SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE March 23, 1999 1:40 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Jerry Ward, Chairman Senator Georgianna Lincoln MEMBERS ABSENT Senator Drue Pearce, Vice Chair Senator Mike Miller Senator Rick Halford COMMITTEE CALENDAR Briefing by the Port of Bellingham ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 99-06, SIDE A Number 001 CHAIRMAN WARD called the Senate Transportation Committee meeting to order at 1:40 p.m. and announced the committee would hear a briefing by the Port of Bellingham. MR. JIM DARLING, Executive Director for the Port of Bellingham, introduced Mr. Scott Walker, an elected Commissioner and the President of the Board of Commissioners, and Mr. John Carter, the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Terminal Operations. MR. DARLING discussed the 20-year agreement with Alaska, noting that in this tenth year Bellingham has grown into a regional transportation hub. The Port started with the Alaska ferry and added other marine vessels, the AMTRAC run from Seattle to Vancouver, and the Greyhound terminal. To commemorate the agreement which has been important for Bellingham as well as Alaska, MR. DARLING presented Chairman Ward with a poster honoring the 10-year relationship. MR. SCOTT WALKER expressed appreciation for their great relationship with the crews and management of the Alaska Marine Highway system. MR. JOHN CARTER stated the marine highway system in Bellingham helps to promote Alaska through the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau. CHAIRMAN WARD asked if they have sought federal funding for local ports. MR. WALKER responded they have pursued funding to augment the ferry service in Bellingham, but quite frankly, more effort has been made on the state level. The train station got federal transportation funds because it was a marine-rail linkage. Number 178 SENATOR LINCOLN said she has not yet been able to tour the Port. She asked what they do to promote Alaskan tourism. MR. WALKER described the contract between the two states to man a booth during sailing days and distribute information about Alaskan destinations. There is a lot of joint national advertising, advertising in state tourism magazines and a direct hot link on the Web page from the Chamber of Commerce, local Visitors Bureau, and the Port to the Marine Highway System. Both Senators asked for copies of promotional materials. SENATOR LINCOLN asked about Alaska hire, and a discussion ensued. She encouraged an exchange and internship program, and having knowledgeable seasonal staff to promote Alaska. She pointed out that many Alaskans reside in the Seattle area and the regional corporations have offices there as well. MR. DARLING added that some of the older volunteers at the Convention and Visitors Bureau are former Alaskan residents. The Port Controller and Accounting Supervisor is a Native Alaskan, Therese Holm, a shareholder with Doyon. SENATOR LINCOLN introduced Aaron Shaw from Nenana who is working as a page this week. She asked about tourism trends and requested supportive information. MR. WALKER said about 40% of the ridership on the ferries go up into the Interior through Southeast Alaska. She asked for a survey of the ridership. MR. CARTER said they do a weekly survey, and it indicates there are increasingly more independent travelers planning their own itineraries. Number 329 CHAIRMAN WARD thanked Mr. Darling, Mr. Walker and Mr. Carter for coming to speak, and for the poster from the Port of Bellingham that will be displayed in the committee room. He adjourned at 2:00 p.m.