2012 Legislative Priorities

 

ACES Review

 

 

Revaluate ACES.  The oil throughput of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System continues to decline at a rate that will shut down the pipeline in the very near future.  Alaska’s future depends on a robust and productive pipeline with lots of oil flowing through it every day.  The Governor’s goal of 1 million barrels per day can be accomplished if we Alaskans are willing to provide a fair and competitive tax regime to clearly demonstrate Alaska is open for business and to attract new investment to put more oil in the pipe.  Additional oil production means jobs for Alaskans.    

 

State Transportation Fund

 

 

Invest state dollars in our transportation system.  Trucks rely on the road system to deliver the goods.  To ensure a safe and productive transportation system, we must fund improvements.  Alaska needs to invest our state dollars in our transportation system.   ATA supports a state funded transportation program that is adequately and predictably funded.

 

 

Dalton Highway

 

 

Invest State Capital Funds to improve and maintain the Dalton.  This highway is no longer just a Fairbanks project but it is a statewide resource that needs continuous attention.  Current and projected activity along the Dalton will require additional maintenance and repair to maintain a high quality highway safe for all users.  Continued oil production and exploration depend on a reliable, safe and productive highway system.     

 

 

National Highway System

 

Focus Federal dollars on the National Highway System (NHS) in Alaska.  The inter-city connecting routes carry the most traffic and freight of all highways in Alaska and is that network that allows for the safe and efficient movement of freight.  Continue to fund the weight restriction reduction initiatives to eliminate the need for 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.  

 

 

Increase the DOT&PF Maintenance & Operations budget by 10 %

 

The M&O budget cannot remain status quo.   Costs for fuel, labor and supplies have increased dramatically over the past few years and the M&O budget has not kept up with these increases.     In the winter months, maintenance means the difference between life and death for all motorists.  Maintenance is essential for safe and productive highways.

 

 

Redefine Intra-state Commercial Motor Vehicles

 

 

For purposes of commercial vehicle regulation and inspection, redefine an intra-state commercial motor vehicle as “greater than 14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or combined vehicle weight and used in commerce.”  As vehicles have gotten larger and heavier, many vehicles are now falling into the current definition of a commercial motor vehicle that have historically not been considered commercial vehicles such as pickup trucks, small step vans, small trailers, etc.    

 

 

Expand Resource Development activities in Alaska

 

 

 

ATA urges the Alaska Legislature to encourage and support the Governor’s Roads to Resources program to encourage accelerated natural resource development in Alaska.  We need to develop our vast natural resource reserves to create jobs for Alaskans.  

 

 

Defend against Federal Regulatory Overreach

 

 

ATA urges the Legislature to demonstrate strong support for the Governor’s continued strong stance against Federal interference and regulatory outreach in our state.