SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE March 18, 1993 3:40 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Bert Sharp, Chairman Senator Randy Phillips, Vice Chairman Senator Tim Kelly MEMBERS ABSENT Senator Georgianna Lincoln Senator Suzanne Kerttula COMMITTEE CALENDAR PRESENTATION: Port of Bellingham WITNESS REGISTER Don Fleming, Executive Director Port of Bellingham Box 1737 Bellingham, Washington 98226 Peter Zuanich, Commissioner Port of Bellingham Box 1737 Bellingham, Washington 98226 Scott Walker, Commissioner Port of Bellingham Box 1737 Bellingham, Washington 98226 ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 93-15, SIDE A Number 001 CHAIRMAN SHARP called the Senate Transportation Committee to order at 3:40 p.m. He announced that the committee would be hearing a presentation by the Port of Bellingham in relation the Alaska Marine Highway System. Present from the Port of Bellingham were Don Fleming, Executive Director; Commissioner Peter Zuanich; Commissioner Scott Walker; and Commissioner Ken McAulay. DON FLEMING was first to address the committee. He indicated the ferry started coming to Bellingham in October, 1989, and next year will be the fifth year. He explained that the Port of Bellingham has a twenty year contract with five year increments. In 1989, approximately $11 million was put into the Bellingham Ferry Terminal. It was over built for other projects. He referred to infrastructure around the terminal and said the mainline railroad is about 300 feet from the cruse terminal. Mr. Fleming said in 1981, AMTRACK quit serving Bellingham but they are expected to be back in September, 1994. He explained that they recently received $50 thousand grant from the Department of Transportation to study the multi-modal aspects of the cruise terminal and the train. Greyhound and Gray Line are also considering obtaining room in the facility. He referred to the study and said they will be looking at the relationships of the ferry, AMTRACK, the bus services, the Interstate 5 corridor, and the airport. He noted the study will conclude in June. Mr. Fleming referred to the ferry and said the state rooms have been filled out of Bellingham since October, 1989. Over the last two years, the ferry system has two runs a week during the summer. The system has contracted with the Port of Bellingham to do ticketing in which they do 17 to 20 percent of the total ticketing for the system with the six contracted employees. Mr. Fleming said they are currently conducting an economic impact study of the terminal. A Community Economic Revitalization Board grant was given to the port for $25 thousand in which the port matched it. It will begin in April and will last through the summer. He indicated a new all weather float was added on the other side of the cruise terminal. Gray Line, over the last two years, has been operating a 300 passenger only ferry to Victoria, B.C. There are over 400 parking spaces at the terminal, he noted. Mr. Fleming referred to the airport and said they have spent seven years extending the runway to 6,800 feet. The project was complete four months ago. The airport is a controlled airport with a tower. Next year, there will be an FAA tower with a microwave landing system. There is currently an instrument landing system. He discussed jet charters from Bellingham to Reno. Mr. Fleming said the Port of Bellingham appreciates and commends the Alaska Marine Highway System for the business approach they have taken. Number 200 CHAIRMAN SHARP said the he is excited and is looking forward to when there will be a new ferry. He said he has heard good reports about the switching the system to the Port of Bellingham. Mr. Fleming informed the committee that next to the terminal there is space for 44 - 20 foot containers. He said the terminal is equipped to handle a substantial amount of cargo. PETER ZUANICH, Commissioner, Port of Bellingham, noted that there is a charter service out of Bellingham that flies to Las Vegas. For five days and four nights, which includes hotel and air fare, it costs about $239. CHAIRMAN SHARP thanked Mr. Fleming, Commissioner Zuanich, Commissioner Walker, and Commissioner Ken McAulay for taking the time and effort to come to Juneau to speak to the committee. Number 270 Chairman Sharp adjourned the Senate Transportation Committee meeting at 3:54 p.m.