HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE February 1, 1995 1:09 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Gary Davis, Chairman Representative Beverly Masek, Vice Chair Representative Jeannette James Representative Tom Brice Representative Jerry Sanders MEMBERS ABSENT Representative Eileen MacLean Representative Bill Williams COMMITTEE CALENDAR Organizational Meeting WITNESS REGISTER None ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 95-1, SIDE A Number 000 The House Transportation Standing Committee was called to order by Chairman Gary Davis at 1:09 p.m. Members present at the call to order were Representatives Davis, Masek, James, Brice and Sanders. Members absent were Representative Bill Williams and Eileen MacLean. CHAIRMAN GARY DAVIS stated this is an organizational meeting and conducted introductions of the staff to the committee members. Number 049 CHAIRMAN DAVIS discussed the agenda for up and coming meetings and presentations. The Marine Pilots Board will meet in Fairbanks next week regarding some recommendations that are to be made. The board is also working on proposed changes to the statutes as well as to the extension of the board. Number 119 REPRESENTATIVE JEANNETTE JAMES expressed her views on the Alaska Railroad and supports greater access to the state as it relates to economic activities and tourism. Representative James felt the alternatives in developing the Alaska railroad would be more environmentally sound and its control to access and that once the rail system is in place there would be no need for public safety need, the emergency services need or the garbage pick-up need, etc. which might interfere with some of the economic activity. Representative James said her intent has been and is to push those kinds of issues. She said she has only one such bill this year and that is, there is a prohibition in the statues currently that was put on the books when the Alaska Railroad was purchased from the federal government, which prohibits the rail from going up into the Kobuk Valley and the gates of the Arctic and she has a bill in to repeal that prohibition. She also expressed interest in rail access into Denali National Park. Number 163 REPRESENTATIVE TOM BRICE stated he was in agreement with Representative James and expressed a positive outlook on methods of getting the private industry to develop. Representative Brice also expressed concern in the accessibility to state lands. Representative Brice stated he has a piece of legislation in relating to access along the pipeline corridor. It is his understanding the Senate has a bill in and believes we need to continue the debate of developing our frontier in a manner acceptable to the people and the environment. Number 192 REPRESENTATIVE JERRY SANDERS echoed the other representatives' sentiments on roads and railroads. He believes there is a need for more roads in order to open up opportunities to the private sector. Representative Sanders stated he believes in the railroad, but he is not sure about the governments place in the management of the railroad. Representative Sanders stated that roads and electricity are the two most important pieces of infrastructure in the state. CHAIRMAN DAVIS concurred with the above comments and concerns expressed by the other committee members. Chairman Davis agreed with the need for private management and that the railroad is constantly being scrutinized due to the quasi-government ownership and operation. There are other things being done that mirror the quasi-governmental relationship; they're not all transportation related. He cited Matanuska Maid Dairy as another example. He said it was his understanding that Representative Martin has submitted a bill to put it up for sale. Number 240 CHAIRMAN DAVIS mentioned the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and made note that there was no Southeast members on the committee. It was brought to his attention that Representative Williams was from Ketchikan. He noted that Seward is part of the ferry system and its value and need is of major concern to Chairman Davis. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said she had a couple of remarks she'd like to make. She stated, number one on the sale of the railroad, I think that we have to understand, and I'm not opposed or in favor of that issue, I think it's one we have to look at very carefully because we have to understand that we have a railroad that has a short line and has been operated by the federal government and the biggest asset the railroad has is its real estate and that any sale of the railroad and its properties may sell and leave. Representative James stated she feels private industry can do the job better than any one else. Number 274 CHAIRMAN DAVIS asked Representative James if she had heard any statistics on which kills the most moose - railroads or cars. Number 280 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES replied she does not have any statistics on this issue. Number 287 CHAIRMAN DAVIS requested individuals in the audience to introduce themselves and their affiliations. Mark Hickey introduced himself as a contract lobbyist representing the Alaska Railroad Corporation, as well as several cities and other clients, and also a former commissioner of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities under Governor Steve Cowper. Sam Kito said he was with the Department of Transportation as special assistant, and would be handling legislative affairs for the department. Pete Ecklund introduced himself as a staff member for Representative Williams. CHAIRMAN DAVIS commented on up and coming topics of discussion, such as on February 8, 1995, House Bill 21 will be presented and on March 1, 1995, interested groups from the Port of Bellingham will be in Juneau. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the House Transportation Committee, Chairman Davis adjourned the meeting at 1:26 p.m.