Joint Committee Committee on Joint Transportation (01/20/2011)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

COMMITTEE ON JOINT TRANSPORTATION

Date:	01/20/2011	ATTENDANCE

Time:	09:49 AM to 12:09 PM	Barker	*
		Brown	X
Place:	SupCt	Fischer	X
		Gardner D.	X
This Meeting was called to order by		Hamner	X
	Senator Hudak	Hudak	X
		Jones	*
This Report was prepared by		King S.	*
	Kurt Morrison	Looper	X
		Priola	X
		Ramirez	X
		Renfroe	X
		Schwartz	X
		Scott	X
		Spence	X
		Tochtrop	*
		Tyler	X
		Vaad	X
		Williams A.	X
		Williams S.	X
		(None), (None)
		(None), (None)

		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
Presentation by the Joint Budget Committee Presentation by the Public Utilities Commission		- -

09:50 AM -- Presentation by the Joint Budget Committee

Senator Evie Hudak called the meeting to order. Senator Kent Lambert, Joint Budget Committee (JBC), discussed funding for the Governor's Energy Office.

09:53 AM

Representative Cheri Gerou discussed the budgets for the Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Representative Gerou provided background and history of PUC funding, specifically service fees and cash funds. Budget balancing measures were discussed relative to PUC funding. Representative Gerou responded to questions from committee members.

09:59 AM

Representative Vaad asked about telecommunications fees and taxes. Representative Looper asked for additional information regarding universal service fees and imposed taxes. Representative Vaad asked whether the JBC had access to funds generated by universal service fees. Senator Williams discussed fee and tax impacts on communities and budget confusion between federal and state funds.

10:08 AM

Representative Gerou discussed the CDOT budget and the state highway system. Background information was provided regarding CDOT state and federal funding sources. Representative Gerou discussed recently added revenue, specifically under Senate Bill 09-108, to the Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF) and transportation-related enterprises. Representative Fischer asked for additional information and publications related to Senate Bill 09-108 revenue.

10:16 AM

Representative Tyler asked for information regarding late vehicle registration fee revenue. Representative Gerou responded that late registration fee revenue is gradually decreasing. Representative Gerou discussed the impact of Senate Bill 09-228 on state transportation revenue. Representative Gerou responded to questions from the committee.

10:25 AM

Representative Vaad expressed concerns regarding debt incurred by the state. Representative Gerou discussed CDOT performance and contracting. Senator Schwartz discussed Interstate 70 congestion.

10:36 AM

Representative Tyler requested additional information. Representative Hamner asked for information related to Interstate 70.

10:43 AM

The committee recessed.

10:54 AM -- Presentation by the Public Utilities Commission

Senator Hudak called the meeting back to order. Director Doug Dean, Public Utilities Commission (PUC), presented to the committee. Director Dean introduced himself and members of the PUC staff. He discussed the history and statutory responsibilities of the PUC. Presentation copies were provided to the committee (Attachment A).

11:05 AM

Director Dean discussed the PUC's adjudication hearings and introduced relevant staff persons. He further discussed recent taxicab carrier applications and PUC determinations.

11:12 AM

Director Dean discussed the PUC budget and funding sources. Director Dean responded to questions from committee members. Senator Renfroe discussed potential legislation regarding the PUC and asked Director Dean to comment on recent news regarding PUC commissioner consultations with private entities.

11:22 AM

Representative Vaad asked Director Dean to comment on other states' practices regarding funding of similar commissions and agencies to the PUC.

11:31 AM

Senator Spence discussed prior bills impacting the PUC. Senator King discussed a potential audit of the PUC. Director Dean provided information on previous audits and compliance with an audit authorized by the General Assembly. Senator Renfroe asked what the PUC is doing to control energy rate increases. Director Dean elaborated on statutory requirements that the PUC must operate within. Senator Schwartz asked Director Dean to comment on balancing of long- and short-term considerations regarding utility rates.

11:41 AM

Representative Tyler discussed constituent concerns regarding utility rate structures.

11:47 AM

Senator Hudak asked for witnesses wishing to testify.

11:48 AM -- Mr. Tom Russell, representing Mile High Cab, provided testimony related to taxicab carrier regulation. Mr. Russell discussed processes related to Mile High Cab's carrier application to the PUC. Copies of testimony were provided to the committee (Attachment B).

11:53 AM -- Mr. Edem Archibong, representing Mile High Cab, provided testimony regarding taxicab carrier regulation and treatment of new market entrants.

11:57 AM -- Mr. Abdi A. Buni, representing Union Taxi, provided testimony regarding taxicab carrier regulation. Mr. Buni stated concerns relating to taxicab market entry.

12:01 PM -- Mr. Robert Hardaway, representing himself, provided testimony regarding taxicab carrier regulation. Mr. Hardaway stated concerns regarding administrative law rulings related to fares and the public interest.

12:06 PM -- Senator Hudak asked Director Dean to respond to the public testimony. Director Dean responded to questions from committee members.

12:09 PM

The committee adjourned.