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Minutes for SB285 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Establishing the joint legislative transportation task force.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 24, 2018
Chairperson McGinn opened the hearing on SB 285. Scott Abbott provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
Tara Mays testified in support of the bill. There are 23 transportation projects delayed and several counties have gone without the completion of the minimum $8 million promise in investments they were told to anticipate. There is a growing frustration throughout the state that there is no plan to move forward and get delayed projects back on the list. There is also a lack of dialogue among stakeholders that results in uncertainty. Ms. Mays included a proposed amendment in her testimony. (Attachment 2)
Jerry Younger stood as a proponent of the bill. We are seeing more and more distresses on the road surfaces or "chinks in the armor" when driving around Kansas. Lack of preservation results in the chinks growing more quickly, which are then more expensive problems. A financially healthy KDOT would be able to assist with local projects to get funding packages assembled and projects underway. Mr. Younger responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 3)
Michael White spoke in favor of the bill. We all understand what has happened with funding over the last several years but we have an opportunity to look forward as an industry and grow the economy of the state. We have to set a vision for transportation in Kansas, which may be able to help address other state general fund needs. (Attachment 4)
Scott Heidner testified as a proponent of the bill as the economic impact in his industry is very real and this will give the industry an opportunity for growth. Companies he represents have seen the loss of good employees to other states and this bill could help us to bring them back. The threads to a healthy infrastructure program go very deep into safety and public transit areas. This bill gives us an opportunity to look to the future and provide an economic boost. (Attachment 5)
Lindsey Douglas stood in support of the bill. Public-private partnerships would leverage investments to recruit new businesses. There is a great deal of innovation happening in the transportation industry now and we could participate with the federal level programs being considered. (Attachment 6)
Jennifer Cunningham testified in favor of the bill. The growth in Garden City can be directly attributed to the transportation and infrastructure improvements and this bill would foster long-term planning efforts. There are some counties that have not received the minimum promises to their infrastructure systems and those need to be addressed. (Attachment 7)
Bridgette Williams spoke as a proponent of the bill. Her organization has worked with the state government on a variety of transportation funding programs over the last 30 years. Due to funds being diverted from T-WORKS programs there has been a decline in the level of support for existing systems and an increasing level of mistrust from our citizens as promised funds are not provided. This would also bring thousands of good skilled workers back to Kansas. (Attachment 8)
Roger Beach testified as a proponent of the bill. In order to expand economic development in Kansas, a reliable infrastructure is vitally important and we must address the safety concerns throughout the highways of Kansas. Maintenance work continues to be delayed and there is no plan to get new projects underway. Transportation funds should be used as they were intended and not as a bank. (Attachment 9)
Tom Whitaker stood in support of the bill. The trucking industry pays 43% of all taxes owed by Kansas motorists while representing only 13% of the miles traveled in the state. This bill is a solid foundation for looking into the future. His organization does have a concern that the membership of the task force is heavily weighted to those who would benefit financially and would like to see the addition of user groups such as AAA of Kansas or the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association. (Attachment 10)
Eric Smith spoke in favor of the bill. The State transportation program seriously impacts economic development for the members of his organization and they welcome the opportunity to participate in the task force. (Attachment 11)
Cathy Bennett testified in support of the bill. There was a federal study done called Beyond Traffic 2045 that looked at broader trends such as population growth, mobility patterns, freight growth and economic opportunities. Kansas has an opportunity to take a similar comprehensive look at our infrastructure with a focus on the future movement of people and goods throughout the state and consider emerging technologies. Ms. Bennett responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 12)
Melissa Wangemann stood in support of the bill. Counties play a significant roll in transportation so any discussion of the future of transportation in the state needs to include county roads and streets. Public safety is of concern and traffic fatalities are up in Kansas. Safety improvements to roads could include features such as better shoulders and rumble strips. (Attachment 13)
Wayne Nelson spoke as a proponent of the bill. His organization has supported prior transportation improvement efforts, however, nearly two dozen transportation projects have been canceled. Infrastructure safety is so important and we need to bring all the stakeholders to the table to move in the right direction. (Attachment 14)
Tuck Duncan stood as a proponent of the bill. Transportation is not just about roads but also about local general transportation and public transportation. Technology is critical to the future of transportation efforts and we need to take advantage of all the new technologies and other opportunities such as energy grants. His testimony includes a recommended technical amendment. (Attachment 15)
Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by:
Representative Monica Murnan (Attachment 16)
Secretary Richard Carlson, Kansas Department of Transportation (Attachment 17)
Tom Robinett, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 18)
Michael Murray, Ash Grove Cement Company (Attachment 19)
Whitney Damron, Kansas Good Roads (Attachment 20)
Andy Sanchez, Kansas AFL-CIO (Attachment 21)
Beccy Yocham, City of Lenexa (Attachment 22)
Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka and Lawrence Chambers (METL) (Attachment 23)
Chairperson McGinn continued the hearing.
