Senate panel advances Whittier land transfer bill without objection

The Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee unanimously advanced legislation Tuesday that would transfer Alaska Railroad Corporation land to the City of Whittier, moving the bill one step closer to final passage.

House Bill 216 passed out of committee without objection during a brief afternoon hearing that began at 1:31 p.m. The committee had previously heard an introduction of the bill on April 30, taken invited public testimony, and adopted a committee substitute version.

The motion to advance the bill specified moving Version 34, "Lowry Sugar 0946/GOD," from committee with individual recommendations and an accompanying zero fiscal note. The committee authorized Legislative Legal Services to make conforming changes.

The City of Whittier has been pursuing the land transfer to support three key projects: expansion of the Small Boat Harbor, development of housing and businesses along Glacier Street, and protection of the Head of the Bay area. The effort stems from a 1998 master lease between Whittier and the Alaska Railroad Corporation covering 250 acres that city officials say no longer serves either party effectively after 25 years. The transfer has been pursued through multiple legislative efforts, including an earlier House Bill 412 and a parallel Senate Bill 95 to approve the same land transfer.

"We have one item on the agenda this afternoon, a second hearing on House Bill 216, transfer of railroad land to Whittier," Vice Chair Forrest Dunbar said at the start of the meeting.

Megan Clemens from Alaska Railroad and Jackie Wilde, Whittier's city manager, were available by phone for questions, but none were raised.

"I will note that we have on the line Megan Clemens from Alaska Railroad and Jackie Wilde, the city manager, if anyone had questions. But I do not see any, and I do not see any objections. So with that, HB 216 is moved from committee," Dunbar said.

The committee adjourned at 1:33 p.m. after members signed the necessary paperwork. The bill now advances to its next committee of referral. Representative Holland sponsored the House version of the legislation.