ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AND  VETERANS' AFFAIRS January 22, 2002 4:06 p.m. COMMITTEE CALENDAR  CONTINUATION OF OVERVIEW: MAJOR GENERAL OATES, ADJUTANT GENERAL, TERRORISM DISASTER POLICY CABINET REPORT, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/SECURITY, CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF LAW TAPES  02-5, SIDE(S) A & B CALL TO ORDER  REPRESENTATIVE MIKE CHENAULT, Chair, called the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. PRESENT    Committee members present were Representatives Chenault, Green, Murkowski, Kott, Cissna, and Hayes. SUMMARY OF INFORMATION    JAY LIVEY, Commissioner, Department Of Health & Social Services, spoke about the subcommittee report regarding the Governor's Terrorism Disaster Policy Cabinet Report. He highlighted the belief that there is a proven capability to deliver bioterrorism and nuclear attacks (against Alaska). Stated objectives from the group were 1) coordinated response from all levels of government, 2) training provided to local first responders 3) procurement of needed equipment, and 4) opportunity to practice responses. He also discussed a list of other recommendations. MIKE CONWAY, Director, Division of Spill Prevention & Response, Department of Environmental Conservation, discussed statewide emergency-response capabilities from major areas such as Anchorage and Fairbanks. WAYNE RUSH, Homeland Security Coordinator, Division of Emergency Services, Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, addressed "consequence management" and emergency preparedness, as well as the threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). He discussed working with the federal Office of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Alaskan Command. Mr. Rush stated the need to include working with the private sector and with telecommunications systems. He also said he would like to see an office of homeland security and defense for the State of Alaska that mirrors the [federal Office of Homeland Security]. The committee has been looking at other state models, including Kansas, he noted. BOYD BROWNFIELD, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), spoke primarily about the new FAA requirements in aviation and mandated changes in airport security procedures since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He noted that he was able to negotiate a waiver for a 300-foot setback for rural airports that would have cost the state $15 million. He also noted that some federal funds may be available. GARY HAYDEN, Director, Construction, M&O, Southeast Region, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, discussed looking at surface, aviation, and marine security issues across the state. He addressed looking at the mandated changes for the Anchorage International Airport while DOT&PF is in the process of reconfiguration. [Mike Mitchell of the Department of Law was available via teleconference to answer questions from legislators regarding his department; however, no questions were asked of him.] ANNOUNCEMENTS    There were no announcements other than a reminder that the next meeting for the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs would be January 29, 2002. COMMITTEE ACTION    The committee took no action. ADJOURNMENT    CHAIR CHENAULT adjourned the House Special Committee on Military and Veterans' Affairs meeting at 5:35 p.m. NOTE: The meeting was recorded and handwritten log notes were taken. A copy of the tape(s) and log notes may be obtained by contacting the House Records Office at State Capitol, Room 3, Juneau, Alaska 99801 (mailing address), (907) 465-2214, and after adjournment of the second session of the Twenty-Second Alaska State Legislature this information may be obtained by contacting the Legislative Reference Library at (907) 465-3808.