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Transportation subcommittee adds weigh‑station position, wins federal funding for Whittier Tunnel operations
Summary
The House Transportation subcommittee added a $114,600 UGF vehicle-inspection position at the Richardson Highway northbound weigh station and reported that the $2.9 million annual cost to operate the Whittier Tunnel will return to federal funding participation.
The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities closeout report adopted by the House Finance Budget Subcommittee included a newly added position for the Richardson Highway northbound weigh station and a successful appeal to have Whittier Tunnel operating costs assumed by the federal government, subcommittee staff told the full committee on March 7.
Tim Clark, staff to Representative Hannon, said the subcommittee adopted all of the governor’s proposed DOT actions and added one new position: a vehicle-inspection position at the Richardson Highway northbound weigh station, funded with $114,600 in UGF to expand operational hours. Clark said the weigh station currently operates limited hours and that added staffing could extend coverage.
Clark also highlighted a $2.9 million funding change that returns Whittier Tunnel operating costs to federal participation. He said the subcommittee treated several Alaska Marine Highway System budget transitions and included a $250,000 one-time increment to develop a Dalton Highway safety training program related to heavy cargo incidents.
The subcommittee forwarded intent language recommending the Northern Region director position be filled and that the title be the incumbent’s sole job title in order to reduce responsibilities currently held by a single person.
Procedural note: One amendment was offered and debated on the DOT package and was not adopted; the subcommittee forwarded its report to the full committee for consideration at the next meeting.
