2010 Legislative Issues & Priorities
 

Natural Gas Pipeline
   
 

ATA’s top priority is to bring Alaska’s abundant natural gas to market. We believe this will provide the foundation for the economic security of our children and grandchildren. We urge the Legislature and the Administration to take the steps necessary to make the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline a reality.
     

Gas Line Highway and Bridge Infastructure
 
 
Funding is needed immediately to get the work started and finished before the gas line construction. Competing projects and traffic disruption will cause unnecessary traffic turmoil and higher project costs.
 
     
  Specifically:  
     
 
·      Straighten, widen and reduce grades on the highways paralleling the gas line.
·      Replace 1950’s load and height limiting bridges with bridges that can handle the loads.
·      Ensure ports at Seward, Valdez, Port Mackenzie, Skagway, Haines, Whittier and Anchorage provide truck access
·      Ensure NHS inter modal connectors are designed for 120 ft LCV’s and 53’ trailers
   

Statewide Transportation Infrastructure
   
  Alaska’s transportation system is the economic backbone of our state. Trucks rely on the road system to deliver the goods to support all forms of our daily activities. To ensure a safe and productive transportation system, we must fund improvements.
   
  Specifically:
   
 

·      Fund Parks Highway weight restriction reduction initiative that funds upgrade projects to eliminate the seasonal weight restrictions. Seasonal weight restrictions place an undue economic burden on Alaska’s economy for a 4-6 week period of time each spring. Consumers pay as a result of the reduced payload during that time. 

·      Continue to improve the National Highway System (NHS) in Alaska. These routes carry the most traffic and freight of all highways in Alaska but have been receiving less funding in recent years due to shifts in the federal funding program. The AMHS should be funded to support frequent and consistent freight service as an integral part of the National Highway System.  

 
   

DOT&PF Maintenance and Operations Budget
   
 
The M&O budget cannot remain status quo.   Every year the state improves the highway system by adding new lane miles, traffic signals, and street lights yet there is not an increase in operating funds. Additionally, costs for fuel, labor and commodities have increased dramatically. Combined, this places a large drain on the static operating budget. Maintenance service delivery is essential for safe and productive highways. In the winter months, service delivery means the difference between life and death for all motorists. Increased maintenance on our system will extend its service life and ensure a safe work environment for our drivers.
   
  Specifically:
   
 
·      Replace edge of road delineators on the Dalton to prevent over plowing.
·      Improve maintenance of current highway and bridge facilities with increased staffing and equipment
·      Address deferred highway maintenance needs
   

Transportation Funding
   
  Federal funding is very likely to decrease to a point where it will no longer meet Alaska’s transportation infrastructure needs. Alaska needs to invest our dollars in our transportation system.
   
  Specifically:
   
 
·      Establish State Funded Capital Projects Program
   

Tort Reform
   
 
·     Add anti-indemnification language to prevent the shifting of liability in motor carrier contracts.
   

Priorities
   

1

Gas Pipeline

2

Parks Highway weight restriction elimination projects

3

Dalton Highway road and bridge upgrades

4

Replace edge of raod delineators on the Dalton to prevent over plowing

5

Replacement of the Trail River Bridge near Moose Pass

6

Establish State Funded Capital Projects Program

7

Anti-indemnification Contract Language
 
 
 

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