Ferries, roads, budgets
Cordova LIO Newsletter - Jan. 10, 2020 - Issue 2, Vol 31.2
Economic reshaping of Marine Highway System - report release expected
The Marine Transportation Advisory Board will review a new report on the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) during their Jan. 15th meeting in Anchorage. Beginning at 9:30 a.m Wednesday, the public is welcome to attend in person or via teleconference.
The "Economic Reshaping" report on AMHS was compiled by Northern Economics and submitted to the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in mid-October. Its release to the public was expected in December but was delayed. MTAB members will receive a draft of the report before their meeting and DOT expects to post the report at their website the day after the MTAB meeting.
To access the MTAB meeting Jan. 15th via teleconference, please call: 1-800-315-6338 and use conference code 39051 (note that a previous announcement had an error in the conference code). Public comments (3 minutes per speaker) are included toward the beginning of the meeting.
Visit the MTAB website to download the full meeting agenda and/or to see the Board's membership; Cordova resident Kerin Kramer is a representative from Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula.
The Northern Economics report was contracted for by DOT at a cost of $249,887.54. The contract details specific options for review in the report; see pages 5 and 6, the "Scope of Work" and "Deliverables."
It follows prior studies on the marine highway system by the McDowell Group in 2016 and 2017 on behalf of the Southeast Conference and a large partnership group, the Alaska Marine Highway Reform Initiative. The McDowell reports include Phase I (AMHS Governance Study) and Phase II (AMHS Strategic Business and Operational Plan).
Rep. Louise Stutes planning AMHS hearing
(Excerpted from a Jan. 8th Letter Rep. Louise Stutes submitted to the Kodiak Daily Mirror):
VETO OVERRIDE OF AMHS
On that note, the Legislature has 5-days from when we convene on Jan. 21 to override the Governor’s veto of the $5 million AMHS amendment. Honestly, I do not know if this will be successful, but I am putting in every effort to see that it is. As Chair, I am calling a hearing of the House Transportation Committee the day we gavel in session to push for and keep the focus on that veto override. I can’t get into too many details yet, but the hearing will involve a presentation from the Alaska Municipal League and testimony from mayors statewide. I will update you as soon as we have the details finalized.
Panelists debate choices for Alaskans
You can watch or listen to the panel discussion and download the slides accompanying the presenters:
- Natasha von Imhof: Co-Chair, Senate Finance Committee (Presentation slides)
- Ethan Berkowitz: Mayor of Anchorage
- Greg Razo: VP Government Relations, CIRI (Cook Inlet Region, Inc.)
- Mouhcine Guettabi: UAA, Institute of Economic Research (Presentation slides)
- Larry Persily: Atwood Chair, UAA, Dept of Journalism (Presentation slides)
Some of the slides shared by panelists
First release of Pre-filed bills
SB 128 Legislative Approval for Aviation Fees by Senator Costello
SB 129 Oil & Gas Production Tax; Credits by Senator Wielechowski
SB 130 Seafood Product Development Tax Credit by Senator Stevens
SB 131 Vehicle Registration/Persons With Disability by Senator Gray-Jackson
SB 132 Executive Branch Salary Cap by Senator Begich (By Request)
SB 133 Sexual Assault Examination Kits: Testing by Senator Gray-Jackson
SB 134 Medicaid Coverage of Licensed Counselors by Senator Wilson
SB 135 Health Insurance Info.; Incentive Program by Senator Hughes
SB 136 State-Tribal Education Compact Schools by Senator Stevens
SB 137 Extend Board of Parole by Senator Micciche
SB 138 Restrict Out-Of-State Correctional Facilities by Senator Gray-Jackson
SJR 12 Constitutional Amendment: Votes Needed For Veto Override by Senator Bishop
Explanatory note: All bills introduced last year during the 31st Legislature's First Session (in 2019) remain in "active" status. Additional new bills will also be introduced for consideration during the upcoming Second Session.
The Legislature's Uniform Rules provide for "pre-filing" of up to 10 bills by each Legislator prior to January 1st. These pre-filed bills can give a preview into what some legislators will focus on, although there are a variety of reasons legislators may choose to pre-file bills.
A second release of pre-filed bills will occur on Friday, Jan. 17th. Pre-filed bills are formally submitted to each house on Jan. 21st when they are read and referred to committees.
For more information about the process of passing bills, see the Legislative Process in Alaska.
Comments invited on Copper River Highway repairs
Next Friday, Jan. 17, is the deadline for you to send your ideas about Copper River Highway repairs to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. For those who may have missed it, the Cordova Times summarized the department’s newest report on the highway, a draft Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) study which was published December 17.
As stated by the Cordova Times, “The cash-strapped DOT has no immediate hope of repairing the Copper River Highway. However, the PEL study will prepare a well-researched plan to be put into action as soon as funding comes available. The study covers an area located roughly between mile 27–51 of the highway, which includes 12 bridges.”
The PEL study offers various alternatives to each problem area identified and encourages citizens to weigh in with their priorities, and/or to offer new ideas. For further information or to submit your comments, email jeff.stutzke@alaska.gov or call him at 907-451-5389.
Links to recent news from around Alaska
The links to articles below are provided for information purposes only. The Cordova LIO does not endorse or promote the views expressed in any of the articles or sites linked here. This is not an all-encompassing list; articles and press releases are added as time allows.
Governor Dunleavy joins us in studio to discuss the upcoming legislative session Alaska Public Media, Jan. 10
Legislative working group recommends clearer role for VPSO program KTUU, Jan. 10
Tax discussion may be on tap for Alaska Legislature KTVA, Jan. 10
Court goes digital with email court summonses KTUU, Jan. 10
Former AGDC president makes pitch to retake reins of AK LNG Project Alaska Journal of Commerce, Jan. 10
Alaska election reform initiative smashes signature requirements on way to November ballot Alaska Public Media, Jan. 10
Alaska’s population drops for the 3rd year in a row Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 9
Ex-Alaska governor Bill Walker chosen for Harvard fellowship Associated Press, Jan. 9
White House moves to exempt major pipeline, drilling and other projects from environmental review Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 9
Alaska lawmakers to sponsor bill adding LGBTQ category to hate crime statute KTUU, Jan. 9
Oil price reaction to Middle East tensions remains moderate KTVA, Jan. 9
Alaska's highway of ferries is under threat, High Country News, Jan. 8
After calls for transparency, Hilcorp and BP say Alaska pipeline deal needs no public hearing Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 8
What kind of fiscal future do we want for Alaska? Listen to this panel discussion featuring Senator Natasha von Imhof, Mayor Ethan Burkowitz Alaska Public Media, Jan. 8
Speaking on retirement, Alaska Supreme Court justice cites turnover worries Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 8
Wasilla state representative will not seek re-election Associated Press, Jan. 8
Analysis: State awaits final EIS after answering Alaska LNG questions from federal regulators Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 8
The rural public safety overhaul Alaska needs Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 8
New vendor awarded $8.5M to service Coast Guard’s failing VHF sites KTOO, Jan 7
Hundreds attend Pre-Session Town Hall Mat-Su Frontiersman, Jan. 7
Alaska Supreme Court justice Craig Stowers to retire Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 7
Anchorage legislative priorities include Port of Alaska funding, new dividend program, mayor says Alaska Public Media, Jan. 7
Proposed humpback whale protection draws concern in Southeast Alaska KTUU, Jan. 7
Dunleavy pitches united front on resource development to Anchorage chamber Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 6
Researchers find economic opportunity in Southeast Alaska’s dying yellow cedars Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 6
Alaska raises visiting, activity permit fees for state parks Associated Press, Jan. 6
Packed room turns out to support LGBTQ community KDLL Radio, Jan. 6
Mat-Su Citizens voice concerns to lawmakers ahead of legislative session KTUU, Jan. 5
As deadline approaches, initiatives make final pushes for signatures KTUU, Jan. 5
State senator calls for REAL ID extension to help rural Alaskans KTOO, Jan. 5
Sponsor says elections initiative has enough signatures to be placed on ballot KTOO, Jan. 3
OPINION-EDITORIALS
Opinion: It will take more than a public corporation to save Alaska’s ferry system Juneau Empire, Jan. 10 – By Win Gruening
Regulations don’t get enough credit for Alaska’s resource success Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 9 – By Tim Bradner
Hilcorp is wrong: Alaskans deserve transparency on BP sale Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 9 – By Philip Wight
Without the dividend, the Permanent Fund won’t be permanent Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 7 – By Clem Tillion
In painting a rosy picture, Gov. Dunleavy omits the chaos he caused Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 5 – By Michael Carey
The next legislative session: an opportunity – Anchorage Daily News, Jan. 4 – By Mead Treadwell
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Stevens is serving as Chair of the Legislative Council. He is also Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and is a member of the Senate Health & Social Services Committee. Additionally, he serves on the Finance Subcommittees for the University of Alaska,, Judiciary, and Education & Early Development.
Current mailing address:
305 Center Ave, STE 1
Kodiak, AK 99615
Phone: 907-465-4925 in Juneau, or 907-486-4925 in Kodiak
Toll-Free: (800) 821-4925
E-mail: Senator.Gary.Stevens@akleg.gov
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Stutes is the Majority Whip. She is Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee, and is Chair of the Fisheries Committees. She also serves on the Rules, Judiciary, and Labor & Commerce Committees.
Current Mailing Address:
305 Center Avenue, Suite 1
Kodiak, AK 99615
Phone: 907-465-2487 in Juneau, or 907-486-8872 in KodiakToll-Free: (800) 486-5264
E-mail: Representative.Louise.Stutes@akleg.govContact Information for Legislators and Committees
Legislator Contact List (PDF)
Committees and Members (PDF)
Legislators by District (PDF)
Legislator Photo Sheet (PDF)
Session Contact List (PDF)
Legislative Address Labels (docx) (Session)
Legislator Address Mail Merge (xls) (Session)
Legislator Email Address List (xls)
Committee E-mail Address List (xls)
You may also call the Cordova LIO, 424-5461, for this information to be emailed to you.
About the Cordova LIO
Our mission is to facilitate communication between the Legislature and the public. We are non-partisan, serve the entire Alaska State Legislature, and provide teleconferencing services for citizens to participate in the legislative process. We can also assist with other state agency and some federal agency issues.
Office Hours: We try to keep the following as regular hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 am to 12:30 pm, and 1:30-4:30 pm.
The office will be closed the afternoon of Dec. 31st and all day on New Year's Day, January 1.
Call 424-5461 to request an appointment. Phone and email messages are monitored.
Email: lio.cordova@akleg.gov
Website: cordova.akleg.gov
Location: 418 First Street, Cordova, AK, USA
Phone: 907-424-5461
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