regional Affairs; Yvonne Chase, Director, Division of Community and Rural Development, Department of Community and Regional Affairs: Tena Young, Department of Community and Regional Affairs; Joseph Reeves, Deputy Director, Division of Administrative Services, Department of Corrections; Karen Crane, Director, Libraries, Archives and Museums, Department of Education; Dan Easton, Director, Division of Facility Construction and Operation, Department of Environmental Conservation; Dana LaTour, Director, Division of Elections, Office of the Lieutenant Governor; Larry Dietrick, Program, Manager, Prevention and Emergency Response program, Division of Spill Prevention and Response, Department of Environmental Conservation; TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE Barbara Brink, Director, Public Defender Agency. SUMMARY HB 52 "An Act making and amending capital appropriations and reappropriations and capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." HB 52 was HELD in Committee for further consideration. HOUSE BILL NO. 52 "An Act making and amending capital appropriations and reappropriations and capitalizing funds; and providing for an effective date." Co-Chair Therriault provided members with a spreadsheet detailing the capital projects contained in HB 52 (copy on file). DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION SHARON BARTON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION discussed the projects contained under the Department of Administration. Pioneers' Homes Health and Safety Repairs $500,000 Ms. Barton explained that the six pioneer homes have a list of $20 million dollars in deferred maintenance. This appropriation relates to critical care areas and includes projects relating to failure in the integrity of building systems. There are projects in each of the six homes. Public Defender Criminal Justice Information Integration $400,000 Ms. Barton explained that this is a catch all project to include the Alaska Public Defenders Agency in the Criminal Justice Information Integration project. BARBARA BRINK, DIRECTOR, PUBLIC DEFENDER AGENCY testified via teleconference. She explained that the project would allow their 13 offices to be electronically connected. Attorneys would be connected through email. They would be able to take advantage of electronic transfer of files and cases. She gave examples of increased efficiencies that the project would allow. She stressed that greater efficiencies are needed in lieu of additional funding. In response to a question by Co-Chair Therriault, Ms. Brink clarified that they would not be compatible with the Criminal Justice Information system without additional hardware. License Plates and Drivers License Manuals $200,000 Ms. Barton explained that this is an annual request for the purchasing of license plate stock. The request is lower than in previous years. The department has stock remaining from the current year that will reduce the amount needed. JUANITA HENSLEY, LEGISLATIVE LIAISON, DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY explained that lower than anticipated sales of the centennial plates resulted in an overstock. Vice-Chair Bunde questioned how close the program is to being self-supporting. Ms. Hensley explained that it costs approximately $7.09 dollars to reissue a set of plates. There is a $5 dollar charge for the reissue. A general issue plate costs the state $2.50 dollars. There are also added costs for title registration and other administrative functions. Representative J. Davies asked if the amount would be enough to issue dog-mushing license plates. Ms. Hensley noted that the department is discussing a design with mushers. MARK BADGER, DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GROUP, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION discussed the following six projects. He observed that the use of technology addresses the issue of better service to citizens. He noted that many budget cuts have been resolved through smarter use of technology. Information Technology Literacy Project $175,000 Mr. Badger explained that this project would give all state employees an opportunity for continuing education. The University of Alaska pays half of the project's cost and half is paid by the state. It leverages $4.5 million dollars. Employees can receive training from their desks. Bandwidth Increase $500,000 Mr. Badger emphasized that as more traffic flows over the electronic highway, the roads need to be widened. Increasing the bandwidth is a way to expand sections of the information highway. There has been a steep increase in the number of electronic transfers. This is a charge back operation and rates are increased to cover costs. Co-Chair Therriault noted that agencies were not able to anticipate the increases. He asked if agencies considered the bandwidth needed to run new systems. Mr. Badger stated that the nature of technology is that many applications do not fully disclose capacity requirements. There have been unanticipated spikes. He added that the department is trying to mitigate increasing costs. He stressed that the intent is to prevent rates from becoming so high that they prohibit usage. Satellite Interconnection, Equipment Replacement and Repair $150,000 Mr. Badger explained that the satellite interconnection is the one system that reaches all sites in Alaska. He stated that there are potholes in the satellite road. There is no commercial outlet or radio system that reaches all 230 sites. In response to a question by Vice-Chair Bunde, Mr. Badger explained that the satellite roadway carries mostly preschool and children's education programs during the day and evening news items. The University of Alaska has its own channel. The satellite is also used by Alaska One (statewide television single), Alaska Two (Gavel to Gavel), Alaska Three (distance education) and ARC's, public radio and emergency communication. Land Mobile Radio Conversion $615,000 Mr. Badger explained that there are new standards for broadcasting from fire, emergency and police vehicles. Old equipment needs to be replaced in order to communicate to between vehicles. There is a federal mandate to replace all public vehicles to a digital broadcast. This will allow the coordination of services during emergencies. The cost of the conversion is estimated at $20 million dollars. The request would leverage federal funding. This funds a trunk or conversion box. Criminal Justice Integration Projects Analysis $200,000 Mr. Badger stated that this request would bring public safety agencies together under the criminal justice integration project. There are redundancies that would be corrected by the project. It would assist on a statewide basis to assure that what is purchased will work in Alaska's satellite driven, rural environment. Co-Chair Therriault asked if the entire process was set out prior to the start of the project. Mr. Badger emphasized that technology needs are constantly changing. The analysis would be used to test assumptions before the system is bought. Representative J. Davies summarized that the request would assure that the system is the most compatible. Mr. Badger noted that Alaska's congressional delegation is interested in helping Alaska to be a world player in information technology. This is an authorization to spend money from the Information Service Fund. Information Service Fund Equipment Replacement $3,500,000 Mr. Badger noted that this request is an authorization to spend money from the fund. The Department of Administration is the central depository. The appropriation would buy printers and replace failing hardware. Bethel Courthouse Transfer $250,000 Ms. Barton explained that this appropriation was included in the hopes that there would be space available in the Bethel Courthouse. Co-Chair Therriault asked if projects were ranked. Ms. Barton stated that the projects were not ranked. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOM LAWSON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT discussed the projects under the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. Kodiak Launch Complex $5,000,000 Mr. Lawson noted that this request authorizes corporate receipts. He explained that $5 million dollars are needed to complete the project. Funding would come from the Alaska Science and Technology Endowment Fund. Their grant is under review. Final action is expected in June. No problems are anticipated. Final construction is anticipated in the fall of 1999. Co-Chair Therriault noted that the House Finance Committee has submitted legislation to authorize the transfer from ASTF. Salmon Marketing Trade Adjustment Assistance $5,000,000 Mr. Lawson noted that this is a federal grant to help market salmon. There is a two step process. The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) is required to write a marketing plan. The grant is expected in the next year. Representative J. Davies asked if the total cost is $5 million dollars. Mr. Lawson clarified that it is the total cost and no match is required. Economic Development Matching Grant Program $200,000 Mr. Lawson noted that the program was created in 1980. It has not been funded in the past two years. He emphasized that the program would leverage over $9 million dollars from a $1.3 million dollar investment. One state dollar leverages over three non-state dollars. The request is for Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) corporate receipts. Co-Chair Therriault asked if the current program would leverage three dollars for every state dollar. Mr. Lawson noted that the grant would not go below a one-to-one match. They attempt to achieve a three-to-one ratio. Grants are used for economic development projects. Non-profits and local governments are eligible. Vice-chairs Bunde pointed out that AIDEA dollars are also general funds. EDA Annual Planning Grant $100,000 Mr. Lawson noted that the request matches federal dollars. Grants focus on rural areas. He discussed past grants. The current grant is working on rural exports. He noted that the department would lose $200 thousand federal dollars in their operating budget if the request is not authorized. The grants have been funded through the capital budget. (Tape Change, HFC 99 - 93, Side 2) DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS Electrical Emergencies $366,100 PERCY FRISBY, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS noted that this request would fund electrical emergencies from Rural Electric Revolving Loan Fund (RERLF) receipts. Co-Chair Therriault noted that the request is based on the anticipated amount received to the fund. Mr. Percy stated that there were two emergencies in FY 99 that cost $54,000 thousand dollars. In FY 98, there were seven emergencies that cost $310,000 thousand dollars. Representative Austerman clarified that funding is from the Rural Electric Revolving Loan Fund program. Co-Chair Therriault noted that the Fund is no longer being utilized. Loan repayments are being spent on electrical emergencies. Mr. Percy explained that the money accumulates in the RERLF. Rural Development Assistance Grants $800,000 PETER FREER, DIRECTOR, SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS explained that the program has not received state funding in the past several years. The program has been funded through federal receipts. The department has attempted to maintain the program, which was previously funded with state dollars, through the use of federal receipts from the United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Services and Rural Development. The department is limited in their use of federal funding due to federal requirements that accompany the money. Co-Chair Therriault pointed out that there is no restriction on the use of municipal matching grants. Bulk Fuel Storage Facility Upgrades $1,600,000 Mr. Percy observed that the funds would be from the 470 Fund. This request would be used to match federal dollars. There is $5 million dollars in EPA funds. Head Start Health and Safety Repairs $200,000 YVONNE CHASE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS explained that the request is for health and safety repairs to Head Start facilities around the state. The need for repairs exceeds the request. U.S. Forest Service Mini-Grants $200,000 This item was not discussed. Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants $350,000 This item was not discussed. Arctic Winter Games Team Alaska $75,000 TENA YOUNG, GRANTS ADMINISTRATOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS explained that the total request is $270 thousand dollars. They received $125 thousand dollars in FY 99. The games occur every two years. The next games occur in March 2000. The request of $75 thousand dollars would help mitigate the cost of travel and uniforms. Alaska Native Heritage Center $500,000 Ms. Young explained that the Center received a $500 thousand dollar appropriation in the early 1990's. This item has not received state funding since the first year. Three million dollars is needed to complete the Center. The Center is scheduled to open May 1, 1999. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS Maintenance, Renovation, Repair, Renewal and Replacement $900,000 JOSEPH REEVES, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS explained that the requests are prioritized by security, life safety, mission support and others criteria. The maintenance request is their highest priority. The department has identified $13 million dollars in deferred maintenance, $9.5 million dollars in renewal and replacement and $8.5 million dollars in renovation and remodeling that needs to occur over the next five years to maintain their facilities for sustained long-term operations. Co-Chair Therriault clarified that the request does not identified specific projects. Mr. Reeves noted that the majority of their facilities are over 20 years old. Unanticipated systems failures occur regularly. In response to a question by Co-Chair Therriault, he stated that projects that have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget have made it through the legislature. Criminal Justice Information System (OBSCIS) Replacement $1,000,000 Mr. Reeves explained that this request would continue the effort to convert systems to the criminal justice information systems. They are requesting more federal funds. Representative Austerman asked if the criminal justice information system was tied to the Department of Administration. Mr. Reeves replied that the Department of Administration is the hub. The estimate completion date is September 1999. The reporting system will have interface capabilities for current criminal data base bookings, inmate program development, tracking, and recording. Equipment Replacement $250,000 Mr. Reeves stated that the request is for major kitchen equipment. The equipment wears out rapidly. These funds replace broken equipment. Four million meals a day are cooked in Department of Corrections' kitchens. Data Technical Support $300,000 Mr. Reeves observed that this money would support the salaries of six or seven data specialist in the Department of Administration. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Library - Repair Archives Building Foundation $90,000 KAREN CRANE, DIRECTOR, LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND MUSEUMS, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION explained that the building is splitting apart. The building is behind the Goldbelt Hotel. This appropriation would not permanently fix the problem. The $90 thousand dollar request would provide interim funding only. The front part of the building should eventually be separated from the back of the building. Library - Statewide Electronic Doorway $100,000 Ms. Crane provided information regarding the Statewide Electronic Doorway (SLED) program. The University of Alaska Fairbanks manages the program. The program offers access to federal and state information. Most of the money would go to Internet access. Email accounts are not offered. Part of the funding goes to maintain a toll free phone help desk. This is a reimbursable service agreement from the State Library to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. BIA School Sites Cleanup Planning $20,000 KAREN REHFELD, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION explained that this is a new request to begin site redemption and cleanup at former BIA school properties. There are sixty former BIA school sites. Some of the sites are abandoned and becoming hazardous to residents due to asbestos and other materials left in the buildings. The request would be used to evaluate two sites (Grayling and Nightmute) to determine the scope of work needed. Co-Chair Therriault asked if the buildings not in use are boarded up. Ms. Rehfeld noted that many are still being used. Sites that have been abandoned need to be demolished and hazardous materials removed. The request would assess the cost. Vice-Chair Bunde questioned if there is a federal responsibility for assistance. Ms. Rehfeld stated that there are no assurances for federal assistance. Representative Austerman questioned why the request is contained in the capital budget. Co-Chair Therriault pointed out that it is a one-time request. Ms. Rehfeld explained that the Facilities Unit within the Department of Education would manage the project. AVTEC - Instructional Equipment Replacement $60,000 Ms. Rehfeld explained that this request would provide computerized alignment machines, diagnostic equipment, gas emissions analyzers required by the state for the automotive inspection and certification program they offer. Home Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities $100,000 Ms. Rehfeld noted that this request is for housing modifications for individuals with disabilities. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation manages this. The modifications are for individuals with disabilities who are participating in specific component plans. Co-Chair Therriault asked for funding amounts in previous years. Ms. Rehfeld noted that the program was funded at $100 thousand dollars. Commission on Postsecondary Education-Equipment Replacement $64,500 Ms. Rehfeld noted that this is for on going equipment replacement. Vice-Chair Bunde asked why the request is in the capital budget. Ms. Rehfeld clarified that it would be corporate receipts. The loan servicing system was has been upgraded over several years. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION DAN EASTON, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF FACILITY CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION provided an overview of village safe water projects in the department. He noted that the capital budget request is different from previous requests. The match ratio has changed. More federal funds are captured with fewer state funds. The request includes approximately $6.6 million dollars less state funds and $10.6 million in additional federal funds and another $10 million in federal funds that that are captured with matching funds outside of the department. The additional $10 million dollars goes directly to communities. The United States Department of Agriculture funding comes as a pass through to communities. Specific projects are contained in HB 52. (Tape Change, HFC 99 -94, Side 1) Representative J. Davies asked how project management is done. Mr. Easton noted that the projects are managed in the same manner. The funding for management is included as a non-general fund appropriation. Co-Chair Therriault asked where federal funds are noted. Mr. Easton explained that the Village Safe Water Project Administration $2,081,700 appropriation contained on page 6 pays for engineers and the administration of the program. These funds are transferred to the operating budget. The second appropriation is the Village Safe Water Feasibility Studies. These are a combination of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state funding. Village safe water projects funded through EPA begin on the bottom of page 7. Co-Chair Therriault asked if projects are ranked. Mr. Easton clarified that the projects are ranked. When projects are placed in the capital budget legislation they are grouped by funding source. Representative Foster noted the number of feasibility studies and master design projects. He asked if they are done by the department. Mr. Easton explained that the majority of projects are handled through contracts. Representative Foster observed that the projects vary in cost. Mr. Easton explained that the studies identify alternatives, options, and costs. They lay the basis for the project and are a critical first step. In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr. Easton explained that the administrative cost funds 21 positions. The funds are transferred from the capital budget to the operating budget. Co-Chair Therriault noted that the positions would be eliminated when the funding is finished. Representative Austerman asked if AHFC receipts are normally used to fund these positions in the capital budget. Vice-Chair Bunde asked if there are local hire concerns. Mr. Easton noted that the vast majority is locally hired. Of every dollar .70 percent is spent in urban Alaskan centers. Thirty cents are spent in local communities for labor. Vice-Chair Bunde asked if a local match is encouraged or required. Mr. Easton stated that community contribution is an integral part of the program. Communities operate and maintain the systems. It costs more money to provide drinking water to small communities on a per capita basis. He added that off road communities have higher costs. Local communities also contribute land and equipment. There is not a specific requirement for a local match. Vice-Chair Bunde noted that the responsibility lies with the state if the local community fails to maintain operational expenses. Mr. Easton replied observed that if something breaks down the responsibility lies with the community. There is a state program to assist communities. In response to a question by Co-Chair Mulder, Mr. Easton reviewed the appropriations. He noted that there is $1.8 million non-general fund dollars (AHFC) in Village Safe Water Project Administration, in Village Safe Water Studies there is $1.4 million in state dollars and $2.8 federal dollars. There is $10.4 million in state dollars for EPA matched projects and $20.7 in federal dollars. There is $6.6 million in state dollars and $20 million federal dollars in USDA projects to communities. In the Municipal Water Sewer Matching Grant Program there is $13.7 million in state dollars and $4.5 federal dollars. Representative J. Davies clarified federal funds are part of the other funds. Mr. Easton observed that funding comes from the USDA and the EPA. In response to a question by Co-Chair Therriault, Mr. Easton explained that the department receives more applications than can be funded. The funding level is set by what is available in federal funding and the state match that would be required. The list has moved largely intact. Representative J. Davies observed that the direct grant to municipalities is $20 million in federal dollars. Co-Chair Therriault noted that some water systems were over built. He asked if an eye is being kept on maintenance and operations. Mr. Easton stated that the department makes sure that the communities understand that they will be responsible for operation and maintenance of projects. In response to a question by Representative Foster, Mr. Easton noted that 65 percent of households in rural Alaska have basic water and sewer. By 2003 83 percent of Alaskan households will have access to water and sewer. The last 10 percent will be harder than the first 10 percent. Representative J. Davies observed that local people are being involved in the construction of systems. Anchorage Allocation $1,500,000 Mr. Easton noted that the Anchorage allocation includes several projects. Anchorage has tremendous water and sewer needs. A decision was made to appropriate to Anchorage without a competitive process. There are no other special allocations. Anchorage provides a 50 percent match. Co-Chair Therriault, Mr. Easton clarified that everything other than Fairbanks is from the priority list. He observed that Fairbanks has some private utilities. Kodiak Island Borough Waste Management Implementation $743,000 Mr. Easton explained that this project would be funded with EVOSS funds. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Assumption $125,000 MICHAEL A. CONWAY, DIVISION OF AIR AND WATER QUALITY, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION discussed air quality requests. This project would implement state assumption of aspects of the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Co-Chair Therriault explained that it is a one time expense. In response to a question by Representative J. Davies, Mr. Conway responded that the percentage of the cost paid through the permitting and the gain to the public needs to be determined. Mr. Conway noted that EPA could continue to do some aspects. Fine Particulate Monitoring $494,500 Mr. Conway observed that the request is for the second year of a five-year federally funded project. The Environmental Projection Agency is looking to the state to define the standard in Alaska. Monitors cover the major population areas. The EPA is working to enter areas with smaller populations. There is no requirement for state general funds. Upgrade, Private Underground Storage Tanks $5,000,000 LARRY DIETRICK, PROGRAM, MANAGER, PREVENTION AND EMERGEINCY RESPONSE PROGRAM, DIVISION OF SPILL PREVENTION AND RESPONSE, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION noted that the funding source is the Storage Tank Assistance Fund. There would be 49 upgrades, 127 closures and 32 cleanups at priority sites. The program would be completed and terminated on June 30, 2000. Upgrade, State-Owned Underground Storage Tanks $2,500,000 Mr. Dietrick explained that this request applies to state owned tanks that are out of compliance. (Tape Change, HFC 99 - 94, Side 2) Mr. Dietrick noted that there are 45 tanks that will be closed and 39 that would be closed. Representative Austerman observed that the Alaska Civil Air Patrol has received several pieces of property with storage tank problems. Mr. Dietrick did not know if they were on the list, as state owned tanks. Representative Austerman and Representative G. Davis felt that the Alaska Civil Air Patrol should be considered under state owned operations. Statewide Contaminated Cleanup $5,000,000 Mr. Dietrick noted that this would be funded from the Oil and Gas Hazardous Substance Response Fund. These projects are the highest-ranking contaminated sites in the state. There would be 6 private and 10 state owned sites, 11 state owned sites with underground leaking sites that are taken out of service in FY00. In response to a question by Representative G. Davis, Mr. Dietrick explained that when another state agency has a site the funding is transferred as a RSA. In response to a question by Co-Chair Therriault Mr. Dietrick noted that this item was funded at $1.5 million dollars in FY99. Upgrade of State-Owned Aboveground Storage Tanks $1,200,000 Mr. Dietrick noted that this request would carry out upgrades on above ground tanks. The estimated cost for FY01 would be $1 million dollars. After FY01, a federal funding source would kick in. Federal funding is being sought. This is the first year the department has sought funds. The Department of Community and Regional Affairs had a related appropriation for the past two years. Co-Chair Therriault asked why federal funding would not be increased until the out years. Mr. Dietrick explained that federal funding has not been locked in. Representative Austerman clarified that funding would be through the Oil and Hazardous Waste Fund. DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME Statewide Facilities Deferred Maintenance $400,000 KEVIN BROOKS, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME explained that this is the department's number one priority. There are about $3 million dollars of deferred maintenance projects. In response to a question by Co-Chair Therriault, Mr. Brooks clarified that the projects are listed alphabetically. Vessel and Aircraft Maintenance and Repair $200,000 Mr. Brooks spoke to the component. This would be used to address life and safety issues. Co-Chair Therriault asked if there had been a standard amount over the years. Mr. Brooks replied that this component had been appropriated at approximately $400 thousand dollars. This would be a minimal amount needed to address critical needs. Representative J. Davies asked if these are major repair items. Mr. Brooks replied that they are. These are major overhauls. Upper Cook Inlet Salmon Research $500,000 Mr. Brooks acknowledged that this item be placed in the operational category. This project received 470 funds three years. The funding will run out on June 30, 1999. The request is needed to complete the work. Two hundred and fifty thousand of the amount would be from commercial fisheries. In response to Representative J. Davies, Mr. Brooks stated that the Department is concerned with the sockeye run in Cook Inlet. The Department is trying to disentangle the stock. Dock Repair, Maintenance and Replacement $375,000 Mr. Brooks stated that this component is tied to statewide facilities. Two docks have been identified that are in need of repair. The Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Public Safety use King Salmon as a staging point. The amount was too big to address in the regular deferred maintenance budget. Southeast Region Vessel Facility $1,378,200 Mr. Brooks stated that this project has been before the legislature for the past several years. The state agencies have to vacate the sub-port building. Space has been identified for a metal frame building to be use for vessel repairs and other functions. There has been an eviction notice to get out of the facility. Co-Chair Therriault asked if it was an actual eviction notice or ask for paying the full rent. Mr. Brooks understood that there is a one year extension. The eviction has been forestalled for several years. Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Facilities and Operations $1,385,700 Mr. Brooks explained that the project would receive $1.3 million dollars in federal funds and $85.7 thousand dollars in state match. This is a phased project. The initial appropriation is for a facility design and initial construction. In response to a comments by Representative G. Davis, Mr. Brooks stated that it is not the department's intent to request additional state dollars. It would have to be funded through federal dollars. In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr. Brooks explained that the project is part of the National Research Reserve Program and would be dedicated to longterm research and education. He noted that three positions in their operating budget would be federally funded. Co-Chair Therriault observed that additional federal funding is expected in subsequent years. Representative J. Davies asked if there is a federal research facility in Homer. Mr. Brook was unaware of any related projects in Homer. The cities of Homer and Seldovia support the project. Representative J. Davies asked if the facility is related to a University of Alaska. Mr. Brooks did not know the answer. Nearshore Fisheries Stock Assessment and Research $1,200,000 Mr. Brooks noted that the request is for federal receipt authority for developing fisheries and under utilized stocks. They anticipate a three-year project. Representative Williams questioned how it would affect urchin fisheries. Mr. Brooks was not sure of a connection to the urchin fisheries. Representative J. Davies clarified that the $1.2 million dollars would be spread over three years. Sport Fish and Recreational Boating Access and Facility Dev. $2,700,000 Mr. Brooks noted that the request is for a sport fish project that would receive federal aid dollars derived from an excise tax on fishing tackle and bulk fuel sales. There is a 15 percent set a side for access projects. The Division has a list of the projects. Representative J. Davies asked if the funds could be used for the acquisition of a landing site. Mr. Brooks answered that they could use the funds for acquisition of landing sites. In response to a question by Co-Chair Therriault, Mr. Brooks noted that they work cooperatively with the Division of Parks. In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Mr. Brooks stated that there is no requirement to set aside funding for habitat restoration or protection. The Divisions of Sport Fish and Habitat work cooperative within the department. Western Alaska Salmon Disaster $7,000,000 Mr. Brooks noted that the request is in response to fishing failures. The intent is to address long term problems with the stocks. The funding is one-time but would be spread out over multiple years. This is an amendment to the Governor's request. Recreational Boat Sewage Pumpout Facility Development $500,000 Mr. Brooks explained that the project would receive a one- time $500 thousand dollars federal appropriation for sewage pumpout facilities. There is a required 25 percent match. In kind match from municipalities could be used. It would not require general funds. Transient Boat Moorage Development $500,000 Mr. Brooks noted this project is also a one-time federal appropriation. Boat moorage facilities would be placed intervals for one-day journeys. They would be designed to require very little maintenance. The department would work with local operators for pumpout facilities. Local operators could charge moorage fees to cover their costs. Anchorage Urban Fisheries Public Access Development $150,000 Mr. Brooks explained that this request would be paid from federal sport fish funds. This would provide facilities for increased usage. This project is geared toward walk-up fisheries. (Tape Change, HFC 99 - 95, Side 1) Port Graham Hatchery Reconstruction $750,000 Mr. Brooks explained that EVOSS funds would be used to repair damages from fire. It is not a state facility. The hatchery enhances pink, sockeye and coho salmon. It benefits both local subsistence and commercial fisheries. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Projects $500,000 DANA LATOUR, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ELECTIONS, OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR explained that request would continue work required to comply with American with Disabilities projects. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities compiled the list. AccuVote System $310,900 Ms. LaTour explained that the project is for the second year lease payment of a six-year project. The project was approved for FY99. The project had a total cost of $2 million dollars. The project cost was less than anticipated. The balance from FY99 of $77 thousand dollars was applied to the second year lease payment. In response to a question by Representative Austerman, Ms. LaTour explained that the equipment was bought on a lease purchase. Precinct tabulators are in 275 of the state's 463 precincts. There is legislation pending to purchase tabulators for the remaining precincts. HB 52 was HELD in Committee for further consideration. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 4:58 p.m. House Finance Committee 18 4/21/99pm