HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE April 5, 2008 9:12 A.M. CALL TO ORDER Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting to order at 9:12:22 AM. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair Representative Harry Crawford Representative Les Gara Representative Mike Hawker Representative Reggie Joule Representative Mike Kelly Representative Mary Nelson Representative Bill Thomas Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT Representative Richard Foster ALSO PRESENT Paul Fuhs, Chairman of the Board, Marine Exchange of Alaska; Edward Page, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard; Wayne Nicolls, Society of American Foresters, Juneau; Matt Robus, Board Member, Territorial Sportsmen, Inc., Juneau; Ron Sommerville, Board Member, Juneau Shooting Sports Foundation, Juneau; Dan Etheridge, AFL-CIO, Juneau; John Walsh, Lobbyist, Bristol Bay Borough, Juneau; Tim Richardson, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Juneau; Lee Kadinger, Boy Scouts of America, Juneau PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE HOMER: Ginger Fortin, Homer; Ken Satre, Homer KETCHIKAN: David Johnson, Physician, Ketchikan General Hospital, Ketchikan ANCHORAGE: Aves Thompson, Executive Director, Alaska Trucking Association, Anchorage; John Crews, Alaska Vocational Education Technical Center, Anchorage; Sue Hecks, Executive Director, Southern Region EMS Code Blue, Anchorage; David Matthews, AVTEC, Anchorage; Mary Hughes, Chairman, University of Alaska Board of Regents, Anchorage; Carolyn Clift, Aqua Advisory, Anchorage; Laurie Rapuzzi, Aqua Fitness, Eagle River; Bradley Harris, POOLS, Anchorage; David Uldrich, People for POOLS, Anchorage; James Hasbrouck, Anchorage; Peter Crosby, Anchorage Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission, Anchorage; Tod Williams, Anchorage; Dana Hyams, Anchorage; Nancy Meade, Anchorage; Ken Winterberger, Anchorage; Steve Nerland, Anchorage; Amy Holonics, APSC, Anchorage; Barb McMullen, Anchorage; Bobbi Ramos Olson, Anchorage KODIAK: Shawn Dochtermann, Crewman's Association, Kodiak BETHEL: Dave Trantham, Bethel; Raymond Thor Williams, Alaska Municipal League (AML), City of Bethel; Michelle DeWitt, Tundra Women's Coalition, Bethel; Eric Middlebrook, Mayor, City of Bethel; George Young, Fire Chief, Bethel TOK: Kathy Morgan, Tok Community Umbrella Corporation, Tok; Jeff Hermanns, Tok FAIRBANKS: Mike Littlefield, Fairbanks; Susan Hendricks, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks; Karla Secor-Odonoghue, Fairbanks; Ron Dixon, Tanana Valley Campus Community Advisory Council, Fairbanks; Jim Sampson, Fairbanks; David Miller, Fairbanks; Jim Lahti, Pipeline Training, Fairbanks NOME: Haven Harris, Norton Sound Health Coalition, Nome DELTA JUNCTION & KASILOF Max Sprott, Delta Junction; Connie Vann, Kasilof; Chris Moracek, Soldotna, Central Emergency Services, Soldotna; Cynthia Smith, Kasilof; Sandy Matthews, Kasilof; Daniel Smith, Kasilof; Larry Willard, Kasilof; OFF NETS: Ethel Riley, Kasilof; Steve Hagedorn, Anchorage; Jim Hickerson, Unalkleet; Ben Howard, Unalkleet; Jennifer Yuhas, Special Assistant, Fairbanks North Star Borough; Sven Haakanson; Bruce Merrel; Stephen Gemmell; Mike Catsi, AWAKMC; Shelby Boothe; Chris Turletes, University Alaska- Anchorage GENERAL SUBJECT(S): The following overview was taken in log note format. Handouts will be on file with the House Finance Committee through the 25th Legislative Session, contact 465-6814. After the 25th Legislative Session they will be available through the Legislative Library at 465-3808. >SB 221-BUDGET: CAPITAL, SUPP. & OTHER APPROPS  TIME SPEAKER DISCUSSION  9:12:49 AM Co-Chair Meyer Convened the House Finance Committee in order to take public testimony on SB 221.  HOMER  9:13:41 AM GINGER FORTIN, Testified in support for the Kendicott HOMER Ferry service to the Homer area, which testified via would provide two weekly calls to teleconference Homer. She stated that would be an improvement.  9:14:46 AM KEN SATRE, Spoke in support for the blade HOMER sharpener. He noted the costs testified via associated with the required monthly teleconference travel in order to sharpen the blades.  KETCHIKAN  9:15:46 AM DAVID JOHNSON, Requested support for the budget PHYSICIAN, component, allowing the hospital to KETCHIKAN upgrade the operating room. He GENERAL explained that the small hospitals in HOSPITAL, Alaska have great expenses for charity KETCHIKAN care. He requested $4.4 million testified via dollars for the program.  teleconference ANCHORAGE  9:17:57 AM AVES THOMPSON, Focused on two critical routes which EXECUTIVE need legislative fiscal support. DIRECTOR, #1 - Dalton Highway / $19 million ALASKA #2 - Parks Highway  TRUCKING ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE testified via teleconference 9:21:59 AM JOHN CREWS, Requested continued funding for the ALASKA Alaska Vocational Technical Center VOCATIONAL (AVTEC).  EDUCATION TECHNICAL CENTER, ANCHORAGE testified via teleconference 9:25:26 AM SUE HECKS, Addressed the impacts of the proposed EXECUTIVE removal of the Emergency Medical DIRECTOR, Services (EMS) for code blue projects. SOUTHERN The deleted project which needs  REGION EMS reinstatement is the emergency CODE BLUE, communications funding, updating the ANCHORAGE legacy emergency system used throughout testified via rural Alaska. She urged that teleconference maintenance and updating the system needs to be funded @ $265 thousand dollars.  9:28:33 AM DAVID Commented on three issues regarding MATTHEWS, workforce development: AVTEC, · Reinstatement for funding for ANCHORAGE Alaska Vocational Technical Center testified via · Pipeline training facility in teleconference Fairbanks, matched through federal funding · SB 124 be reported out of the House which increases opportunity for the workforce across the State.  9:31:31 AM MARY HUGHES, Testified for greater funding for the CHAIRMAN, deferred maintenance component of the UNIVERSITY OF proposed budget. The proposed amount ALASKA BOARD is disappointing to the University, OF REGENTS, which has millions of dollars of needed ANCHORAGE deferred maintenance projects. She testified via requested $50 million dollars more.  teleconference 9:35:04 AM CAROLYN CLIFT, Urged a funding match for the Municipal AQUA ADVISORY, pools in Anchorage. She stated that ANCHORAGE the pools provide for greater quality testified via of life and requested matching funds. teleconference Representative Gara asked if funds had previously been included. Co-Chair Meyer commented that it just happened when the bonds passed.  9:37:12 AM LAURIE Echoed sentiments of the previous RAPUZZI, AQUA testifier. She urged the matching FITNESS, EAGLE funds for the pool, stating it is a RIVER safety issue.  testified via teleconference 9:38:21 AM BRADLEY Added his request for the matching HARRIS, POOLS, funds for the pool used in Anchorage. ANCHORAGE He pointed out the amount of use that testified via the pools receive and how they help teleconference children and adults to have improved health. He urged preserving healthy lifestyles.  9:41:57 AM DAVID ULDRICH, Echoed previous comments regarding PEOPLE FOR matching funds for pool bonding. He POOLS, urged that the funding become a ANCHORAGE legislative priority. He mentioned testified via concerns with drowning for untrained  teleconference swimmers.  9:44:14 AM JAMES Requested $2 million dollars for HASBROUCK, capital repairs to Anchorage's aging ANCHORAGE swim pools for the matching city testified via bonding. He addressed the economic teleconference benefit to the State, focusing on swim team needs.  9:46:43 AM PETER CROSBY, Echoed the request for the pool ANCHORAGE matching funds in the amount of $2 PARKS & million dollars. If the State fails to RECREATION approve the funding, no repairs will be ADVISORY made. It is essential funding. The COMMISSION, total expense for pool repair is $4 ANCHORAGE million dollars. testified via Co-Chair Meyer acknowledged that there teleconference are five members on the Committee from Anchorage whom all understand the need for the pool funding.  9:51:24 AM TOD WILLIAMS, Echoed previous sentiments for the ANCHORAGE matching fund request for pool testified via maintenance.  teleconference 9:52:10 AM DANA HYAMS, Testified in support for funding for ANCHORAGE the matching fund bonds for the pool. testified via She mentioned how the request relates teleconference to a relationship with health and safety needs.  9:54:56 AM NANCY MEADE, Requested matching funds for the bond ANCHORAGE which passed in Anchorage for the pool testified via maintenance, emphasizing, it is a teleconference statewide issue.  9:57:00 AM KEN Echoed previous concerns for the WINTERBERGER, maintenance of the Anchorage pools.  ANCHORAGE testified via teleconference 9:58:32 AM STEVE NERLAND, Spoke on behalf of the University of ANCHORAGE Alaska-Anchorage for funding for a new testified via athletic facility/center to serve that teleconference growing community. Vice-Chair Stoltze indicated he supports the request.  10:01:58 AM AMY HOLONICS, Reiterated previous testimony in APSC, support for the pool funding. She ANCHORAGE stated that pools ultimately save testified via lives.  teleconference 10:04:08 AM BARB MCMULLEN, Spoke in support for the pool funding ANCHORAGE request and reiterated previous testified via testimonies. She mentioned pregnant teleconference women that use the pools. Representative Gara appreciated the testimony but pointed out that there  are people across the State that do not have a single pool in their community. He stated that these issues are bigger.  10:06:08 AM BOBBI RAMOS Urged funding for the University of OLSON, Alaska-Anchorage athletic facility, ANCHORAGE commenting that the current facility is testified via inadequate.  teleconference KODIAK  10:08:47 AM SHAWN Testified in support for the Mission DOCHTERMANN, road repair project funding for Kodiak. CREWMAN'S It is the primary road in Kodiak. ASSOCIATION, He added further reinstatement for KODIAK funding for the Seafood Harbor data testified via project. He stressed the importance of teleconference that project.  BETHEL  10:12:16 AM DAVE TRANTHAM, Addressed two top priority projects in BETHEL Bethel, which need funding: testified via · Fire station roof teleconference · Tundra Women's coalition  10:16:03 AM RAYMOND THOR Requested continued support for the WILLIAMS, Bethel fire station roof repair and EMS ALASKA support. He also stressed the need for MUNICIPAL the facility funding for the shelter to LEAGUE (AML), help protect the women of the community CITY OF BETHEL from domestic violence. He addressed testified via substance abuse. He mentioned a need teleconference for a swimming pool in that area, which could help address the number of people drowning in that community. He urged support for those items for the betterment of Bethel.  10:18:50 AM MICHELLE Emphasized the need for the funding the DEWITT, TUNDRA shelter request. The building is WOMEN'S heavily used and is nearly 30 years old COALITION, and is beyond renovation. She pointed BETHEL out the partnership with the City of testified via Bethel. teleconference She added comments to the need for the roof repair for the local fire station.  10:21:19 AM ERIC Stated that the most important project MIDDLEBROOK, for the City of Bethel is the fire MAYOR, CITY OF station roof repair. He stressed the BETHEL urgency of that need & urged testified via consideration. teleconference He directed comments to the need for a detox center, which could help the Troopers with their work and added consideration for a community swim pool.  10:24:12 AM GEORGE YOUNG, Testified in support for the repair  FIRE CHIEF, project funding for the Bethel Fire BETHEL Department structural roof project. testified via He added his support for the Bethel teleconference Women's shelter renovation in Bethel.  JUNEAU  10:25:47 AM PAUL FUHS, Asked to explain a bill contained the CHAIRMAN OF budget called "Capstone on the Water". THE BOARD, The request for funds will place the MARINE transmitting equipment on the EXCHANGE OF airplanes. He stated that the ALASKA equipment is in place, however, they are missing the receivers. He referenced the handout, identifying the receivers that have been already put in place. (Copy on File). The requested coverage would be used for the North Slope. He mentioned the missions happening in the Arctic and tracking vessels in that area coming in from out of the country.  10:29:32 AM EDWARD PAGE, Added that the requests represents a CAPTAIN, U.S. shared commitment between the marine COAST GUARD industry and the Coast Guard. It has been used for the search and rescue systems and was accessed by the Coast Guard effectively.  10:30:48 AM Representative Asked if it included weather monitors. Thomas Mr. Fuhs responded that was not possible through the proposed system but that there is another system that addresses it. Representative Thomas asked if there was equipment needed to access that. Captain Page responded that there are sights and locations that will feed the information back for vessel tracking. Representative Thomas pointed out the number of friends that he had lost because of weather condition complication with there vessels. Mr. Fuhs stated that the most important data is related to the transfer.  10:33:54 AM Representative Mentioned following and using the NOA Kelly system. Captain Page pointed out that those discussions have come up and concerns have been noted with the relay stations. There should be more weather censors. Representative Kelly believed that there is opportunity with the request. Mr. Fuhs pointed out that it would be an all Alaskan vessel tracking.  TOK  10:35:38 AM KATHY MORGAN, Noted support for the request for fire TOK COMMUNITY trucks. She added support for the UMBRELLA renewal resource initiative. She CORPORATION, pointed out that the community is in TOK testified the middle of an overdeveloped spruce via forest and needs to purchase a chipper.  teleconference 10:38:30 AM JEFF HERMANNS, Voiced support for the fire truck TOK testified funding. He added his request for the via bio-fuel project.  teleconference FAIRBANKS  10:40:27 AM MIKE Noted concern for funding for the LITTLEFIELD, pipeline training component. He urged FAIRBANKS a coordinated effort to accomplish the testified via request. teleconference Representative Thomas asked how many Union members would be included with the training dollars. Mr. Littlefield pointed out that last year, it included 100 people , not in the Unions. Representative Thomas asked for a list of those numbers including the number that went into the Union. Mr. Littlefield stated that there are many people working on the North Slope that are from outside Alaska.  10:45:13 AM SUSAN Voiced support for funds for repair and HENDRICKS, renovation projects at the University. UNIVERSITY OF The request will cover costs to the ALASKA-entire statewide University system. FAIRBANKS, Many of the buildings are over 40-years FAIRBANKS old.  testified via teleconference 10:47:29 AM KARLA SECOR-Spoke on behalf of the bond funding ODONOGHUE, match for the Anchorage Municipal FAIRBANKS pools.  testified via teleconference 10:48:55 AM RON DIXON, Encouraged funding for the Tanana TANANA VALLEY Valley campus deferred maintenance CAMPUS projects.  COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL, FAIRBANKS testified via teleconference 10:50:49 AM JIM SAMPSON, Urged funding for the $3 million dollar FAIRBANKS request for the pipeline training testified via center. He added support for the teleconference Tanana Valley campus project.  10:51:51 AM DAVID MILLER, Asked the Committee to address the FAIRBANKS Board of Regent's priorities. He testified via explained the process to move through teleconference that process.  10:53:52 AM JIM LAHTI, Directed comments to funding for the PIPELINE pipeline training facility. He TRAINING, maintained that it is an appropriate FAIRBANKS training for Alaska hire in testified via anticipation of the work that will need teleconference to be done on a new line forecasts. He stressed the need for improvement.  DELTA JUNCTION  10:55:56 AM HAVEN HARRIS, Urged reintroduction for funding for NORTON SOUND EMS service purchases of those big HEALTH ticket items. He mentioned the Youth COALITION, and Elders Program.  NOME testified via teleconference 10:57:34 AM MAX SPROTT, Urged funding for the pipeline training DELTA JUNCTION facility.  testified via teleconference JUNEAU  10:58:31 AM WAYNE NICOLLS, Noted support for a reforestation SOCIETY OF project, which is not currently AMERICAN included in the proposed budget.  FORESTERS, JUNEAU 11:02:28 AM MATT ROBUS, Voiced support for funding of capital TERRITORIAL funds for a shooting range in Juneau be SPORTSMEN, included in the capital budget request. INC., BOARD He pointed out that his board is MEMBER, JUNEAU willing to collect partner monies to help with facility funding.  11:07:17 AM RON Echoed sentiments expressed by the SOMMERVILLE, previous speaker. He urged funding for JUNEAU the indoor shooting range for the City SHOOTING of Juneau. He mentioned the attempt to SPORTS compromise. FOUNDATION, He added support for the Afognik Island BOARD MEMBER, funding requests, pointing out that JUNEAU those dollars are not General Fund monies. Representative Kelly applauded the professionals that after retirement come forward to represent community requests.  11:12:11 AM DAN ETHERIDGE, Testified on behalf of funding for the AFL-CIO, Fairbanks Training facility. He JUNEAU pointed out that it would be a statewide training facility. He urged that Alaskans get the work and that the  funding would be federally matched. Representative Kelly & Representative Gara agreed.  11:14:36 AM JOHN WALSH, Spoke in support for the Port of LOBBYIST, Bristol Bay funding in the amount of BRISTOL BAY $15 million dollars. The design is BOROUGH, ready to go.  JUNEAU 11:17:43 AM TIM Testified on behalf of Native Alaskans RICHARDSON, for reinstatement for Department of ROCKY MOUNTAIN Natural Resources receipt authority for ELK up to $10 million dollars to the Native FOUNDATION, corporations on Afognik Island. It JUNEAU would be revenue neutral for the State budget. The offering price for the lands would be determined by a state certified appraisal. He noted support for the project is widespread and that Afognik is a popular for elk hunting by Alaska residents.   11:20:06 AM LEE KADINGER, Spoke in support of a new program for BOY SCOUTS OF the boy scouts that will offer high AMERICA, adventure to scouts. The program will JUNEAU be teaching life safety skills, responsible land use and survival skills. It is for the greater good of the entire state. He added the need for maintenance of the camps.  KENAI  11:24:02 AM CONNIE VANN, Spoke in opposition to the land KASILOF purchase in Kasilof for providing a testified via public sport fishing boat launch.  teleconference CHRIS MORACEK, Requested dollars for the replacement SOLDOTNA, of a fire truck on the Kenai peninsula.  CENTRAL EMERGENCY SERVICES, SOLDTNA testified via teleconference 11:26:53 AM CYNTHIA SMITH, Echoed sentiments against funding for KASILOF the Kasilof private property boat testified via launch.  teleconference 11:28:31 AM SANDY Testified in opposition to funding for MATTHEWS, the Kasilof private property boat KASILOF launch.  testified via teleconference 11:30:43 AM DANIEL SMITH, Spoke in strong opposition to funding KASILOF for the Kasilof private property boat  testified via launch.  teleconference 11:31:42 AM LARRY WILLARD, Echoed sentiments of the three previous KASILOF testifiers against the boat launch and testified via the negative impact on the river.  teleconference 11:33:41 AM ETHEL RILEY, Spoke in strong opposition to funding KASILOF for the Kasilof private property boat testified via launch.  teleconference OFFNETS  11:38:04 AM STEVE Addressed the dollars being requested HAGEDORN, for the University athletic center, ANCHORAGE noting that the current center is testified via inadequate.  teleconference 11:40:59 AM JIM HICKERSON, Identified Unalkleet School District UNALKLEET additional funding for major testified via maintenance. He urged support for teleconference energy relief and substance abuse dollars. He worried about the current fuel concerns of the area. schools follow a code of conduct.  11:44:13 AM BEN HOWARD, Echoed concerns with moving the UNALKLEET Unalkleet schools up to #21 on the testified via priority list. He pointed out how old teleconference the schools are and that there are many major maintenance concerns with the schools.  11:45:13 AM JENNIFER Commented on the request for technical YUHAS, SPECIAL programs in Fairbanks.  ASSISTANT, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH testified via teleconference 11:46:11 AM SVEN HAAKANSON Noted support for the State libraries testified via and museum projects and asked for an teleconference increase to the funding request.  11:49:20 AM BRUCE MERREL Noted support for the State libraries testified via and museum project. He asked for an teleconference increase to the funding request.  11:51:39 AM STEPHEN Indicated support of the deferred GEMMELL maintenance budget request. Pointing testified via out that repairs are badly needed.  teleconference 11:56:12 AM MIKE CATSI, Southeast Alaska Municipal Conference AWAKMC request in the amount of $150,000 for testified via Fish and Game database. He added teleconference support for the Bristol Bay port. He asked for the reinstatement of the Old  Denali funding.  12:00:13 PM SHELBY BOOTHE Supported $500,000 increase for Phase 1 testified via project.  teleconference 12:01:38 PM CHRIS Supported funding for $50 million for TURLETES, UAA system facilities maintenance UNIVERSITY needed; and funding for the BIOS ALASKA-facility. He added his support for the ANCHORAGE planning & funding for UAA and Sports testified via Complex.  teleconference ADJOURNMENT    The meeting was adjourned at 12:06 PM