From our Elected Officials

Access to Tangle Lakes Campground Restricted Due to Road Construction

Government News

   The entrance road to the Bureau of Land Management Tangle Lakes
   campground will experience weekly road closures throughout August due to
   road construction, resurfacing and widening of the campground road.

   The weekly road closures will occur August 3 through August 27, and
   begin each Monday at 10 a.m. and last through Friday until 2 p.m. This
   closure includes vehicle and foot traffic. On weekends, vehicle access
   to the campground is limited to Friday after 2 p.m. through Monday until
   9 a.m.  (Please note, if you plan to leave the campground on Monday and
   road construction begins before you leave, you may be stuck in the
   campground until Friday at 2 p.m. when the construction ends for the
   weekend.)

   During construction, the campground will remain open and is accessible
   any time by boat. Campers can use a gravel boat launch at Mile Post 21
   of the Denali Highway to get to Tangle Lakes campground.

   Day-use and short-term parking is available at the Delta Wayside located
   at the south side of the Denali Highway across from the Tangle Lakes
   campground (no camping allowed).

   For more information, please contact the BLM Glennallen Field Office at
   907-822-3217.

Rep. Young Introduces Bill To Amend Clean Water Act

Government News

Washington, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young introduced H.R. 5992 this morning which will amend the Clean Water Act to remove the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to veto an Army Corps of Engineers decision regarding 404 permits.  

“This legislation streamlines the permitting process by eliminating a level of the bureaucracy,” said Rep. Young.  “The Corps of Engineers is a very efficient and effective engineering and management agency that is more than capable of making decisions regarding permitting without being second guessed by an agency that has no real interest in resource or infrastructure development.  Projects in Alaska have been shut down or delayed time and time again by the EPA, with a most recent example being the denial of Conoco Phillips’ CD-5 Alpine Satellite Development permit.  These types of projects are important to the safe development of our natural resources and should not be bogged down in politics.  The EPA’s involvement in such permitting is unnecessary, and must be removed.”

Currently, under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the Corps of Engineers issues permits for placing dredged material and/or fill material into an area defined as a disposal site.  The Administrator of the EPA can veto a Corps' decision to issue a permit if it believes there is an unacceptable adverse impact to shellfish beds and fishery areas, municipal water supplies, recreational areas, or wildlife.  However, there is no clear criterion as to what constitutes an unacceptable adverse impact.

Alaska Delegation Announces Grants to Alaska Programs

Government News

Washington, D.C. - The Alaska Congressional Delegation is pleased to announce the following grants awarded to communities in the State of Alaska:

Department of Commerce:

· $75,000 to the Prince William Sound Economic Development District to support the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Department of Health & Human Services:

· $1,333,824 to Kawerak, Inc., of Nome, for Head Start Indian Grants.

Department of Justice:

• $1,397,977 to the Alaska State Troopers to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Funding is provided by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
• $636,363 to the Municipality of Anchorage to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Funding is provided by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

Federal Aviation Administration:

• $5,444,004 to Anchorage to prepare Ted Stevens International Airport to receive new large aircraft (design group VI) and assist in reducing ground and air delays.
• $1,008,789 to Fairbanks to update the Airport Master Plan for the Fairbanks International Airport.
• $610,345 to Anchorage for modifications to the terminal at Ted Stevens International Airport to meet seismic requirements and enhance security systems.
• $232,750 to Kenai for construction of additional apron space at the Kenai Municipal Airport.
• $128,278 to Anchorage for removal of obstructions within the runway approach surface at Merrill Field Airport to enhance safety and ensure compatible land use.
• $100,000 to Nome to update the Airport Master Plan for the Nome Airport.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• $489,351 to the North Slope Borough for research in to the population size, trend, and stock structure of the bowhead whale in the Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort Seas, and administrative support for the Ice Seal Committee.
• $212,383 to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for research and management activities required in meeting national commitments under the Pacific Salmon Treaty.
• $103,000 to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for a project to develop an estimate of the subsistence harvest of halibut in Alaska for the calendar year 2010, primarily through a mailed survey and supplemented by a limited number of interviews.
• $71,071 to Nome for miscellaneous professional architectural and engineering services necessary during construction of the NWS Family Housing.

# # #

House Majority E-News for July 29, 2010 ANS Crude: $77.51 Henry Hub: $4.79

Government News

House and Senate Committee Announcements

Twenty-Sixth Alaska State Legislature - Interim

Published by the Chief Clerk's Office - 465-3725

Published by the Senate Secretary's Office - 465-3701

Americans with Disabilities Act Notice - Persons with disabilities
who require special accommodation or alternative communication formats
to access committee meetings may contact the appropriate committee
office or the Legislative Information Office in their community.
Reasonable advance notice is needed to accommodate the request. For
further information, call the ADA Coordinator at 465-3854
Voice/465-4980 TDD.

* first hearing in first committee of referral

+ teleconferenced

= bill was previously heard/scheduled

SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

Aug 03 Tuesday Anch Lio Rm 220 9:00 AM

+ PATIENT PROTECTION & AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Morning Session Testimony by Invitation Only:

Senator Bettye Davis, Opening Remarks

Deborah Erickson, Alaska Health Care Commission

-Overview of Patient Protection & Affordable

Care Act and Alaska's Response to date

Judith Bendersky, Alaska Medicare Info Office

-Comments on Medicare Changes

Linda Hall, Director, Division of Insurance

-Insurance Market Reforms

Rachel Petro, Department of Administration and/or

Patrick Shier, Retirement & Benefits

-State Compliance with Employer Requirements

Jon Sherwood, Medical Assistance Administrator

-Medicaid Provisions

Deborah Erickson, Alaska Health Care Commission

-Health Care Workforce, Public Health, and

Other Provisions

Recess for Lunch

DENALI KID CARE (SB 13)

Afternoon Testimony Invited & Open to Public:

Senator Bettye Davis, Introductory Remarks

Jon Sherwood, Medical Assistance Administrator

Public Comment

Wrap-up/Closing Comments

-----------------------------------------

JOINT COMMITTEES

ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

Aug 09 Monday Anchorage Area 9:00 AM

Location: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

Briefing on Alaska Military Force Advocacy &

Structure Team (AMFAST) Long Range Plan

by General Katkus & AMFAST Team

Tour of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

-- Testimony <Invitation Only> --

-----------------------------------------

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET & AUDIT

Jul 30 Friday Anch Lio Rm 220 12:00 PM

+ Audit Requests:

Dept. of Education & Early Childhood Development

Moore v. State of Alaska Follow-up

Other Committee Business

-- Testimony <Invitation Only> --

Aug 20 Friday Anch Lio Rm 220 Time TBA

+ RPLs

Audit Requests

Other Committee Business

Audits - Executive Session

Sep 24 Friday Anch Lio Rm 220 Time TBA

+ RPLs

Audit Requests

Other Committee Business

Audits - Executive Session

Oct 29 Friday Anch Lio Rm 220 Time TBA

+ RPLs

Audit Requests

Other Committee Business

Audits - Executive Session

-----------------------------------------

OTHER MEETINGS

JOINT IN-STATE GAS CAUCUS

Aug 02 Monday Anch Lio Rm 220 1:30 PM

+ Update from the Joint In-State Gasline

Development Team

-- Testimony <Invitation Only> --

-----------------------------------------

JOINT LEGISLATIVE HEALTH CAUCUS

Aug 04 Wednesday Anch Lio Rm 220 12:00 PM

-- Rescheduled from 7/14/10 --

+ Topic: Caregiving & Aging

Legislative Health Caucus to discuss Caregiving and the Aging on August 4

Government News

How can Alaska Seniors get the services they need, and how can the legislature help?

The Joint Legislative Health Caucus will meet August 4 to address Caregiving and the Aging in Alaska. The number of Alaskans over sixty is expected to more than triple by 2025, so it is imperative Alaskans understand and begin to address the needs of an aging population now.

Presenters from medical services, AARP Alaska, Older Person Action Group, and the state Division of Senior and Disability Services, along with private Alaska care providers, family and senior recipients, will discuss seniors' hoped for outcomes, how to meet them and the costs of either meeting or not meeting those outcomes.

WHAT: Joint Legislative Health Caucus discussion of Caregiving and the Aging in Alaska

WHEN: August 4, 2010 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

WHERE: Anchorage Legislative Information Office, 716 W. 4^th Avenue, Room 220

HOW to participate: The meeting will be open to the media and the public. Those who cannot join in person may join the meeting through local Legislative Information Offices or through the statewide legislative teleconference system.

For more information, or to get teleconference information, call (907) 269-0190 or toll free (800) 922-3875 from outside of Anchorage.

The final agenda is on the caucus website, www.akhealthcaucus.org.

Rep. Young Secures Funding For Alaska In Transportation Appropriations Bill

Government News

Washington, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young has secured $1.25 million for Alaskan projects in H.R. 5850, the Department of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2011.  The bill also sets an obligation limit for the Highway Trust Fund of $45.2 billion for federal-aid highway programs.  As a result, up to $45.2 billion could be obligated from the Highway Trust Fund for the federal-aid highway program, which provides grants to states for road construction and repair.

“The project funding I received was requested by those specific communities and will directly benefit Alaskans,” said Rep. Young.  “This past year I visited Wrangell, and saw first hand the need for road improvements.  During that same time period, I traveled to Ketchikan, and visited the ship yard where the final touches were being put on the M/V Susitna.  This money is going to help Alaskans travel easier and safer and will create new Alaskan jobs.  I am grateful that my colleagues saw the need for funding for all of these projects, and am proud, as always, to be able to assist my Alaskan constituents.”   

Rep. Young secured:
•   $1 million for the ferry landing at Port McKenzie
•   $250,000 for road improvements in Wrangell

Additionally, the following funding will benefit Alaska:
-- $3.5 billion for Airport Improvement Projects
-- $196 million for Essential Air Service
-- $700 million for Native American and Native Alaskan Housing Block Grants
-- $12 million Alaskan National Airspace Interfacility Communications System

The bill also releases funding set-aside in the SAFETEA-LU extension for the following:
-- $5 million from Federal Transit Administration to the Denali Commission
-- $15 million from Federal Transit Administration to Alaska Marine Highway System
-- $15 million from Federal Highway Administration to Denali Commission     transportation projects
-- $10 million from Federal Highway Administration to Alaska Marine Highway System

Lakina River Bridge—Open to Limited Loads and Hours of Operation

Government News

Lakina River Bridge—Open to Limited Loads and Hours of Operation

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – The Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) worked through the night to complete temporary repairs to the Lakina River Bridge, milepost 44.3 of the McCarthy Road.  The repairs improved the structural integrity of the bridge, but the bridge is still unable to accommodate heavy loads. 

• Load limit on the Lakina River Bridge is a maximum of 6,000 pounds.
  • Most passenger cars and light duty pick-up trucks are less than 6,000 pounds.
  • The weight of a vehicle is listed on the vehicle registration and inside the driver side door.
• Hours of operation today, Thursday, July 29, are 1:00pm-7:00pm.
• Hours of operation starting Friday, July 30, are 7:00am-7:00pm.

· DOT&PF employees will be stationed at the bridge during hours of operation to monitor the size of loads crossing the bridge. 

The bridge is open to pedestrian traffic.  The Lakina Bridge is approximately 15 miles from McCarthy.

The Lakina River Bridge was damaged earlier this week when a vehicle crossing the bridge hit an overhead truss member, damaging the structural integrity of the bridge. 

Restrictions are in place until further repairs are completed. 

For updates visit 511 or Alaska.gov or call 511.

Governor Parnell Orders Flags Lowered for C-17 Crew

Government News

July 29, 2010, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Sean Parnell today ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor and memory of the four crew members who were killed in the crash of a C-17 on Elmendorf Air Force Base.

"Sandy and I were deeply saddened by the deaths of the crew of the C-17 that went down yesterday," Governor Parnell said. "The four who were on the aircraft were not only patriots in service to our nation, they were part of our greater Alaskan family. We share with military personnel and families a profound sense of loss, and I ask all Alaskans to keep our military families in their thoughts and prayers."

Governor Parnell has ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff today. Flags will be raised to full-staff on August 3.

Rep. Young Pleased By Additional F-22’s Headed For Elmendorf

Government News

Washington, D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement this morning following news that six new F-22’s will be stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base:

“Today is a bittersweet day for Elmendorf Air Force Base (EAFB).  The very tragic news of the C-17 crash was followed by a phone call this morning with very exciting news.  I spoke with General Rand this morning (Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force) and he informed me that Elmendorf will be receiving six new F-22 fighter jets, which will give EAFB two full squadrons of 21 F-22’s each and 102 new personnel.  General Rand expressed to me that the Air Force knows how crucially important both Elmendorf and Eielson are to the Air Force and to our national security.  The brave men and women of our Alaskan military put it all on the line daily, as we were so sadly reminded last night.  This news honors those we lost and reminds those that are still with us, of their incredible importance to Alaska and to their country.”

Mayor Dan Sullivan’s Statement on the Elmendorf Tragedy

Government News

As Mayor of Anchorage, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the
families of the four airmen who died tragically last night in a plane crash at
Elmendorf Air Force Base. Tragedies such as these cause us to pause and
reflect, and it is my hope that the people of Anchorage, including military
personnel, can unite and find strength during the days and months ahead.

Anchorage is blessed with a vibrant military presence, and I'm sure I speak for all
citizens when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and
families of those who died, as well as our entire military community.